Workshops


All workshops offered in 2024 will be held at Annisage Farm, 2080 Tallyho Drive in Aiken, South Carolina.

You may pay via Paypal or credit card using the green button, or you may send us a check or money order.



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Purpose
An ITT course will teach touch and body-work modalities, which will enhance health & wellness for animals, thus providing relaxation; it will also lead to stress reduction and performance enhancement.

Massage Benefits
1.     The animal achieves full range of movement through increased flexibility
2.     Increase circulation and removal of toxins
3.     Reduce muscle tension, cramping and soreness
4.     Enhance muscle function and efficiency
5.     Reduce recovery time from injury or sore muscles
6.     Increase human/animal awareness

Goals  Effective skills to benefit the animal and practitioner
1.     Learn the application theory and physiological effects of many massage techniques
2.     Learn surface anatomy and skeletal structure of the animal
3.     Study the body language of the animal receiving the massage
4.     Learn about safety and the body mechanics of the practitioner applying the work
5.     Learn about behavior modification through a touching experience
6.     Learn about human and animal bonding

 

Equine Level I Workshops (6 Full Days)

Monday, Apr. 22 – Saturday Apr. 27, 2024
Deposit Or Pay In Full



Equine Level I workshops are 6 full days for $1299.00; tuition includes The Equine Massage Workbook, anatomy charts & DVD. 50 CE/Contact hours.

Clinics meet at 9AM-5:30PM

Monday, Sept. 16 – Saturday Sept. 21, 2024
Deposit Or Pay In Full




Monday, Nov. 18 – Saturday Nov. 23, 2024
Deposit Or Pay In Full

Equine Level II Workshops  (5 Full Days)

          Prerequisites - Equine Level I course 

There are no Equine Level II classes scheduled for 2024
Equine Level II workshops are 5 full days; tuition includes For The Good Of The Horse. 40 CE/Contact hours. 

Clinics meet at 9AM-5:30PM

 

 

Canine Level I Workshops (4 Full Days)

Thursday, Mar. 21 – Sunday Mar. 24, 2024
Deposit Or Pay In Full





Canine Level I workshops are 4 full days for $850.00; tuition includes The Canine Massage Workbook, anatomy charts and DVD. 30 CE/Contact hours.

Clinics meet at 9AM-5:30PM

Monday, June 24 – Friday June 28, 2024
Deposit Or Pay In Full



 

Canine Level II Workshops (4 Full Days)

There are no Canine II classes scheduled for 2024

Canine Level II workshops are 4 full days; tuition includes Dissection Of The Dog. 30 CE/Contact hours.

Clinics meet at 9AM-5:30PM

 

 

Feline Workshops (3 Full Days)

Wednesday, May 29 – Friday May 31, 2024
Feline
Deposit Or Pay In Full




Feline workshops are 3 full days for $600.00; tuition includes The Feline Massage Workbook & anatomy charts. 25 CE/Contact hours.

Clinics meet at 9AM-5:30PM




General Information About Our Clinics

Massage experience is not a requirement for entry; however, both knowledge in massage and/or knowledge about the animal being studied are greatly beneficial. We build on the knowledge and experience you bring with you to the workshop. The classes at Integrated Touch Therapy are small, with a maximum of 8 students to 1 teacher; the ratio is usually 6 to 1. This ratio provides superior individual attention.  The class is designed for massage therapists and for those in the field of animal health looking to diversify their practices. Those individuals who want to work with their animal friends at home will benefit as well from the course. 

A deposit must be received with your registration to hold your reservation.  Upon receipt of your deposit, we send a confirmation letter, accomodation list and a map.


Course Content and Description

Animal Anatomy and Physiology
The anatomy and physiology of the individual species will be discussed as it applies to massage therapy.  Anatomical drawings and models will be used to enhance learning.
Massage Theory
Theories of Swedish, pre-event and post-event massage will be presented. Discussions include massage therapy and principles, as they clinically apply to the anatomy and physiology of each body part and the body as a whole. The therapeutic effects of each massage procedures are included in discussions as well. Further, we explore improved self-awareness for the animal through better movement patterns/actions.
Massage Clinical Practice
Students practice the adapted massage therapy techniques of Swedish, pre-event and post-event massage on humans, then transfer those skills to the animal. We practice logical choreographed massage therapy sequences for Swedish maintenance massage, pre-event massage and post-event massage adapted for the particular animal being massaged. Discussion and presentation emphasizes safety, and proper body mechanics for the therapist and the animal subject.
Clinical Application
Discussion of the law as it applies to massage therapy is covered. Discussion of the clinical approach to problem solving of common functional maladies that occur in animals, such as those found in performance animals, domestic (pet) animals, and the backyard animal are included and the application of massage to those problems. The presentation addresses some of the different breeds and common postural dysfunction or system problems in those breeds and how massage could possibly manage those problems.

What to Bring

  • Bring casual clothing.
  • Bring closed-toe shoes for equine clinics.
  • Paper, pen, crayons or colored pencils.
  • If you have a stuffed dog, horse or cat, you may need it for practice.
  • Bring your animal, if possible.  Please make arrangements ahead of time with ITT.  A health certificate is required.  Dogs need to have a crate if you need to leave them for lunch.  
  • In the summer, bring insect spray.

