The Functional Pelvis
The Functional Pelvis
The Functional Pelvis workshop forms part of the Functional Body Series, designed to help therapists develop a deeper understanding of individual regions of the body through anatomy, movement, clinical reasoning and hands-on treatment.
The pelvis is often described as the body’s centre – and for good reason. It provides stability while allowing movement, transmits force between the upper and lower body, supports the spine and influences everything from walking and balance to breathing and posture.
When the pelvis is functioning well, movement throughout the body becomes more efficient. When it is not, the effects can be felt almost anywhere. Hip pain, lower back discomfort, altered gait, persistent muscle tension and movement restrictions may all have their roots in the way the pelvis is moving, adapting or compensating.
Throughout this practical workshop you will explore the functional anatomy of the pelvis and hip, developing confidence in assessing and treating some of the most common presentations encountered in clinic, including gluteal tendinopathy, trochanteric bursitis, osteoarthritis and restrictions in hip rotation.
As always at the School of Bodywork, our focus extends well beyond anatomy alone. Although this workshop centres on the pelvis, we continually relate our learning back to the wider body because no structure functions in isolation. The pelvis is influenced by the feet, spine, visceral/pelvic organs, breathing, movement habits, environment, previous injury, nervous system responses and many other factors that shape the way each individual moves and experiences pain.
Modern pain science and the Biopsychosocial Model continue to change the way we understand musculoskeletal conditions, and this workshop embraces those developments. You will explore current thinking alongside practical assessment, movement analysis and advanced massage techniques, allowing you to leave with both greater clinical confidence and a broader perspective on the people you treat.
To maximise your practical learning, comprehensive online theory modules are released one month before the course, allowing classroom time to focus on discussion, hands-on practice, clinical reasoning and applying your learning to real-life presentations.
Whether you regularly treat hip pain, lower back problems or clients with complex movement patterns, this workshop will deepen your understanding of one of the body’s most influential regions and provide practical skills that you can immediately integrate into your clinic.
Why you should train with us
The Functional Body Series is built around helping therapists become thoughtful clinical practitioners rather than simply learning more techniques.
Throughout the workshop you will develop your understanding of anatomy, movement, assessment and rehabilitation while continually considering the individual as a whole person rather than focusing solely on a diagnosis.
Ruth Bell brings extensive clinical experience together with a genuine passion for learning and sharing current evidence. She encourages discussion, curiosity and critical thinking, recognising that manual therapy continues to evolve as our understanding of the body develops.
As with every School of Bodywork course, therapist longevity, efficient body mechanics and developing your own authentic style of practice remain central to everything we teach.
Course overview
This practical two-day postgraduate workshop explores the anatomy, biomechanics and functional movement of the pelvis and hip.
Combining pre-course online learning with extensive practical training, you will develop confidence in assessing common pelvic and hip presentations while learning practical techniques that can immediately enhance your clinical practice.
Course syllabus
Throughout the workshop you will explore:
- Functional anatomy of the pelvis and hip.
- Assessment and movement analysis.
- Trochanteric bursitis.
- Osteoarthritis of the hip.
- Gluteal tendinopathy.
- The effects of the gait.
- Hip rotation and movement dysfunction.
- Pain science and the Biopsychosocial Model.
- Functional rehabilitation principles.
- Muscle Energy Techniques (METs).
- Soft Tissue Release (STRs).
- Clinical reasoning and treatment planning.
- Therapist body mechanics and longevity.
Entry requirements
Participants should hold:
- A recognised Level 3 Massage qualification.
- A minimum Level 3 Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology qualification.
If you have limited experience using techniques such as Muscle Energy Techniques, Soft Tissue Release or Trigger Point Therapy, we recommend attending our Deep Tissue & Advanced Massage Techniques workshop first. While not essential, it provides an excellent foundation and will help you gain even more from this specialist workshop.
Course Format
- Blended learning with comprehensive online theory.
- Two practical classroom days.
- Online learning released one month before the course.
- Practical demonstrations and supervised hands-on learning.
- Clinical discussion, assessment and movement analysis throughout.
This structure allows classroom time to focus on applying knowledge rather than delivering lengthy theory sessions.
Continue Your Functional Body Series Journey
The Functional Pelvis workshop is part of our Functional Body Series, helping therapists build detailed knowledge of different regions of the body through anatomy, movement, assessment and hands-on treatment.
Each workshop complements the others, allowing you to gradually develop a comprehensive understanding of functional bodywork while continually strengthening your clinical reasoning and confidence across the whole body.
Assessments
Students are expected to complete the online learning before attending and actively participate throughout the practical training.
A CPD Certificate of Attendance is awarded upon successful completion.
Qualification & Accreditation
The Functional Pelvis workshop forms part of our Functional Body Series and is CPD Approved.
Students receive a Certificate of Attendance recognising their continuing professional development.
FAQs
Course Date:
Friday 5 and Saturday 6 March 2027
Course Time:
10:00 am
-
5:00 pm
Location:
The workshop takes place in Exeter, Devon, UK.
Course Fees:
Early Bird Offer – just £295 when you pay your deposit before the Tuesday 5 January 2027.
Pay £175 to secure your place and remaining balance due one month before the course start date.
Full Course Fee: £345
Course fee to be paid in full if booking your place within 2 months of the start date.
Tutor / Tutors
Ruth Bell is an experienced remedial massage therapist and educator with a passion for helping therapists better understand movement, function and clinical reasoning.
Her approachable teaching style encourages curiosity, discussion and continual learning, helping students build confidence while embracing current research and evolving understanding within manual therapy. Ruth creates an engaging learning environment where therapists are encouraged to ask questions, challenge assumptions and develop their own clinical thinking.
