It's not the fall. It's the landing.

Our body's reaction to any trauma is to go into a state of protection, also known as a protective spasm.

This reaction is normal and healthy.

It becomes unhealthy when the spasm continues past its usefulness, morphing from protective to chronic.

One of the most common areas where this situation manifests is the lower back and hips.

Consider that approximately 50-70% of movement in the human body originates in the core region, which includes the muscles of the abdomen, lower back, pelvis, and hips.

Balance in the core region is vital for stabilizing and supporting  daily movement, providing a strong base for the limbs to move efficiently and transfer force throughout the body.

This Corrective Massage class focuses on re-balancing the primary core musculature, which can profoundly affect overall body function, movement quality, and well-being.

Over the last 40 years of studying, practicing, and teaching these techniques, I have found that including them in any session helps reduce 'background tensions' that interfere with the healing process. I often tell my clients I am helping their built-in natural self-healing ability to get 'out of the ditch' and back to pain-free movement.

Clients often tell me they feel lighter in at the end of a session.

Muscle balance influences everthing.
unbalanced
Muscle Management® for Rebalancing the Lower Back and Hips. 
 

6-NCBTMB CE's

Sunday, December 8th

10 am to 5 pm

Location: Truckee

Class size limited to 10


 

Muscular Balance?

Muscular balance refers to the state in which the ability of any muscle to contract and relax fully is unimpeded by excess tension.

When muscles are in a state of balance, there's an equal distribution of tension, strength, and endurance across the body's muscle groups, reducing the risk of injury, improving posture, and enhancing overall physical performance.

There are several components to muscular balance:

1. Agonist-Antagonist Balance: The agonist's muscles are the primary movers in action. At the same time, antagonists work in opposition to control the movement. For example, the biceps and triceps act as an agonist-antagonist pair in the arm. Maintaining balance between these ensures they provide equal force, which reduces joint strain.

2. Left-Right Balance: This ensures equal strength and flexibility on both sides of the body. Imbalances, such as favoring one side over the other, can lead to overuse injuries and issues related to posture.

Scoliosis serves as an example.

3. Upper-Lower Body Balance: Ensures that the strength of the upper body is balanced with that of the lower body, allowing for overall body stability and reducing injury risk during activities that require whole-body coordination.

4. Core Strength Balance: The core muscles (e.g., abdominals, lower back, and hip muscles) provide stability and support to the spine. A balanced core helps in maintaining posture and reducing lower back pain.

Muscular imbalances can develop from poor posture, repetitive activities, lack of variety in exercise, or focusing too much on certain muscle groups.

Restoring balance through Corrective Massage helps support a balanced, functional, and resilient body.

Introduction to Corrective Massage

Intention and Imagination.

"Repositioning"

   Corrective Massage recognizes that muscles, tendons, ligaments, and viscera have optimum anatomical positions, functions, relationships, and movement patterns.

   Correcting soft tissue misplacement and distortion is at the core of this amazing work.

   Sometimes it's as simple as putting things back where they belong.

 

 A useful image is one of pushing or nudging dried strings of glue across glass with your fingertips.

repo

 

Consider that the attachment points of the tendon represent a concentration of force in one small area (the entire force of the muscle focuses tension on the bone through the tendon at its attachment). Because of this, the tension/force (pounds per square inch) at the attachment point is higher than at any point in the body of the muscle itself. There are pain receptors at the bone surface (periosteum), which in turn can make the insertion point very sensitive. It is thus helpful to expect these points to be tender and adjust your pressure accordingly. Consider that you are not so much repositioning the fibers to an exact position as much as you are introducing movement towards a balanced situation, thus reducing adhesions and removing distortion. The muscle tissue, upon having the 'duct tape' removed, will most often be able to nestle back to its optimal location. Note that one indication of a misplaced and distorted muscle is when the fibers tactilely 'stand out' with that all too familiar stringy/ropey feeling. Additionally, when muscle fibers are in their most functional position, they usually blend back in with the surrounding fibers and 'tactily disappear'.

   The attachment points can serve as an important reference, so after addressing the surrounding regional tensions and distortions within the belly of the tender muscle, you can often return to a previously tender attachment to find it has relaxed. This can also serve to instill confidence in your client that there are benefits to the process.

