Live Webinar for Therapists. Complete both sessions for 8 Contact Hours (0.8 CEUs)
PART 1 of Mary Massery’s Full 3 Day “LINKED” Course
August 8 and 9, 2025
9:30 am EST • 8:30 am CST • 7:30 am MST • 6:30 am PST
* webinar waiting room opens 15 minutes prior to start time (US)
EARLY BIRD RATE: Register before June 28, 2025 to receive a discounted rate of $235. Use coupon code MASSERYAUG25 at checkout.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course, developed by Mary Massery, proposes a new definition of “core stability;” redefining it as the dynamic control of trunk pressures to optimize postural stability (balance). Dr. Massery’s novel “soda pop can model” links breathing mechanics (including the vocal folds), to postural control using multi-system interactions. Part-1 lays foundational information and presents numerous quick interventions utilizing positioning and ventilatory strategies. Clinical cases will be used throughout the day to illustrate concepts. The course is applicable for any pediatric or adult patient (or therapist) who breathes!
Participants are encouraged to follow up later with “LINKED Part-2,” a two-day in-person lab course, assessing “normal” breathing patterns, learning neuromotor breathing retraining techniques, and learning manual assistive cough techniques.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
- Relate trunk pressures to breathing and postural control using the Soda Pop Can Model.
- Identify the multiple, simultaneous roles of the diaphragm as related to breathing, postural control, gastroesophageal reflux, constipation, and venous return.
- Correlate the role of the vocal folds in normal postural stability responses to support the use of speaking valves for patients with tracheostomies.
- Choose the best client positions for optimal physiological and biomechanical support of breathing with simple equipment (towels, pillows, etc).
- Utilize a ventilatory strategy algorithm to optimally match breathing with movements from bed mobility to athletic endeavors.
- Apply postural and breathing concepts to a variety of patient populations from infancy to geriatrics.
AUDIENCE:
This course is designed for PTs, PTAs, OTs, COTAs and SLPs.
Dr. Massery received her BS in Physical Therapy from Northwestern University in 1977, her DPT from the University of the Pacific in 2004 and her DSc from Rocky Mountain University in 2011. Her publications and interests focus on linking motor behaviors to breathing and/or postural mechanics in both pediatric and adult patient populations. Dr. Massery has been invited to give over 1,000 professional presentations in all 50 US states and in 18 countries worldwide, including more than 100 presentations for the American Physical Therapy Association. Mary’s research pioneered the concept of managing trunk pressures as a new way to visualize core stabilization. She has delivered keynote and major addresses on topics such as cystic fibrosis and posture, pectus excavatum (chest deformities), connections between posture & breathing, and PNF (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation).
Mary has received national awards from the APTA, including its highest clinical award, The Florence Kendall Practice Award, honoring “one’s outstanding and enduring contributions to the practice of physical therapy." She has been honored as Outstanding Alumnus of the Year by each of her 3 universities. She was also awarded Northwestern University’s Alumnae Research Achievement Award. Mary continues to maintain a private practice in Chicago, specializing in breathing and postural dysfunction.
DISCLOSURES:
Mary Massery receives a honorarium from Education Resources and fees from the sale of her DVD's.
She has no relevant non-financial relationships to disclose.
I can't believe it took me so long to take this course! I only wish I had taken it sooner. It's so applicable for all PTs since all your patients are breathing! Mary Massery is very well spoken and the class is organized in a very engaging way. Highly recommend! -Rebekah W., PT
This course presented concepts which will change my clinical practice forever after. Now that I have a better understanding of the importance of pressure regulation within our bodies, I can more positively impact may patients' posture and efficiency of movement. As a result of this course, I now have a new and better way to get results with my patients. -Mary K., PT
This was a truly fantastic course. The instructions prior to the course for log in, the reminders, the staff available, the quality of the video made attending this course a breeze. Mary's knowledge of course, is plentiful but also her joy and excitement to teach and apply to patients in need is infectious. -Michelle O., SLP
Mary Massery's course added a new element to my treatment plan for EVERY patient in some way. I was utilizing these new skills and techniques within a week of taking this course. I highly recommend this course no matter what setting you are in! -Laura P., PT
This was my first experience taking a Mary Massery course, but I have heard a LOT of wonderful things about her. Taking this course proved all of those remarks to be true and then some! Mary is such a passionate teacher, a relatable therapist, and an all around warm person. She made me feel excited to learn something new and was so quick to encourage us to find small ways to begin this new learning into our professional lives the next day. I can only hope that I will have the opportunity to experience another Mary Massery course in the future; ideally in person! Thank you to everyone who facilitated the course. -Trisha P., MS, CCC-SLP
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