Move Better, Feel Better: Soft Tissue Mobilization for the Upper Body - 7/15/2025
Course Overview
This course provides an evidence-based approach, combining IASTM, Cupping and Kinesiology Taping by focusing on how we can stimulate the Central Nervous System (CNS) to reduce pain and enhance mobility. This comprehensive treatment philosophy is movement-focused instead of treating the individual muscle, or the fascia, or the joints. The goal is to make overall movement of the affected body part more efficient to allow the body to heal and to become more resilient: “Move Better, Feel Better”
Clinicians will be able to take their Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) -techniques to the next level by incorporating movement. Additionally, learners can understand how Cupping Therapy (CT) is different than all other manual techniques, and how it supports healing, and recovery. Clinicians will learn how Kinesiology Taping (KT) is used to influence the fascia and underlying neural tissues to cause functional changes in both the local tissue as well as the Central Nervous System (CNS). KT is the ideal complement to soft tissue treatments like IASTM and Cupping.
Understanding how pain works and being able to educate your clients on how to manage their pain is critical to patient outcomes. This course uses principles of the BPS model and Pain Scienced Education as a roadmap to make your treatments even more effective. This treatment approach does not just look at the area of pain, but considers the entire person, and treats the entire dynamic chain that is affected.
Learning Outcomes
Upon the completion of this course, the learner should be able to:
- Review the evidence that supports the use of IASTM, Cupping Therapy, and Kinesiology Taping.
- Differentiate indications, and contra-indications for IASTM, Cupping Therapy, and Kinesiology Taping.
- Categorize different techniques available for Cupping and IASTM.
- Predict how to effectively utilize IASTM, Cupping Therapy, and Kinesiology Taping for the upper body.
- Relate how Pain Science Education and the BPS model can be used to help your patients with their pain and improve occupational performance.
About the Author/Presenter
Dr. Pieter L. de Smidt, PT, DPT, Cert MDT, Cert DN, MTC, was trained in the Netherlands and has practiced as a physical therapist since 1998. He moved to the United States in 1991 and primarily worked in outpatient orthopedic settings. He is specialized in the treatment of sports and spine-related injuries. He then received his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from The Evidence in Motion Institute of Health Professions. Pieter is certified in various techniques including manual therapy, dry needling, mechanical diagnosis and therapy (MDT), functional movement screening (FMS), instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), cupping and kinesiology taping (KT).
Audience/Accreditations and Approvals
Colibri Healthcare
This course is designed for the following healthcare professions (select your profession for details):
Physical Therapy
If you require special accommodations, please contact Colibri Healthcare Support by clicking here: Contact Us