   By applying these techniques, you will have tapped some of the innate intelligence of the body, intentionally encouraging the muscle fiber to release chronic tension by overriding its protective state of contraction via the GTO, thus "reprogramming" it via the nervous system to relax. You will also have encouraged the muscle out of a distorted position and back towards a situation where it has a better opportunity to relax and repair.
   

   This is an excerpt from Taum's article published in the July 2002 issue of Massage Magazine on Mid-Back Tension.*

Click here for the full article: "Intention and Imagination"

 

In retrospect, a more accurate title might have been

"Defending the Rhomboids."

Taum who?

Taum began his 40+ year journey within Corrective Massage shortly after moving to Squaw Valley in 1976. The foundation of his work began in 1979 with his apprenticeship with Lauren Berry, RPT and Structural Engineer. This path has seen him invited to work with the US Ski team, the SF 49ers, professional runners, and cyclists.

For any and all ages, the focus is returning to pain-free living.

Taum's approach recognizes that the body is innately programmed to self-heal naturally when soft tissue relationships are balanced. His goal is to reduce the imbalances that interfere with that uniquely amazing ability.
LEARN MORE

The benefits of 'Core' muscle balance.

Balanced 'Core' muscles support a solid foundation that benefits the entire body.

Those benefits include:

 1. Improved Posture

   - Balanced core muscles help stabilize the spine, pelvis, and shoulders, allowing the body to maintain an upright and natural posture. This reduces slouching and misalignment, which can help alleviate back, neck, and shoulder strain.

 2. Enhanced Stability and Balance

   - Core muscles are essential for maintaining stability and balance, especially during dynamic movements. When these muscles are balanced, they work together more effectively, reducing the risk of falls and injuries.

 3. Better Movement Efficiency

   - Balanced core muscles support efficient movement patterns, allowing the arms and legs to move with greater ease and power. This enables improved performance in sports, exercise, and daily activities while minimizing energy waste.

 4. Reduced Risk of Injury

   - An unbalanced core can lead to compensations, where other muscle groups or joints take on more load than they should. Balanced core muscles protect the spine and joints by distributing force evenly, reducing the risk of injury to areas like the lower back, hips, and knees.

 5. Increased Functional Strength

   - The core is central to nearly every movement, from bending and twisting to lifting and reaching. Balanced core muscles allow for greater functional strength, which translates into improved capacity for daily tasks, such as carrying groceries, lifting objects, and even maintaining posture while sitting.

 6. Better Breathing Mechanics

   - Core stability involves the diaphragm, a key muscle in breathing. A balanced core allows the diaphragm to move more freely, improving breathing efficiency, particularly during physical exertion.

 7. Enhanced Athletic Performance

   - Whether running, cycling, or swimming, a balanced core provides a solid base for movement, enabling more powerful and controlled actions. Athletes benefit from better agility, speed, and endurance with a balanced core.

 8. Less Pain and Discomfort

   - Core imbalances are often linked to lower back pain and discomfort due to improper alignment and excess pressure on the spine. A balanced core stabilizes the back, reducing the likelihood of pain and contributing to a sense of overall body comfort.

Balanced core muscles serve as the foundation for strength, stability, and overall body health, making them crucial for anyone aiming to improve movement quality and reduce the risk of injury.

 

This 6-hour class focuses on therapeutically corrective massage techniques for rebalancing regional muscles that often play a central role in maintaining balance and pain-free movement in the Lower Back and Hip region.

As each soft tissue is presented, rebalancing techniques to stretch, correct, and manipulate that specific soft tissue will be presented, practiced, and reviewed.

This will include precision assessment, palpation, and application of therapeutically corrective massage techniques focusing on the following soft tissues:

 

  • Quadratus Lumborum,
  • Ilio-Lumbar Ligament,
  • Iliocostalis Lumborum and Thoracis,
  • Multifidi,
  • Rectus Abdominis,
  • Psoas,
  • Vastus Lateralis,
  • Biceps Femoris,
  • Gluteal muscles,
  • and
  • Sacrotuberous/Sacroiliac Ligaments.


Hands on learning.

Dynamic tactile learning is often called hands-on and describes my teaching format. This approach has proven successful across a broad spectrum, especially in learning corrective massage.

