The Functional Back
The Functional Back
The Functional Back workshop forms part of the Functional Body Series, designed to help therapists develop a deeper understanding of specific regions of the body through anatomy, movement, clinical reasoning and hands-on treatment.
Few parts of the body generate as much frustration for both clients and therapists as the lower back.
Back pain is one of the leading reasons people seek massage therapy, with around 80% of adults experiencing lower back pain at some point in their lives. Yet despite how common it is, low back pain is rarely straightforward. Two people with the same diagnosis may present completely differently, respond differently to treatment and require entirely different approaches.
Throughout this practical workshop you will explore the functional anatomy of the spine and torso, developing the confidence to assess and treat many of the conditions you are most likely to encounter in clinic, including sciatica, disc pathologies and facet joint issues.
Rather than viewing the back as an isolated structure, we encourage you to understand how the entire body contributes to spinal function. Movement patterns, posture, breathing, lower limbs and nervous system responses all influence the way people experience and recover from back pain. While this workshop focuses on the lumbar spine, there is always an awareness that no part of the body works in isolation.
Modern pain science has transformed our understanding of persistent back pain, and throughout the course you will explore the Biopsychosocial Model alongside current thinking about the nervous system, helping you appreciate that successful treatment often involves far more than simply addressing tight muscles.
To maximise your practical learning, comprehensive online theory modules are accessible before the course, allowing classroom time to focus on discussion, assessment, movement analysis and extensive hands-on practice. You will leave with practical skills that can immediately enhance your treatments together with a deeper understanding of why you are choosing particular techniques.
Whether you regularly treat persistent back pain or simply want to feel more confident approaching complex presentations, this workshop will provide practical skills, thoughtful clinical reasoning and renewed confidence in one of the most important areas of manual therapy.
Why you should train with us
The Functional Body Series is designed to help therapists move beyond protocols and develop genuine clinical reasoning.
Rather than simply teaching techniques for common conditions, we encourage you to understand why movement changes, why pain develops and how different systems within the body continually influence one another.
Throughout the workshop you will develop assessment skills, movement observation and practical treatment techniques while continually relating everything back to the individual client rather than the diagnosis alone.
As with every School of Bodywork course, therapist longevity, efficient body mechanics and thoughtful clinical practice remain central to everything we teach.
Course overview
This practical two-day postgraduate workshop explores the anatomy, biomechanics and functional movement of the lumbar spine and surrounding structures.
Combining pre-course online learning with extensive hands-on training, you will develop confidence in assessing common lumbar presentations while learning practical techniques that can be immediately incorporated into your clinical practice.
Continue Your Functional Body Series Journey
The Functional Back 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.
Course syllabus
Throughout the workshop you will explore:
- Functional anatomy of the spine and torso.
- Assessment and movement analysis.
- Sciatic pain.
- Disc pathologies.
- Facet joint conditions.
- Muscular strain.
- Pain science and the Biopsychosocial Model.
- The role of the nervous system in persistent pain.
- Muscle Energy Techniques (METs).
- Soft Tissue Release (STRs).
- Postural assessment.
- Movement-based rehabilitation principles.
- 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 available immediately upon enrolment.
- Practical demonstrations and supervised hands-on learning.
- Clinical discussion and movement assessment throughout.
This structure allows classroom time to focus on applying knowledge rather than simply delivering theory.
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 Back workshop forms part of our Functional Body Series and is CPD Approved.
Students receive a Certificate of Attendance recognising their continuing professional development.
FAQs
There are currently no FAQs for this workshop.
Course Date:
Friday 20 and Saturday 21 November 2026
Course Time:
10:00 am
-
5:00 pm
Location:
The workshop takes place in Exeter, Devon, UK.
Course Fees:
Time: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm each day
Early Bird Fee: £295 when booked before 20 September 2026.
Reserve your place with a £175 deposit, with the remaining balance due one month before the course.
Full Course Fee: £345
Tutor / Tutors
Ruth Bell is an experienced remedial massage therapist and educator with a particular passion for helping therapists understand movement, function and clinical reasoning.
Through her approachable teaching style, Ruth makes complex spinal anatomy and pain presentations accessible and relevant, helping students leave with greater confidence in both their practical skills and their clinical decision-making.
