Course Instructor

Shawne Klassen

Shawne Klassen is a renowned expert on Thai Yoga Massage education. He has been practicing and teaching others Thai Massage for well over 20 years. After completing his massage therapy training in Calgary, Shawne traveled to Thailand where he studied under Thai massage masters at the Wan Dee School of Ancient Massage, Lek Chaia Massage School and the Old Medicine Hospital, in Chiang Mai where he completed his internship. He also studied at Wat Pho in Bangkok, under the renowned Mr. Jan, one of the only living teachers, who practices the healing art of ‘Southern style. Due to his studies and retreats, Shawne has a deep understanding of the mental and physical techniques used in Thai yoga massage, and a profound knowledge of the spiritual aspects.

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Learn Orthopedic Assessment & Treatment

30 Hours - 1 lab day and online training with case studies.

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

Students perform basic assessment skills, fundamental osteo/ Thai massage techniques and special tests.
Students learn to take a medical history and determine the nature of the patient’s presenting clinical condition.
Recognize the role and limitations of Thai yoga massage therapy in preventing injury, enhancing performance, and recovery from exercise and competition.
Recognize the effects of Thai yoga massage therapy can have on athlete’s psychological state/sports performance.
Identify root causes and areas of pain in muscles and connective tissue.
Identify when an athlete should be referred to another health care professional.
Assess client in order to develop treatment plan that will reduce pain, restore range of movement, and promote good condition.
Explain treatment with athlete.
Demonstrate exercises and stretches that will benefit athlete ex. pre and post event

Eastern Anatomy and Treatment Methods

Online training - training app and webinar

The basis of this course lies in the ancient medical system of Ayurveda. The Thai translation is slightly different than the modern one that is in use today.

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

Locate the 10 energy lines known as Sen on a diagram as well as indications and contraindications for treatment.
Understand the four elements and their influence on the energetic system and indications for treatment.
Recognize the difference between energy patterns and energy lines and myofascial tracts.
Locate and apply accupressure to various accupressure points within the 10 energy Sen
Compare the Thai energetic structure with Indian and Chinese energetic models.
Describe yoga and briefly describe its history and origin.
Explain chakras and locate where they are on the body and how they relate to the 10 Sen and treatment.
Location and apply accupressure to various marma’s.
Explain what the eight limbs of Yoga are and their importance to the practice of Yoga.
Define each of the 7 different types of Yoga practiced in the west, and their basic system of belief.

Thai Yoga Massage - Table One

Is a established method adapted to the integrity of this ancient healing art. In fact it allows the practitioner to easily use this medical model to benefit their clients and aid in healing without sacrificing floor space. It has been developed so that it can be used in conjunction with any other table work or used by itself. We will be working from the supine position focusing on the lower body.

Forms of passive stretching
Body Mechanics
Supine positions and transitions of the lower body
Advantages and disadvantages to table work
Listening to the body
Breath coaching
Thai massage positions

Thai Yoga Massage - Table Two

Building on the skill set out in TYMT One, students will continue to complete a full Thai massage protocol with adding positions for the postures side-lying, prone and sitting. By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

Explain the benefits and constraints of doing Thai massage on the table
Recognize indications and contraindications for Thai massage on a table
Apply active stretching into treatment protocols
Effectively apply proper body mechanics to each massage position
Accurately apply pressure on the northern sen lines throughout the body
Incorporate breath work into the Thai massage practice
Safely apply various Thai massage techniques and postures to a client

Thai Yoga Massage V - Side-lying

One lab day + online study & practical assignment Building on the skill set out in TYM IV, students will continue to complete a full Thai massage protocol side-lying and shoulder work. By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

Body mechanics
Transitions: side-lying focusing on the shoulder
Listening to the body
Breath coaching
Recognize advanced contraindications for shoulder treatment.
Effectively apply proper body mechanics to each massage position.
Safely apply various advanced Thai massage techniques for side-lying positions.
Modify the massage to accommodate the needs of the client.

Thai Yoga Massage V - Side-lying

Body mechanics
Transitions: side-lying focusing on the shoulder
Listening to the body
Breath coaching
Recognize advanced contraindications for shoulder treatment.
Effectively apply proper body mechanics to each massage position.
Safely apply various advanced Thai massage techniques for side-lying positions.
Modify the massage to accommodate the needs of the client.

Thai Yoga Massage III - Self Expression

One lab day + online study & practical assignment This unique course has been derived from powerful techniques handed down by many masters throughout Thailand and Asia. During the course, will introduce the ‘Burmese energy model’; its structure, function, location and therapeutic effect. Building on the skill set out in TYM Two, students will continue with advanced techniques with adding positions for the postures prone and seated massage. We will will work with you, enabling you to develop your creative side and your own personal treatment style. By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

Recognize advanced contraindications for treatment.
Effectively apply proper body mechanics to each massage position.
Safely and efficiently transition a client to various body positions.
Accurately apply pressure on the Burmese sen lines throughout the body.
Safely apply various advanced Thai massage techniques for prone positions.
Modify the massage to accommodate the needs of the client.

Thai Yoga Massage I - Foundation

One lab day + online study & practical assignment The course covers the historical roots, practices, benefits and constraints of Northern style Thai yoga massage. During the course, we explore the ‘northern energy model’ focusing on the effective delivery of massage techniques based on good body mechanics and how to achieve deeper releases with breath work. We will be working from the supine position focusing on the lower body. By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

Indications and contraindications
Body mechanics
Transitions: supine - focusing on the lower body
Listening to the body
Breath coaching
Thai massage positions