Landmarking, Palpation, and Hands-On Facilitation of the Upper Thorax, Shoulder Girdle, and Arm 

Friday, November 6, 2026, 2 pm - 5 pm PST streaming online

**Important: Because this is a highly interactive workshop, participants are required to have a co-participant (subject) in the room to practice palpation and facilitation techniques.**

**All sales final**

Workshop Requirements:

• Pilates instructors with a minimum of 1 year of experience working 1:1 with clients.
• Participants should have a current understanding of anatomy and physiology, and are expected to review the bones and muscles of the upper thorax, shoulder girdle, and arm prior to the workshop.
• Co-participant in the room who may be used as a subject to work with — this may be a partner, spouse, friend, or associate. If the individual is a Pilates instructor or other movement specialist, they may observe the workshop but may only participate as a subject during the palpation and facilitation portions.
• Bring washable markers to draw on skin for landmarking exercises.

Workshop Description: 

The arm and upper thorax form a powerful and intricate kinetic chain. Efficient movement in this region requires a dynamic balance of muscles, fascia, and nerves working together to guide joint motion. The upper thoracic rings (T1–T4) provide the platform for arm function and must adapt continuously for efficient, pain-free movement.

When imbalances occur in pliability, timing, or strength, shoulder issues often develop. These can arise from local or distal dysfunctions and frequently remain hidden until pain or restricted movement appears.

In this interactive livestream workshop, Pilates instructors will refine their ability to observe, landmark, and palpate within their professional scope of practice. Through guided practice, participants will explore the anatomy and biomechanics of the upper thorax, shoulder girdle, and arm—strengthening their ability to facilitate efficient motion and restore functional balance.

Participants will practice landmarking and palpation of bones, muscles, and connective structures both at rest and in motion, with a focus on:
• Shoulder flexion, extension, and external rotation
• Forearm pronation and supination
• Coordinating thoracic support for efficient arm motion

*All sales final.

The instructors at Melanie Byford-Young Education LLC (MBY Edu) are trained in a variety of exercise systems and movement specialties, and can develop workshops, education sessions and movement plans based on PILATES, Therapeutic Exercise, Somatics, Fascial Movement Exercise, or other program (“hereinafter Pilates, Therapeutic Exercise, or other Programs”).

The Pilates, Therapeutic Exercise or other Programs of exercise may or may not be beneficial to you. It is advised that you first consult with your physician or health care provider about any injuries or existing medical conditions, past or present, before participating in any of our programs. The information and suggestions provided during an MBY Edu workshop, education session or movement session is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Movement Professionals, Movement Instructors and Health Care providers agree to use any included exercises, techniques and information within their scope of practice.

Movement Professionals, Movement Instructors and Health Care providers agree and consent to this session being recorded.

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY! THIS IS A RELEASE AND WAIVER OF CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS.

Participant understands that Pilates, Therapeutic Exercise or other Programs involve physical exertion, are strenuous, and that injuries may occur when participating in such activities. Participant accepts and assumes the risks associated with Pilates,Therapeutic Exercise or other Programs, including, but not limited to, equipment malfunction or failure, overexertion, inability to perform suggested exercises or maneuvers, physical or mental conditions that impede the ability to properly perform suggested exercises or maneuvers, failure to properly operate equipment, and failure to follow instructions. Participant hereby freely and expressly assumes all risk of property damage, injury, and death associated with Pilates, Therapeutic Exercise, or other Programs.

Participant represents and warrants that he/she has no physical or mental condition that would prevent full participation in Pilates, Therapeutic Exercise, or other Programs.

Participant agrees to discontinue any suggested Pilates or Therapeutic Exercises that are painful or may be related to worsening symptoms, and will immediately consult with a medical or health care provider.  

In consideration for participation, receiving instruction in a workshops or educational programs, private or semi-private or group lesson, and using the equipment, props  and facilities, Participant hereby agrees to release, hold harmless, and indemnify Melanie Byford-Young Education, its owners, partners, employees, independent contractors, directors, officers, agents, instructors, licensees and affiliates MBY Edu from any and all claims by or on behalf of Participant against MBY Edu arising directly or indirectly out of Participant’s participation in Pilates, Therapeutic Exercise, or other Programs, use of any MBY Edu equipment or facilities. This release includes claims and liabilities arising from any cause whatsoever, including, but not limited to, negligence on the part of MBY Edu. This release is binding upon Participant, and Participant’s heirs, assigns, and legal representatives.

If signing on behalf of a minor Participant, Parent/Guardian accepts full responsibility for any medical expenses incurred due to the minor’s participation in Pilates, Therapeutic Exercise, or other Programs and agrees to release, hold harmless, and indemnify (including costs and attorney’s fees) MBY Edu or any claims brought by or on behalf of the minor.

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