The Functional Shoulder
The Functional Shoulder
The Functional Shoulder is part of the Functional Body Series, a collection of postgraduate workshops designed to help therapists develop a deeper understanding of specific regions of the body through the integration of anatomy, movement, clinical reasoning and hands-on treatment.
Shoulder pain is one of the most common reasons clients seek treatment, yet it is also one of the most complex regions of the body to understand. With its remarkable mobility comes an equally remarkable demand for stability, making the shoulder vulnerable to overload, compensation and persistent dysfunction.
Rather than simply learning techniques for common shoulder conditions, this course encourages you to think more broadly about why shoulder problems develop in the first place. You will explore the shoulder as part of the entire forequarter, recognising how the neck, thorax, rib cage, posture, breathing and movement patterns all contribute to healthy shoulder function.
Shoulder pain is rarely just about damaged tissue. It may reflect previous injury, repetitive strain, altered movement strategies, protective muscle guarding or even the way the nervous system has adapted over time. Throughout the workshop you will explore current pain science alongside the Biopsychosocial Model, helping you better understand the many factors that can influence pain and recovery.
Of course, theory only becomes valuable when you can confidently apply it in practice. Over two practical days you will develop a wide range of assessment skills, movement analysis and hands-on treatment techniques that you can immediately begin using in clinic. Whether your clients are athletes, manual workers, office-based professionals or simply people wanting to move more comfortably, you will leave with greater confidence, improved clinical reasoning and practical tools to help them move with greater ease.
To maximise your practical learning, online theory modules are released four weeks before the course, allowing classroom time to focus on discussion, technique refinement and clinical application rather than lengthy lectures.
If shoulder conditions are a regular part of your clinic—as they are for most therapists—this workshop will transform both your understanding of the shoulder and the confidence with which you treat it.
Why you should train with us
The Functional Body Series is built around one simple principle: understanding why is just as important as knowing how.
Rather than teaching isolated techniques, we encourage therapists to develop sound clinical reasoning, confident assessment skills and a broader understanding of how each region of the body functions as part of an integrated whole.
Throughout the workshop you will learn when techniques such as Muscle Energy Techniques (METs), Soft Tissue Release (STRs) and other manual therapy approaches may be appropriate, but just as importantly, you will develop a clearer understanding of why you are choosing them.
As with all School of Bodywork training, therapist longevity is central to our teaching. Alongside practical techniques, we place great emphasis on body mechanics, practitioner presence and developing an efficient way of working that supports your own body throughout your career.
Course overview
This practical two-day postgraduate workshop explores the anatomy, biomechanics and functional movement of the shoulder and forequarter, combining current understanding of pain science with effective hands-on treatment approaches.
You will develop your assessment skills, movement analysis and clinical reasoning while learning practical techniques that can be immediately integrated into your existing treatments. The emphasis is on helping you understand the individual in front of you rather than simply treating a diagnosis.
Course syllabus
Throughout the workshop you will explore:
- Functional anatomy of the shoulder and forequarter.
- Assessment and movement analysis.
- Rotator cuff injuries.
- Shoulder impingement.
- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.
- Pain science and the Biopsychosocial Model.
- Muscle Energy Techniques (METs).
- Soft Tissue Release (STRs).
- Additional advanced manual therapy techniques.
- Clinical reasoning and treatment planning.
- Therapist ergonomics and body mechanics.
- Integrating techniques into everyday clinical practice.
Entry requirements
Participants should hold:
- A recognised Level 3 Massage qualification.
- A minimum Level 3 Anatomy, Physiology & 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 (or arranging one-to-one tuition) beforehand. This is not a prerequisite but will help you gain even more from this focused workshop.
Course Format
- Two practical classroom days.
- Online theory modules released four weeks before the course.
- Hands-on demonstrations and supervised practical sessions.
- Clinical discussion and case-based learning throughout.
The emphasis is on practical application, allowing you to leave with techniques and clinical reasoning that can be immediately integrated into your practice.
Continue Your Functional Body Series Journey
The Functional Shoulder is one of our Functional Body Series, designed to help therapists build detailed knowledge of different regions of the body.
Each workshop explores anatomy, movement, assessment and treatment through the same practical, evidence-informed and clinically relevant approach, allowing you to gradually build a comprehensive understanding of functional bodywork.
Assessments
There is no formal practical examination.
Students are expected to complete the online theory before attending and actively participate in the practical training throughout the weekend.
A CPD certificate is awarded on successful completion.
Qualification & Accreditation
The Functional Shoulder is CPD Approved.
Students receive a Certificate of Attendance recognising their continuing professional development.
FAQs
Course Date:
Saturday 3 & Sunday 4 July 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 3 May 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 understand movement rather than simply memorising techniques. Her teaching combines detailed anatomical knowledge with practical clinical experience, enabling students to leave feeling confident, capable and inspired to apply what they have learned immediately in practice.
Students consistently tell us that this workshop changes the way they assess and treat shoulder problems. Rather than simply adding more techniques to their toolkit, they leave with a clearer understanding of shoulder function, greater confidence in their clinical reasoning and practical skills that immediately enhance their everyday practice.