 Benefits of Dynamic Tactile Learning:

1. Engages Multiple Senses:
   - Tactile learning complements visual and auditory information by adding the sense of touch. This multi-sensory approach enhances memory retention and deepens understanding, especially in learners who benefit from kinesthetic experiences.

2. Improves Problem-Solving Skills:
   - Physically manipulating objects encourages active problem-solving. Students can test hypotheses in real-time, adjust their actions, and see immediate results. This trial-and-error process helps with logical thinking and conceptual understanding.

3. Supports Various Learning Styles:
   - Not all learners excel through visual (reading) or audio (listening) alone. Tactile learning offers an alternative for kinesthetic learners who need movement and touch to fully grasp concepts.

4. Increases Engagement and Motivation:
   - Learning through touch can be fun and stimulating, which increases student engagement. It breaks the monotony of traditional learning methods like lectures or reading and offers an active, immersive learning experience.

5. Enhances Memory Retention:
   - Studies show that physically interacting with learning materials can lead to better retention of information. The act of touching, building, or manipulating objects creates a stronger neural connection to the concepts being learned.

6. Develops Fine Motor Skills:
   - In early childhood education, tactile activities help develop fine motor skills. By handling objects, children improve hand-eye coordination, dexterity, and control, which are essential for tasks like writing or using tools.

 Examples of Tactile Learning Activities:

- Elementary Education: Building with blocks to learn geometry or create representations of ecosystems.
- Science Labs: Hands-on dissections, circuit-building, or growing plants to understand biology or physics.
- Art Projects: Sculpting with clay or painting to explore texture and form.
- Interactive History Lessons: Handling historical artifacts or reenacting events.
- Sensory Play: Using textured materials like sand, water, or fabrics for learning in early childhood education.

 

Overall, 'Dynamic Tactile Learning' is a rich and effective educational strategy, especially when tailored to the needs of individual learners and the subject matter. It engages multiple senses, and fosters active, experiential learning.

Class Medical Disclaimer
The class includes practicing, performing, and receiving manual therapy techniques and protocols. 
 
You know best your own body and its limits.
Respect those limits.
 

The information on this website and in Taum’s classes is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by your physician, therapist, nutritionist, or any other health care provider. 

Consult Your Physician or Health Care Provider. We suggest you send them the link to this page.

Our intent is not to replace any relationship that exists or should exist between you and your medical doctor or other health care professional.

You acknowledge that you take full responsibility for your health.

Once again, you know best your own body and its limits.

Respect those limits.

Taum's class policies

Taum Sayers and Muscle Management® Class Policies:

Course content and development: Course content is primarily influenced by Taum's apprenticing with Lauren Berry and as an assistant teacher in his classes. Taum continues to interact and co-teach with other certified Berry Method® Practitioners/Teachers and health care professionals. Informational resources include materials regarding the Berry Method® and other relevant published works.

For example, Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction - The Trigger Point

Manual, by Dr. Janet Travell and Dr. David G. Simons, and the published works of my personal Physician,  Dr. Rene Cailliet. (Awesomely inspirational story) Bless you, Dr. Cailliet

Class presentations are revised as student feedback warrants and knowledge evolves. Students complete a class evaluation form at the end of each class to evaluate and revise the class offerings. This evaluation process has been constructive in keeping the classes current and worthwhile for future students.

Instructor: Sole instructor for these courses is to be Taum Sayers.

Promotion: Course flyers are produced on a computer and made available via postings at massage schools, on www.musclemanagement.com in the class schedule section, via email, regular mail, Facebook, and by request. Flyers include information regarding Taum Sayer's training and experience. Each promotion includes a reference to Taum Sayers Certification as a CEU provider:

"Taum Sayers is approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) as a continuing education provider. Provider # 152386-00

Workshop tuitions are normally:

$140 for 4-hr.

4 CEU’s

$200 for the 6-hr.

6 CEU’s

$600 for 2-day 13-hr.

13 CEU’s

Discounts are often available with early registration.

Registrations require a non-refundable deposit to hold your place in class. The balance is due by the beginning of the first day of class. By paying the balance prior to class, your certificate will be available at the end of the class. Should you pay the balance at class, your CE certificate will be mailed to you within three weeks.

