Collection: SomaTherapy Courses

The SOMATHERAPY program is a specialised manual therapy program targeted at the treatment of the human fascial system. The program is based on osteopathic principles, Guy Voyer’s studies on the fasciae as an anatomist and his clinical experience as an osteopath. It is a clinician-based curicculum designed to teach the fundamentals of normalizing fluid flow in all fasciae and joints throughout the body. The program consists of 13 courses. Each course is presented in a 3-day workshop format and can be taken a'la carte or as part of the full program.

1. OSTEO-ARTICULAR/JOINT PUMPING

The facilitation of the movement of water within the joint complex (synovial fluid, water in the collagen tubes of ligaments, tendons, bursae, and lymph) is the the main goal of osteo-articular pumping. By regulating fluid flow osteo-articular/joint pumping can assist the body in being more efficient in managing the process of acute inflammation. In a chronically painful and tight joint, osteo-articular pumping moves stagnated fluid to improve mobility and functionality.  Osteo-Articular/Joint Pumping is the foundation of the SomaTherapy program.

1.1. Lower Limb     1.2. Upper Limb & TMJ    1.3. Trunk & Pelvis 

2. FASCIAL NORMALIZATION

Fascial normalisation will focus on the intrinsic quality of the fasciae and will address various fascial chains analytically breaking down to their components. Fascial chains can include direct links where there is a traceable continuity of the same tissue throughout the kinetic chain as well as indirect links where contiguity, being immediately adjacent, of fascial tissue has a significant influence on the function of the chain.  Water is constantly being linked and unlinked to glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans in the extra cellular matrix. This continual process of GEL and SOL of linking and unlinking of free and bound water is fundamental for not only for the health of the fasciae but also the health of the body as a whole.

2.1. Lower Limb       2.2. Upper Limb & TMJ    2.3. Trunk & Pelvis 

3. TRANSVERSE TENDINOUS & LIGAMENTOUS "STRETCHING" (TTLS)

The 2TLS or (TTLS) Can directly correct orthopedic muscle, tendon and/or ligament dysfunction. But they are essential before any corrective structural manipulation. It is a technique that addresses the structural needs and sensory functions of tendons, ligaments and specific muscles.  Its focus is to normalize mechanical tension in a contracted or shortened ligament, tendons and muscles by creating a temporary inhibition in their protective mechanism.

Specialized sensory cells in ligaments, tendons and muscles provide constant feedback to the central nervous system. The higher proportion of collagen fibers and specialized sensory cells found in tendons, ligaments and muscles call for a different treatment strategy than other fascial tissue with a lower proportion of fibers or sensory cells. Therapists who learn TTLS techniques acquire the skills to:

1.) Increase vascularisation of the tissues by treating tendons, ligaments and muscles
2.) Affect the quality of sensory input from the tendon, ligament or muscle to the central nervous system, thereby increasing the overall quality and function of the tendon, ligament or muscle that is acutely or chronically injured.

OPEN for Registration

3-1. TTLS of the Lower Limb    <-- click to book

Date:  (2 days, Practical only) 7-8th of October 2023  - Location: British College of Osteopathic Medicine, London, UK

3-2. TTLS of the Upper Limb & TMJ

3-3. TTLS of the Trunk & Pelvis 

4. TREATMENT OF THE 4 DIAPHRAGMS

The human body has 4 main diaphragms. The relational balance between them normalizes the pressures and movement of all venous, arterial and lymphatic fluids, thus, hormonal functions.

The diaphragm series explore how the 4 primarily diaphragms (thoracic, pelvic, cervico-thoracic and cranial) manage tension, expension and compression in the head, thorax, abdomen and pelvis leading to a complete tensegrity model of the body. Students learn to apply osteo-articular pumping, fascial normalization and TTLS to normalize the 4 foundational diaphragms of the body. The course also explores how the proper management and functioning of these structures effect the function of all related viscera.

4.1. Thoracic Diaphragm: The fundamental muscle of respiration, but also one of the main muscles of the body with multiple fascial relations with all the abdominal, thoracic and pelvis viscera. More than 50 therapeutic techniques related to all these links, allow the therapist to thoroughly treat it.

4.2. Cervico-Thoracic Diaphram: Both vertical (Stylian diaphragm) and horizontal (Bourgery diaphragm), the Cervico-thoracic diaphragm has a role in both the posture of the cervical spine and the stability of the shoulder girdle. It is also related to the larynx, pharynx and thyroid. Knowing how to normalise it is therefor fundamental.

4.3. Pelvic Diaphragm: The stability of the pelvis, and therefore of the entire rachis, depends on the stability of the perineum. This diaphragm manages the entire urogenital system. It is also is the floor of all the viscera of the body. During pregnancy and childbirth, the quality of its function is fundamental. It is necessary to know how to treat the hundred or so ligaments and muscles that compose it.

4.4. Cranial Diaphragm and Concussion: This roof of the body protects and connects the brain and the spinal cord. The fidderent parts of the dura mater that compose it must be specifically treated. The movement of cerebrospinal fluid within the cranial ventricles must be normalized. Whatever the cause, sports or accidental, the treatment of concussions requires the rebalancing of the cranial diaphragm.

  Sign up for all 4 Diaphragm modules and save

"The SOMATHERAPY program aspires to develop the most skilled practitioners, through the process of treatment of the joints, the fasciae and neurovascular systems with manual facilitation to enhance optimum motor control and human function."

With the completion of the whole SomaTHERAPY program, students obtain a complete and detailed model of how to treat the orthopaedic system and gain an understanding and appreciation for the complexity of the interconnectedness of structure and function of all systems in the body.