NeuroAnatomy for the Lower Extremity

16 CE Hours for Licensed Massage Therapists | 2-Day Hands-On Course

NeuroAnatomy for the Lower Extremity is an immersive, embodied exploration of the nerves and fascial structures of the lower body—beginning where the nervous system exits the spinal column at the sacrum and continuing into the pelvis, hip, leg, and foot.

This two-day course combines neuroanatomy, fascial anatomy, movement, palpation, assessment, and hands-on techniques to help massage therapists develop a deeper understanding of how the nervous and fascial systems influence movement, sensation, pain, and function.

We will explore the pathways of the major nerves of the lower extremity and their relationship to surrounding muscles, fascia, joints, and connective tissues. Special attention will be given to the pelvis as a central area of influence when working with low back pain, SI joint discomfort, sciatic symptoms, and common lower-extremity conditions.

Through an embodied approach, students will learn to assess and work with structures associated with conditions such as piriformis syndrome, sciatica, tibial nerve irritation, and plantar fasciitis. 

Expect to spend much of the class moving, palpating, practicing, and experiencing the anatomy in your own body. Rather than simply memorizing nerve pathways, you will develop a practical understanding of how these structures relate to one another—and how that knowledge can inform your assessment and clinical massage practice.

This course is designed for massage therapists who want to move beyond isolated anatomy and develop a more integrated, three-dimensional understanding of the lower extremity.

Easy / Relaxing Options

• Explore Downtown Blue Ridge — Walk Main Street and browse boutiques, antique shops, galleries, specialty stores, coffee shops, and restaurants. Downtown is very walkable and is probably the easiest activity to recommend to everyone.

• Ride the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway — A classic Blue Ridge experience. The train follows the Toccoa River and travels to McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee. November is an especially attractive time for a scenic train ride.

• Visit McCaysville & Copperhill — Walk across the Georgia/Tennessee state line, shop, have lunch, and stroll along the river.

• Visit the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association & Art Center — A good rainy-day or low-key option for people interested in local art and crafts.

• Visit local breweries and wineries — There are several breweries in the Blue Ridge area, along with nearby vineyards such as Bear Claw Vineyards.

Outdoors / Scenery

• Hike to Fall Branch Falls — A relatively accessible waterfall hike near Cherry Log and a good choice for attendees who want some exercise without committing to an all-day hike.

• Hike to Long Creek Falls — Another popular waterfall hike in the area.

• Visit the Toccoa River Swinging Bridge — A beautiful mountain setting and a fun destination for people who want a short outdoor adventure.

• Explore the Aska Adventure Area — Hiking, mountain scenery, waterfalls, and access to the Chattahoochee National Forest. The area has trails for different ability levels.

• Take a scenic drive — November is a great time to simply get in the car and explore the mountain roads around Blue Ridge, Cherry Log, McCaysville, and Mineral Bluff. The local tourism office has several self-guided scenic-drive routes.

• Visit Lake Blue Ridge — Even if it's too cold for boating, the lake and surrounding mountain scenery are worth seeing.

Something Different

• Mercier Orchards — One of the area's signature attractions. The market, bakery, cider, jams, gifts, and mountain setting make it worthwhile even outside the peak apple-picking season.

• Bear Claw Vineyards — A scenic winery about four miles from Blue Ridge with tastings, mountain scenery, and live entertainment on some days.

• Expedition: Bigfoot! Museum — A quirky, indoor option that can be fun for attendees looking for something unusual or for a rainy afternoon.

• Horseback riding — Several stables operate in the area, including options around Cherry Log.

• Ellijay Mushroom Farm — Take a tour through a family-owned sustainable mushroom farm dedicated to the cultivation of high quality, tasty, gourmet mushrooms.