Late registrations: As long as there is room in the course, the registration deadline is the first day of class.

Advanced registrations receive a discount; the remaining fee is due at the beginning by/on the first day of the class. Deposits and all payments are non- refundable, barring an emergency or unique situation to be determined on a case-by-case basis. Any refunds will be made via check or electronic funds transfer (minus any processing fee).

Cancellation policy: Students may designate a qualified substitute to attend and then credit their deposit to that substitute's class fee.

  • Any early registration discount is waived for the substitute.
  • Any refunds will be made via check or electronic funds transfer (minus any processing fee) within three weeks.
  • All designation requests must be received 2 weeks before class starts.
  • No changes will be made after that date.
  • All registration money will be refunded to students if registrations fall short of class financial requirements.

American Disabilities Act: Facilities will be handicap accessible. When a student calls and identifies themselves as disabled, the instructor will discuss their needs and how to accommodate them in the classroom best. Students must notify the instructor of special requirements before the beginning of the class, allowing adequate time for reasonable allowances to be made. As listed in the ADA, allowances for special needs will be met as long as they do not impose an "undue burden" on the instructor.

There is no discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

Class records and student transcript policy: Records and transcripts will be maintained and stored within a secure file cabinet or on an electronic data storage unit for four years by Taum Sayers. Student transcripts will be reproduced only per student request at a minimum charge.

When you register for this class, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agree to the above information that includes the Class Medical Disclaimer and Taum's class policies.

 

  100 deposit

 

 

 

Muscle balance influences everthing.
unbalanced
Muscle Management® for Rebalancing the Lower Back and Hips. 
 

6-NCBTMB CE's

Sunday, December 8th

10 am to 5 pm

Location: Truckee

Class size limited to 10


 

 

Muscular Balance?

Muscular balance refers to the state in which the ability of any muscle to contract and relax fully is unimpeded by excess tension.

When muscles are in a state of balance, there's an equal distribution of tension, strength, and endurance across the body's muscle groups, reducing the risk of injury, improving posture, and enhancing overall physical performance.

There are several components to muscular balance:

1. Agonist-Antagonist Balance: The agonist's muscles are the primary movers in action. At the same time, antagonists work in opposition to control the movement. For example, the biceps and triceps act as an agonist-antagonist pair in the arm. Maintaining balance between these ensures they provide equal force, which reduces joint strain.

2. Left-Right Balance: This ensures equal strength and flexibility on both sides of the body. Imbalances, such as favoring one side over the other, can lead to overuse injuries and issues related to posture.

Scoliosis serves as an example.

3. Upper-Lower Body Balance: Ensures that the strength of the upper body is balanced with that of the lower body, allowing for overall body stability and reducing injury risk during activities that require whole-body coordination.

4. Core Strength Balance: The core muscles (e.g., abdominals, lower back, and hip muscles) provide stability and support to the spine. A balanced core helps in maintaining posture and reducing lower back pain.

Muscular imbalances can develop from poor posture, repetitive activities, lack of variety in exercise, or focusing too much on certain muscle groups.

Restoring balance through Corrective Massage helps support a balanced, functional, and resilient body.

Introduction to Corrective Massage

Intention and Imagination.

"Repositioning"

   Corrective Massage recognizes that muscles, tendons, ligaments, and viscera have optimum anatomical positions, functions, relationships, and movement patterns.

   Correcting soft tissue misplacement and distortion is at the core of this amazing work.

   Sometimes it's as simple as putting things back where they belong.

 

 A useful image is one of pushing or nudging dried strings of glue across glass with your fingertips.

repo

 

Consider that the attachment points of the tendon represent a concentration of force in one small area (the entire force of the muscle focuses tension on the bone through the tendon at its attachment). Because of this, the tension/force (pounds per square inch) at the attachment point is higher than at any point in the body of the muscle itself. There are pain receptors at the bone surface (periosteum), which in turn can make the insertion point very sensitive. It is thus helpful to expect these points to be tender and adjust your pressure accordingly. Consider that you are not so much repositioning the fibers to an exact position as much as you are introducing movement towards a balanced situation, thus reducing adhesions and removing distortion. The muscle tissue, upon having the 'duct tape' removed, will most often be able to nestle back to its optimal location. Note that one indication of a misplaced and distorted muscle is when the fibers tactilely 'stand out' with that all too familiar stringy/ropey feeling. Additionally, when muscle fibers are in their most functional position, they usually blend back in with the surrounding fibers and 'tactily disappear'.

