Root of the Neck: Results Oriented

Connection Between the Thorax and Neck

Discover how upper-body alignment and ribcage mobility influence neck function, stability, and overall movement. This hands-on course integrates structural and visceral approaches with joint mobilization techniques to help RMTs refine palpation, assessment, and treatment of the thoracic inlet and cervical region. Learn to restore balance, ease restriction, and create lasting postural change through precise manual therapy and thoughtful integration.

Date & Times

  • Date

    May 30 & 31, 2026
    Saturday and Sunday

  • Credits

    Yes, a certificate is issued to meet your CCHPBC learning goals.

  • Location

    Vancouver, BC
    Location will be provided

  • Live class times

    9:00 am - 1:00 pm
    Lunch 1:00 - 2:00 pm
    2:00 - 6:00 pm


Want to help your patients stand TALLER? Do you like to INTEGRATE structure, movement, and mobility? Is ADVANCING your manual therapy skills for the thoracic inlet, ribcage, and cervical spine important to you?  

If you answered "Yes" to any of the questions above, then this in-person course is for you.

What will you learn?

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Achieve better results by integrating treatment of the muscle, fascia, joints, movement, and strength training.


  1. Apply manual therapy techniques to improve motion through the clavicles, upper ribs, and thoracic inlet.
  2. Assess and treat scalenes, SCM, and deep neck musculature to improve cervical alignment and reduce tension.
  3. Utilize joint techniques to mobilize cervical and upper thoracic facet joints safely and effectively.
  4. Demonstrate techniques to strengthen deep cervical flexors and extensors to support long-term stability.

Helpful for headache and neck pain

BENEFITS FOR PATIENTS

Patients often experience improved posture and alignment, easing tension in the neck, shoulders, and upper back. Increased ribcage mobility allows for freer movement and reduced restriction throughout the upper body. Many also notice fewer headaches and less jaw discomfort as cervical mechanics improve. Treatments help enhance overall stability and coordination in movement, leading to long-lasting relief through approaches that address both structure and function.

Is this course right for me?

FOR WHOM

Therapists will expand their clinical skills through the integration of structural, visceral, and joint mobilization techniques. You’ll learn to increase treatment effectiveness by addressing the key relationships between the ribcage, neck, and posture. This course helps build professional confidence in assessing and treating complex upper-body dysfunctions, while also supporting a more comprehensive and whole-body approach to care. By applying these methods, you can differentiate your practice and deliver results that patients feel and notice.

Prerequisites

  • You are a registered health care worker such as a Registered Massage Therapist, Physiotherapist, Chiropractor etc.

Online Course Contents

Start Integrating Today!

Choose to become more effective

1. Expand clinical skills with integrated structural, visceral, and mobilization techniques.

2. Increase treatment effectiveness by addressing key relationships between the ribcage, neck, and posture.

3. Boost professional confidence in assessing and treating complex upper-body dysfunctions.

4. Offer more comprehensive care that improves both local and global body mechanics.

5. Differentiate your practice with advanced manual therapy methods that deliver visible, lasting results.

Register for Root of the Neck

Instructor

ROBERT HACKWOOD, RMT

Lead Instructor

Robert Hackwood

Robert Hackwood, a Registered Massage Therapist since 1992 and known as a Dynamic Therapist, extends his successful hands-on treatments and courses to an online program. This platform is designed to benefit all therapists, no matter their location. Robert explains: "Therapists can improve outcomes with less wear and tear. These courses help you work smarter and more easily so you can stand out." Therapists can complete the training privately at home at a pace that suits them, saving time and money.

Robert has been involved in teaching Massage Therapy skills for over 30 years, including Muscle Energy Technique, Craniosacral in various forms, Neuromuscular Therapy, Assessment, Osteopathic Techniques, and more. He has served as a teaching assistant for several instructors offering continuing education, taught at three different Massage Therapy Colleges, authored articles, and participated in the development of the Massage Therapy profession in British Columbia.

FAQ

  • Are there CCHPBC Continuing Education Credits?

    Yes, a certificate is issued. Allowing you to meet learning goals.

  • What are the prerequisites?

    • Registered health practitioner
  • Is there a manual that comes with the course?

    Yes, the detailed manual will be provided to you at the workshop.

  • What is the cancellation policy for this course?

    Cancellation & Refund Policy for In-Person (live) 2 day Courses

    A $45 administrative fee is withheld for any refunds processed.

    Cancellation will be accepted until 31 days prior to the start date of the course and a full refund given, minus the administration fee.

    Between 15 and 30 days prior to the course the registration fee may be transferable to another course, space permitting or 50% refunded.

    There will be NO REFUNDS within 14 days of the course or if the registrant does not attend the course, your space has been reserved for you and no refund or transfer of fee will be given.

    Transfers must be within the same CEC Cycle or for courses already scheduled at the time of transfer.

    Robert Hackwood and Dynamic Therapies reserves the right to cancel any course due to insufficient participant demand or extenuating circumstances. In the event we must cancel a course, you may transfer to another course of equivalent value, or request a refund. While we will do everything possible to ensure participant satisfaction, our liability is limited to the tuition fee only.