09/02/2026
✨ A little AMTA conference insight… ✨
One of my favorite parts of attending the AMTA conference was getting to learn from James Waslaski during his nerve-focused seminar.
We spent a lot of time looking at how nerve impingement and irritation in the neck, shoulders and arms can contribute to symptoms like pain, numbness and tingling in the hands. It was fascinating to see how the body can be affected in ways that aren’t always obvious and how specific techniques can help address those patterns.
One of my biggest takeaways, though, was something that seems simple: the body responds better when it feels safe enough to relax. 🧠
✨We’ve all heard the old “no pain, no gain” mentality when it comes to massage. But when the body is guarding, pushing harder isn’t always the answer. Sometimes creating the right environment for the nervous system to settle down allows the muscles and surrounding tissues to release much more effectively.
If you’re a client of mine, you probably already know I love the little extras that help create that relaxed state….heated table, hot towels, warm stones, calming scents and simply giving your body time to settle in. 🤍
Even seeing the same practitioner regularly can help. When your body knows what to expect and recognizes the rhythm and flow of a session, it can be easier for the nervous system to relax while we work through areas of tension.
📚 And the learning doesn’t stop at the conference!
I’ve invested in additional training with James to become more proficient in his techniques and to continue building on what I learned. I’m excited to start incorporating more of these methods into my sessions as I continue my training.
➡️For my massage therapist friends: if you’re looking to expand your orthopedic massage knowledge, I definitely recommend checking out James’s training seminars. He has a lot of great insight and some really interesting ways of looking at the body and working with nerve-related issues.
✨You’re never too old to learn something new