   The attachment points can serve as an important reference, so after addressing the surrounding regional tensions and distortions within the belly of the tender muscle, you can often return to a previously tender attachment to find it has relaxed. This can also serve to instill confidence in your client that there are benefits to the process.

   By applying these techniques, you will have tapped some of the innate intelligence of the body, intentionally encouraging the muscle fiber to release chronic tension by overriding its protective state of contraction via the GTO, thus "reprogramming" it via the nervous system to relax. You will also have encouraged the muscle out of a distorted position and back towards a situation where it has a better opportunity to relax and repair.
   

   This is an excerpt from Taum's article published in the July 2002 issue of Massage Magazine on Mid-Back Tension.*

Click here for the full article: "Intention and Imagination"

 

In retrospect, a more accurate title might have been

"Defending the Rhomboids."

Taum who?

Taum began his 40+ year journey within Corrective Massage shortly after moving to Squaw Valley in 1976. The foundation of his work began in 1979 with his apprenticeship with Lauren Berry, RPT and Structural Engineer. This path has seen him invited to work with the US Ski team, the SF 49ers, professional runners, and cyclists.

For any and all ages, the focus is returning to pain-free living.

Taum's approach recognizes that the body is innately programmed to self-heal naturally when soft tissue relationships are balanced. His goal is to reduce the imbalances that interfere with that uniquely amazing ability.
LEARN MORE

This 6-hour class focuses on therapeutically corrective massage techniques for rebalancing regional muscles that often play a central role in maintaining balance and pain-free movement in the Lower Back and Hip region.

As each soft tissue is presented, rebalancing techniques to stretch, correct, and manipulate that specific soft tissue will be presented, practiced, and reviewed.

This will include precision assessment, palpation, and application of therapeutically corrective massage techniques focusing on the following soft tissues:

  • Iliocostalis Lumborum and Thoracis,
  • Quadratus Lumborum,
  • Ilio-Lumbar Ligament,
  • Iliocostalis Lumborum and Thoracis,
  • Multifidi,
  • Rectus Abdominis,
  • Psoas,
  • Vastus Lateralis,
  • Biceps Femoris,
  • Gluteal muscles,
  • and
  • Sacrotuberous/Sacroiliac Ligaments.


Hands on learning.

Dynamic tactile learning is often called hands-on and describes my teaching format. This approach has proven successful across a broad spectrum, especially in learning corrective massage.

 Benefits of Dynamic Tactile Learning:

1. Engages Multiple Senses:
   - Tactile learning complements visual and auditory information by adding the sense of touch. This multi-sensory approach enhances memory retention and deepens understanding, especially in learners who benefit from kinesthetic experiences.

2. Improves Problem-Solving Skills:
   - Physically manipulating objects encourages active problem-solving. Students can test hypotheses in real-time, adjust their actions, and see immediate results. This trial-and-error process helps with logical thinking and conceptual understanding.

3. Supports Various Learning Styles:
   - Not all learners excel through visual (reading) or audio (listening) alone. Tactile learning offers an alternative for kinesthetic learners who need movement and touch to fully grasp concepts.

4. Increases Engagement and Motivation:
   - Learning through touch can be fun and stimulating, which increases student engagement. It breaks the monotony of traditional learning methods like lectures or reading and offers an active, immersive learning experience.

5. Enhances Memory Retention:
   - Studies show that physically interacting with learning materials can lead to better retention of information. The act of touching, building, or manipulating objects creates a stronger neural connection to the concepts being learned.

6. Develops Fine Motor Skills:
   - In early childhood education, tactile activities help develop fine motor skills. By handling objects, children improve hand-eye coordination, dexterity, and control, which are essential for tasks like writing or using tools.

