Are you a massage therapist looking for NCBTMB approved CE classes? Join Cynthia Ribeiro on June 22, 2025 from 9am-6pm for an in-person class at NHI Redding.

Description:

Shoulder impingement syndrome is one of the most common and functionally limiting conditions in both athletic and general populations—yet it’s often mismanaged or mistimed in manual therapy care. This 8-hour in-person workshop dives deep into the neuromuscular mechanisms, biomechanical contributors, and soft tissue patterns that underlie this complex shoulder dysfunction.

Participants will learn to identify the structural and postural imbalances that lead to impingement, including scapular dyskinesis, glenohumeral instability, and dysfunctional recruitment of the rotator cuff and surrounding musculature. Through a neuromuscular therapy lens, attendees will explore the role of myofascial trigger points, altered proprioception, and movement compensation patterns that perpetuate pain and limit overhead function. This course emphasizes both prevention and rehabilitation strategies. Attendees will apply hands-on protocols including postural assessment, trigger point therapy, lengthening techniques, and neuromuscular re-education to reduce impingement forces and restore functional range.

By the end of the workshop, participants will have a clear roadmap for addressing shoulder impingement through soft tissue-based intervention—from early prevention to late-stage recovery. Whether you’re working with athletes, desk-bound clients, or individuals recovering from chronic shoulder pain, this course provides actionable tools to get the shoulder unstuck—literally and neurologically.

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

Identify the anatomical structures commonly involved in shoulder impingement syndrome, including the supraspinatus, subacromial bursa, and long head of the biceps tendon

Describe the biomechanical contributors to impingement, such as scapular dyskinesis, forward head posture, and glenohumeral instability

Recognize common movement compensations and postural deviations that increase impingement risk in athletic and occupational settings

Differentiate between primary and secondary impingement syndromes and the implications for manual therapy treatment

Assess for soft tissue dysfunction and myofascial trigger points contributing to altered scapulohumeral rhythm

Perform neuromuscular therapy techniques aimed at reducing impingement forces, including:

• Trigger point release
• Muscle stripping and lengthening
• Cross-fiber friction for tendon unloading
• Neuromuscular reeducation to restore muscle balance

Apply postural and orthopedic assessments to determine appropriate intervention timing based on healing stage

Design short- and long-term treatment strategies for both prevention and rehabilitation of shoulder impingement syndrome

Educate clients on movement modifications and strengthening principles that complement manual therapy outcomes

For assessment purposes, wear a sports bra and/or a tank top.

Please bring a complete set of sheets and lubricant. Massage tables will be provided.

WORKSHOP COST | $350

EARLY BIRD WORKSHOP COST | $250 if registered by June 15, 2025

CURRENT NHI STUDENTS & ALUMNI COST | Contact your local SLCC for an exclusive discount code!

This class is NCBTMB Approved for 8.0 hours of continuing education credit

Instructor Bio | Cynthia Ribeiro

Cynthia came to the United States from Brazil, where she had attained a degree in Physical Education and studied Surgical Nursing. In the U.S., she graduated from two massage schools, and now specializes in Neuromuscular Therapy and Orthopedic Massage.

A highly dynamic teacher, she has taught advanced anatomy and injury rehabilitation skills since 1988. Her in-person Advanced Neuromuscular Therapy workshops are in high demand throughout U.S. and Canada. Cynthia frequently presents at state and national massage therapy conventions and has had great success with both her in-person and online course offerings.

As founder and owner of Western Institute of Neuromuscular Massage Therapy (WIN) in Southern California, Cynthia developed highly effective therapeutic bodywork, and has brought that material to NHI for the 450 hour program in Advanced Neuromuscular Therapy.

In 2003, she was appointed Honorary Clinical Professor at the University California Irvine Medical School. In 2012 she became National President for the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA). In 2017 she received the Jerome Perlinski, Teacher of the Year Award.

Cynthia has also served as a Board of Directors member of the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB).

A continual inspiration to her students, she nevertheless says, “I am always a student myself, and I strongly believe in lifelong learning.”

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