Both physiotherapists and osteopaths learn exercises and manual therapy techniques as part of their training at school. Most schools however teach relatively basic, non-specific exercise and manual techniques. These techniques tend to be memorized in a somewhat linear, procedure-based model; a one size fits all kind of approach.

Our programs build on physiotherapists’ and osteopaths’ knowledge mainly by deepening their level of anatomical and biomechanical understanding of the body while teaching them numerous very precise exercise or manual therapy techniques to address most mechanically important anatomical links in the body.

“The level of anatomy, the number of quality exercise techniques and the thinking process that allows for sniper like application”

In the SomaTRAINING program you will learn to look at human movement from a biomechanics and relational anatomy perspective, so you’re constantly thinking mechanics.
This analytical perspective, over the course of the program will help you deepen your understanding of anatomy, biomechanics and physiology in both function and dysfunction. This “new pair of eyes”, renewed thinking and deeper understanding of movement will allow for the creation and sniper-like application of numerous specific exercises techniques for the targeted anatomy.

“Once you start to see the precise interrelational functioning of joints, it becomes obvious how altered function at one end can cause dysfunction of a joint somewhere else in the chain. The beauty here is that you will learn a bunch of precise exercises techniques to address these dysfunctions both segmental and globally.”

The SomaTRAINING program will give you all the techniques and understanding you need to effectively train the human body respecting its anatomy, physiology and biomechanics, whether in pain or in high-level performance.

The thinking process
The SomaTHERAPY treatment process is not a linear treatment protocol. It appreciates function and dysfunction in its complexity and interactivity. There is an ongoing interaction between the therapist and the patient/client where the process of treatment and evaluation happen simultaneously.

The techniques
In Guy Voyer’s SomaTHERAPY program, Osteo-articular Joint Pumping, Fascial Normalization and Transverse Tendonious & Ligamentous Stretching (TTLS) are the three main techniques used to address the varied needs of the fasciae.

A precise understanding of the anatomical, biochemical, and histological constructs of the fasciae leads one to the awareness of the need for many types of treatment for the fasciae.

Structure governs function. The SomaTHERAPY program will give you essentially all manual techniques you’ll need to effectively treat the musculoskeletal system and produce lasting effects.

The practical part of each SomaTHERAPY and SomaTRAINING course is presented in a 2-day workshop format from 9am-6pm on Saturday-Sunday. The theory part of the course is a 6.5 hour long pre-recorded lecture from the program creator, the late Guy Voyer DO. This lecture consists of an anatomy and biomechanics presentations and real life and clinical scenarios with examples of applications. There is a separate sign-up link on the course page for the theory part of the course. Students need to view this lecture prior to attending the practical course.

Printed or Electronic Manuals (techniques & anatomy)
Course supplies & equipment
Snacks and water

Follow up support

You are welcome to bring in outside food. Please keep in mind however, that we do not have much refrigeration space for foods that need to be kept cold. So please plan accordingly.

We strive to maintain a high quality of our courses, and therefore keep our registration to maximum 16-20 participants per course.

You are welcome to register for individual courses or attend the entire program with us. There is simply a pre-requisite for entering the program. One must have completed the Pumping Series to enter any later series within the program.

All courses are taught in English.

Since most of our courses now have online lectures, that students need to review before attending the practical workshop, the weekend course is dedicated to learning the real-life application (we call technomethodology) of biomechanics and exercise techniques, with SomaTRAINING and ELDOA courses while the focus is on palpation skills, therapeutic touch and practical execution and application of all manual techniques with SomaTHERAPY.

 

It can vary depending on if it is TRAINING or THERAPY but in general you can expect an inter-professional group of personal and athletic trainers, physiotherapists, osteopaths, Pilates and Yoga instructors, chiropractors and sometimes, medical doctors. Group size can be anywhere between 6-20 people. The mixed group works really nicely as everyone brings their own expertise to the table while learning something new.

Part of our teaching methodology follows the hypothetico-deductive learning method. This is mainly the case during our SomaTRAINING courses where students need to problem solve the biomechanical puzzle of the human body.

