The Functional Foot
The Functional Foot
The feet are quite literally the foundation of every step we take, yet they are often one of the most overlooked parts of the body in manual therapy.
Containing 26 bones, 33 joints and over 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments, the human foot is an extraordinary structure, capable of providing both remarkable stability and remarkable adaptability. Every movement we make begins with our interaction with the ground, making the feet fundamental to posture, balance, gait and movement throughout the entire body.
The Functional Foot forms part of the Functional Body Series, designed to help therapists develop a deeper understanding of individual regions of the body through the integration of anatomy, movement, clinical reasoning and hands-on treatment.
This workshop goes far beyond simply learning foot massage techniques. Together we will explore how the feet influence the ankles, knees, hips, pelvis and spine, and how changes within the foot can affect movement patterns throughout the body. You will begin to appreciate the foot not as an isolated structure, but as an essential part of the body’s integrated movement system.
One of the unique strengths of The Functional Foot is the combination of massage therapy with movement education. Drawing on Patricia Howe’s extensive experience as both a Personal Trainer and massage therapist, you will discover how understanding movement is just as important as understanding anatomy. Rather than viewing the foot only from the treatment couch, you will learn to observe how it functions during standing, walking and everyday movement, giving you a much richer understanding of your clients.
Alongside detailed anatomical study and practical techniques, you will also explore the changing foot across the lifespan, the influence of footwear and lifestyle, common foot presentations and when referral to other healthcare professionals may be appropriate.
Whether you regularly treat runners, active clients, older adults or people simply wanting to move more comfortably, this workshop will deepen your understanding of one of the body’s most remarkable structures and give you practical skills that you can begin using immediately.
Why you should train with us
The Functional Body Series is built around understanding how structure influences movement, and how movement influences function.
Rather than teaching isolated techniques, we encourage therapists to develop sound clinical reasoning, confident assessment skills and a broader appreciation of how each region of the body contributes to the whole.
Patricia brings a unique perspective through her combined experience as a massage therapist, tutor and Personal Trainer. Her passion for movement is infectious, helping therapists see the foot not simply as something to treat, but as something to understand.
As with all School of Bodywork courses, therapist longevity, efficient body mechanics and thoughtful clinical practice remain central throughout the workshop.
Course overview
This practical two-day workshop explores the anatomy, biomechanics and functional movement of the foot, combining detailed anatomical understanding with practical assessment and treatment techniques.
You will learn to appreciate how the feet influence movement throughout the body, while developing practical skills that can be incorporated into your existing treatments or offered as dedicated foot therapy sessions.
Course syllabus
Throughout the workshop you will explore:
- Detailed anatomy of the forefoot, midfoot and hindfoot.
- Functional movement of the foot and ankle.
- Gait, posture and balance.
- How the foot changes with age, injury, footwear and lifestyle.
- Connections between the feet, pelvis, hips, pelvic floor and the rest of the body.
- Massage techniques including knuckling, trigger point therapy and Soft Tissue Release.
- Contraindications and safe practice.
- Foot massage as a standalone treatment.
- Client education, home exercises and self-care advice.
- Professional boundaries and when referral to a podiatrist or chiropodist is appropriate.
Entry requirements
Participants should hold:
- A recognised Level 3 Massage qualification.
- A minimum Level 3 Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology qualification.
Course Format
- Blended learning with pre-course online theory.
- Two practical classroom days.
- Demonstrations and supervised hands-on practice.
- Clinical discussion throughout the workshop.
- Small class sizes to maximise practical learning.
Online learning becomes available one month before the course and remains accessible for twelve months after the workshop.
Continue Your Functional Body Series Journey
The Functional Foot is part of our Functional Body Series, helping therapists develop a deeper understanding of individual regions of the body through anatomy, movement, assessment and hands-on treatment.
Each workshop complements the others, allowing you to gradually build a comprehensive understanding of functional bodywork and develop greater confidence in your clinical reasoning across the whole body.
Assessments
Students are expected to complete the online learning before attending and actively participate in the practical training throughout the weekend.
A CPD certificate is awarded upon successful completion.
Qualification & Accreditation
The Functional Foot 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:
2026 Course
Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November 2026
2027 Course
Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 June 2027
Course Time:
10:00 am
-
5:00 pm
Location:
The workshop takes place in Exeter, Devon, UK.
Course Fees:
Reserve your place with a £175 deposit, with the remaining balance due one month before the course.
Full Course Fee: £345
Early Bird: £295 when you secure your place before 26 April 2027 (June 2027 Course)
Course fee to be paid in full if booking your place within 2 months of the start date
Tutor / Tutors
Patricia Howe combines many years of experience as both a Personal Trainer and an experienced massage therapist, giving her a unique appreciation of how movement and manual therapy complement one another.
Her enthusiasm for the subject is infectious, and students often leave inspired not only by what they have learned about the feet themselves, but by how much influence they have on movement throughout the entire body. Patricia has a wonderful ability to make complex anatomy both engaging and clinically relevant, helping therapists leave with confidence, curiosity and practical skills they can immediately apply in clinic.
Students often leave this workshop saying they will never look at feet in quite the same way again. By combining detailed anatomy, movement analysis and practical techniques, the course provides a completely new appreciation of how the feet influence posture, balance and movement throughout the body.