Lunch

Ninety minutes have been reserved for lunch.  You can order in, bring a picnic, or go out for lunch.  There will be a list of restaurants and some sample menus for you to view in the classroom.

Stalls for Rent

This is horse country!

The area features many stalls for rent. Please contact Maria for recommendations.

About the Training Facility

Set on 11 acres in Aiken's Bridlewood Equine community, the Tallyho Farm is an island of tranquility and a respite from today's hectic world. The farm treats you to a quaint and charming setting, nestled in a quiet and peaceful pastoral setting. The area boasts miles of riding and walking trails. Tree-lined country roads meander through a neighborhood dotted with country houses and horse farms, encouraging you to relax, unwind, and enjoy nature.  

 

 

 

Driving Directions

Classes are now being held at 2080 Tallyho Drive, Aiken South Carolina. We no longer offer classes at Circleville, Ohio.

You can find us here
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Equine Massage    Prerequisite: None.

Introduction to Massage   Level I

Equine massage introduction, level I, teaches adapted Swedish and Sports Massage Techniques for the equine. The course is intensive, teaching a full-body relaxation massage choreography as well as pre- and post-event sports massage choreography. The massage techniques and theory of application behind them are taught. The muscle anatomy of the horse section covers muscles and the primary actions produced by these muscles. General equine wellness information, business and ethics, safety, as well as ideas on how to get started, are discussed. Students should bring colored pens or pencils, note pad and a stuffed four-legged animal, horse stories and photos.

Note:Your horse is welcome; however, if you cannot bring your horse, we have horses available here for the class exercises.

CEU: 50 hours   Cost: $1299.00 

Location:  2080 Tallyho Dr., Aiken South Carolina

Length: 6 days

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Equine Massage 

Advanced Massage Techniques   Level II

Prerequisite: Equine introduction or an equivalent  equine massage course.  We ask that you have completed 25-50 massages before coming to this class.  Equine 2 is based on the massage techniques learned in the first course.  The curriculum covers adjunctive topics which affect the performance of the horse such as shoeing, dentistry, and saddle fit.  A horse-wellness project will be developed by each student during the week.  We suggest that you bring a disposable camera, colored pens or pencils, clipboard, a notepad, measuring tape and your case studies as well as horse-friend photos. 

Note:Your horse is welcome; however, if you cannot bring your horse, we have horses available here for the class exercises.

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A video of you performing your horse massage must be sent for review. For details call or email the office. Equine level II is based on the massage techniques learned in the 1st-level course. The curriculum covers adjunctive topics which affect the performance of the horse such as shoeing, dentistry, and saddle fit. Additional anatomy and physiology are covered, as well as case studies. A horse project will be developed by each student during the week. Students bring a disposable camera, colored pens or pencils, clip board, a notepad and a measuring tape, case studies and horse-friend photos.

CEU: 40 hours 

Length: 5 days

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Canine Massage    Prerequisite: None.

Introduction to Massage   Level I     

Canine Massage, level I introduction, teaches several massage techniques for relaxation and how to apply several of these techniques for sports-massage application. The diversity of the canine anatomy, the application of adapted massage techniques and canine behavior and body language are part of the curriculum. Safety, ethics, and record keeping are discussed. Massage choreography will be developed during the workshop. Students should bring canine friends if possible, or a stuffed animal surrogate, colored pens or pencils, notepad and dog stories and photos. 

Note:Your dog is welcome; however, if you cannot bring your dog, we have dogs available here for the class exercises.                                           

CEU: 30 hours   Cost: $850.00 

Location:  2080 Tallyho Dr., Aiken South Carolina

Length: 4 days

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Canine Massage 

Massage Applications Level II   Prerequisite: Canine Level I Introduction.

More anatomy and physiology, additional massage techniques, business applications and choreography for relaxation, performance enhancement, and reduction of stress will be developed and discussed. We will begin to look at the gaits of the dog, paying particular attention to imbalances and what the dog might be telling us.  Ethics, business practices, and networking discussions will be held as well. Students bring your canine companion if possible, or a stuffed surrogate, a notebook, pens and more dog stories and photos. 

Note:Your dog is welcome; however, if you cannot bring your dog, we have dogs available here for the class exercises.                    

CEU: 30 hours    

Length: 4 days

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Feline Massage    Prerequisite: None

Introduction to Massage

Feline massage introduction teaches feline massage, using general Swedish and sports-massage techniques. We cover anatomy and physiology of muscles, personality traits and body language, and the adaptations of massage technique. Students, please bring your feline companions, if possible, or a stuffed representative, pens or colored pencils, a notepad and cat stories and photos.

Note:Your cat is welcome; however, if you cannot bring your cat, we have cats available here for the class exercises.

If you bring your feline companions, please bring them in a carrier or something for their safe haven.

CEU: 25 hours   Cost: $600.00 

Location:  2080 Tallyho Dr., Aiken South Carolina

Length: 3 days

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