All of our courses & workshops are practical. During the program you will practice the material on yourself as well coaching your classmates. As a trainer you should be able to perform the exercises that you want to teach to your clients. It is important not only from a psychological viewpoint but also from movement awareness and coaching perspective.

Anatomy of Movement by Calais-Germani
Gray’s anatomy – 1901 Edition
The physiology of the joint series by Kapandji

There are no exams at the end of the courses. The only examination is at the completion of the program. This examination is written, spoken and practical. Because of the way the program is taught you will get continuous feedback on how you’re performing.

Your homework after completing the course is to continue the practical application of the learned materials on your clients and patients. Also we highly recommend you to continue to learn and deepen your understanding your knowledge of anatomy and biomechanics following the course manual and our recommended list of readings.

Since these are continuing education courses & workshops we assume at least a foundational knowledge in anatomy and physiology and working knowledge/experience as a trainer or manual therapist.

We recommend our TRAINING courses to experienced trainers and other exercise and movement practitioners such as Pilates and Yoga instructors, physical therapist, physiotherapist, osteopaths, chiropractors.

One does not have to be one of the above named practitioners to take SomaTherapy training classes, but it is the student’s responsibility to know their scope of practice and local laws governing practice and use of these techniques.

We will consider applicants with no previous background in the field on a case-by-case basis as long as the applicant understands the extra studying they need to do in order to keep up with the program.

Get in touch for clarification if you’re unsure whether you fall into any of the above categories

Since these are continuing education courses & workshops we assume at least a foundational knowledge in anatomy and physiology and working knowledge and experience in some form of manual therapy.

Practitioners involved in it and those intending to dive into more manual therapy specialty including, but not limited to: Osteopaths, Chiropractors, Physical therapists, Sport Therapists, Massage Therapists, Acupuncturists, Physiotherapists, Athletic Trainers, and Soma Trainers.

One does not have to be one of the above named practitioners to take SomaTherapy training classes, but it is the student’s responsibility to know their scope of practice and local laws governing practice and use of these techniques.

Get in touch for clarification if you’re unsure whether you fall into any of the above categories.

Innate curiosity drives their search for an answer. Disciplined, hard working and diligent. Self-awareness. They know that mastering a skill takes time and practice makes perfect. They know that learning is a life long process. They realize that the more they study the less they know and they feel comfortable with that as they are in for the long ride. Yet they strive to be the best they can be now.

The SomaTRAINING PROGRAMconsists of 15 courses over the period of 3 years. The SomaTHERAPY program consists of 13 courses over a 3-4 year period. It is possible to go through the program is less time, by taking different modules in different countries. We do however recommend taking a few months between courses. That’s because you will need time to digest the information and apply it in practice.

Discounts available on group bookings and when signing up for the full year or the full program as a single payment.

Registered participants, when requested, receives a list of hotels in proximity of the course location with travel links. 
Depending on the group size SomaTRAINING and ELDOA Certification courses are organised at different venues throughout Central London but mostly at the British College of Osteopathic Medicine.  

Our SomaTHERAPY courses are organised at the British College of Osteopathic Medicine in Central London. 

We maintain the right to change the venue of our courses & workshop. Please see the sign up section at the course list for venue details.

Absolutely! And you should. There is a different between intellectualizing how a technique is done and developing the skills to be able to perform them with the subtlety needed to adopt them to different bodies.
This comes with practice and you will really learn it by doing it. The goal is to internalize the techniques so it is in your body, not only a concept in your brain.

Graduates find they are able to deal with more complex clients ranging from pain management rehabilitation to high-level fitness and performance training.
Most of our students operate their own fitness, performance or rehabilitation businesses.

We recommend you book a course when all dates work for you to attend.

All course payments are final. In certain circumstances we may allow you to transfer the course fee to a future event. We reserve the right to decide this on a case-by-case basis. We reserve the right to deviate from this policy at our discretion or under exceptional circumstances.