 Examples of Tactile Learning Activities:

- Elementary Education: Building with blocks to learn geometry or create representations of ecosystems.
- Science Labs: Hands-on dissections, circuit-building, or growing plants to understand biology or physics.
- Art Projects: Sculpting with clay or painting to explore texture and form.
- Interactive History Lessons: Handling historical artifacts or reenacting events.
- Sensory Play: Using textured materials like sand, water, or fabrics for learning in early childhood education.

 

Overall, 'Dynamic Tactile Learning' is a rich and effective educational strategy, especially when tailored to the needs of individual learners and the subject matter. It engages multiple senses, and fosters active, experiential learning.

Class Medical Disclaimer
The class includes practicing, performing, and receiving manual therapy techniques and protocols. 
 
You know best your own body and its limits.
Respect those limits.
 

The information on this website and in Taum’s classes is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by your physician, therapist, nutritionist, or any other health care provider. 

Consult Your Physician or Health Care Provider. We suggest you send them the link to this page.

Our intent is not to replace any relationship that exists or should exist between you and your medical doctor or other health care professional.

You acknowledge that you take full responsibility for your health.

Once again, you know best your own body and its limits.

Respect those limits.

Taum's class policies

Taum Sayers and Muscle Management® Class Policies:

Course content and development: Course content is primarily influenced by Taum's apprenticing with Lauren Berry and as an assistant teacher in his classes. Taum continues to interact and co-teach with other certified Berry Method® Practitioners/Teachers and health care professionals. Informational resources include materials regarding the Berry Method® and other relevant published works.

For example, Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction - The Trigger Point

Manual, by Dr. Janet Travell and Dr. David G. Simons, and the published works of my personal Physician,  Dr. Rene Cailliet. (Awesomely inspirational story) Bless you, Dr. Cailliet

Class presentations are revised as student feedback warrants and knowledge evolves. Students complete a class evaluation form at the end of each class to evaluate and revise the class offerings. This evaluation process has been constructive in keeping the classes current and worthwhile for future students.

Instructor: Sole instructor for these courses is to be Taum Sayers.

Promotion: Course flyers are produced on a computer and made available via postings at massage schools, on www.musclemanagement.com in the class schedule section, via email, regular mail, Facebook, and by request. Flyers include information regarding Taum Sayer's training and experience. Each promotion includes a reference to Taum Sayers Certification as a CEU provider:

"Taum Sayers is approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) as a continuing education provider. Provider # 152386-00

Workshop tuitions are normally:

$140 for 4-hr.

4 CEU’s

$200 for the 6-hr.

6 CEU’s

$600 for 2-day 13-hr.

13 CEU’s

Discounts are often available with early registration.

Registrations require a non-refundable deposit to hold your place in class. The balance is due by the beginning of the first day of class. By paying the balance prior to class, your certificate will be available at the end of the class. Should you pay the balance at class, your CE certificate will be mailed to you within three weeks.

Late registrations: As long as there is room in the course, the registration deadline is the first day of class.

Advanced registrations receive a discount; the remaining fee is due at the beginning by/on the first day of the class. Deposits and all payments are non- refundable, barring an emergency or unique situation to be determined on a case-by-case basis. Any refunds will be made via check or electronic funds transfer (minus any processing fee).

Cancellation policy: Students may designate a qualified substitute to attend and then credit their deposit to that substitute's class fee.

  • Any early registration discount is waived for the substitute.
  • Any refunds will be made via check or electronic funds transfer (minus any processing fee) within three weeks.
  • All designation requests must be received 2 weeks before class starts.
  • No changes will be made after that date.
  • All registration money will be refunded to students if registrations fall short of class financial requirements.

American Disabilities Act: Facilities will be handicap accessible. When a student calls and identifies themselves as disabled, the instructor will discuss their needs and how to accommodate them in the classroom best. Students must notify the instructor of special requirements before the beginning of the class, allowing adequate time for reasonable allowances to be made. As listed in the ADA, allowances for special needs will be met as long as they do not impose an "undue burden" on the instructor.

There is no discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

Class records and student transcript policy: Records and transcripts will be maintained and stored within a secure file cabinet or on an electronic data storage unit for four years by Taum Sayers. Student transcripts will be reproduced only per student request at a minimum charge.

When you register for this class, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agree to the above information that includes the Class Medical Disclaimer and Taum's class policies.

 

  100 deposit