Our focus in this first course in the Manual NVR series will be the neck, head, and upper thorax, including the brachial plexus, shoulder girdle, rib cage, and lungs.
We will work gently and precisely with the vascular system to normalize tone in hypertonic muscles that are shortening the myofascial tracks, distorting posture, and limiting movement.
We will work with restrictions of the cervical plexus, brachial plexus, intercostal nerves, accessory nerve, vagus nerve, phrenic nerve, and dura with the goals of reducing pain and improving structural and functional balance.
You will also:
As you add techniques to your tool bag, we will discuss applications and strategies for working with thoracic outlet syndrome, the residual effects of whiplash, jaw issues, problems leading to anterior head shift, shoulder mobility issues, upper body stiffness, hypermobile clients, and scoliosis.
Over time, your clients or patients will notice improved proprioception, interoception, and nervous system regulation, and they will grow in their appreciation for how smart and adaptive their bodies are.
This course is for all licensed manual therapists, including massage therapists, physiotherapists, acupuncturists, and structural integrators.
five Zoom classes, 20 hours total spread across six weeks
Spread out your learning over time. Practice the techniques and strategies you just learned and then return to class the following week with questions.
Reduce your travel costs. (If you attend Part 1 in distance learning format, ideally plan to attend Part 2 in person, so that you can receive this work early in your training.)
Recruit a friend to help you deepen your learning
Would you like to receive NVR regularly after completing this course?
• Take care of your body's needs by making sure there is a practitioner near you who also knows NVR.
• Enhance your learning by studying and practicing regularly with someone who lives near you.
Both practitioners must register as students and let Kier know the name of their practice partner (via WhatsApp or text 1+503-720-7403). Each of you will receive a 20% discount by registering with coupon code Buddies2024.
Plan your journey
As you progress through the curriculum, you can alternate between distance learning and in-person courses.
You may choose to do Parts 1, 2, 3, and 4 entirely in distance learning format, however, Kier encourages you to attend Part 1 or Part 2 in person so that you can feel the work in your own body early on in your training! Part 5 is held in person only and is an important capstone to your training.
Parts 1 and 2 are the first level of your Manual NVR training and need to be taken in order. In Part 1, we will focus on neck, shoulders, and upper thorax mobility, including some work for the lungs and vagus nerve. In Part 2, we will continue our work with the torso, focusing on the pelvis, hips, and thighs.
In Parts 3 and 4, the next level within the curriculum, we will study the distal extremities in detail, review techniques for the proximal extremities and thorax, and continue working with neurovascular restrictions affecting the organs. Because we will be building on skills learned in the first two courses and expanding your understanding of session strategy and lower and upper body patterns, Parts 1 and 2 are prerequisites for Parts 3 and 4.
Manual NVR Part 5 is a practicum focused on assessment and practical application. In full sessions with outside models, you will apply all that you have learned in Parts 1 through 4, practicing session strategy under Kier’s guidance. This is a great opportunity to bring family members with you to receive work!
Here is the Zoom link for all classes in this course
Cultivating Interoception
FREE PREVIEWVideo 1: What is Neurovascular Release? Why are we doing this?
FREE PREVIEWVideo 2: Basic neck techniques, "Balloon lift"
Video 3: Technique - "Wilted Flower" and the upper intercostal spaces
Video 4: Is wilted flower technique addressing nerve or artery?
Internal thoracic artery technique demo (recorded in 2018 during an in-person Manual NVR Part 1 class)
Introduction to the Manual NVR Part 1 Technique Manual -- your agreement about copyright
NVR Contraindications and Cautions - notes for discussion
NVR Part 1 - technique manual
Nerve and Artery Study Guide - neck and upper thorax
After completing Manual NVR Part 1, structural integrators may find this guide useful for integrating NVR into series work, even though you have yet to learn all the techniques in this guide.
Class 1 Video 1: Anatomy and intro to internal thoracic artery technique
Class 1 Video 2: Demonstration of internal thoracic artery technique
Class 1 Video 3: Guided practice for internal thoracic artery technique
Class 1 Video 4: Demonstration of lower intercostal artery release
Class 1 Video 5: Lower intercostal space bolstering and technique variations for internal thoracic artery technique
Class 1 Video 6: Anatomy for occipital artery technique and deep cervical artery technique
Class 1 Video 7: Demonstration of occipital artery technique
Class 1 Video 8: Guided practice for occipital artery technique
Class 1 Video 9: Questions after practice of occipital artery technique
Class 1 Video 10: Demonstration of deep cervical artery technique
Class 1 Video 11: Discussion after practice of deep cervical artery technique
Class 1 Video 12: How to use the technique manual and guidelines for adding NVR to your practice
Class 1 Video 13: Anatomy - cross-section of neck
Class 1 Video 14: Demonstration of SCM techniques plus superficial nerve anatomy
Class 1 Video 15: Guided practice for SCM techniques
Class 1 Video 16: Anatomy and self-palpation/treatment of occipital nerves
Class 1 Video 17: Guided practice - working occipital nerves on client
2nd Q&A session 2024-01-30 (discussing Class 1 videos) - included instruction for working with intercostal nerves at front of body, finding connection to spinous processes
Bonus: Tips for working with the occipital nerves on yourself (plus a tip for working with clients with sensitive scalps!)
Bonus for your review: Internal thoracic artery, guided practice and discussion
Bonus for your review: Questions after internal thoracic artery practice
Bonus for your review: Lower intercostal arteries
Bonus: 2023-07-13 Manual NVR Part 1 class 1 - Q&A
