The Functional shoulder

May 2–3, 2026 | Seal Beach, California + Live Online

If you work with shoulder pain, movement limitations, or athletic performance, this two-day workshop is designed to give you a clearer system for assessing and treating the shoulder complex.

The Functional Shoulder is an intensive course that brings together SOMA Therapy and SOMA Training for the first time in one integrated weekend. The goal is simple. Help practitioners understand the shoulder from a structural, functional, and performance perspective so they can improve outcomes with their clients and patients.

The course combines assessment, manual therapy techniques, and exercise application so participants leave with tools they can start using right away.

Location: Beach Fitness, Seal Beach CA
Live Online Option: Zoom
Tuition: $599

Register Here

A Continuing Education Course for Practitioners in Orange County and Los Angeles

Shoulder injuries and dysfunction are some of the most common issues treated by physical therapists, chiropractors, athletic trainers, massage therapists, and strength coaches.

But treating the shoulder alone often misses the bigger picture.

This course focuses on how the shoulder functions within the larger system of the body, including the ribcage, thoracic spine, pelvis, fascia, and diaphragm. Understanding these relationships helps practitioners identify the true drivers of dysfunction and create more effective treatment strategies.

If you work with rehabilitation, chronic pain, or athletic performance, this course will give you a clearer framework for addressing shoulder issues from multiple angles.

Course Instructors

Dr. Jason Amstutz

SOMA Therapy Instructor

Dr. Amstutz teaches osteopathic pumping techniques used to restore joint mobility, improve tissue health, and support fluid dynamics throughout the body.

Bryce Turner

SOMA Training Instructor

Bryce Turner specializes in translating assessment and treatment findings into targeted exercise strategies that improve movement quality and performance.

Together they combine manual therapy and movement training into a practical system practitioners can apply immediately.

What You Will Learn

Shoulder Assessment

Participants will learn how to evaluate the shoulder complex from both a structural and functional perspective.

Topics include:

• Understanding the five-part shoulder complex
• Identifying the primary drivers of dysfunction
• Assessing the thoracic spine and ribcage
• Evaluating pelvic influence on shoulder mechanics
• Recognizing patterns that contribute to pain or instability

These assessment strategies help practitioners determine why a shoulder problem is happening, not just where symptoms appear.

Treatment Applications

Participants will learn treatment strategies drawn from SOMA Therapy, including:

• Osteoarticular pumping techniques
• Fascial treatment methods
• Restoring joint space and mobility
• Improving tissue hydration and fluid dynamics
• Reestablishing proper structural relationships

These techniques support improved movement and create a better foundation for rehabilitation and exercise.

Exercise Integration

Manual therapy is only part of the solution. The course also covers how to build effective exercise strategies that reinforce structural changes.

Participants will learn:

• Segmental strengthening methods
• Myofascial stretching strategies
• ELDOA exercises for joint decompression
• Proprioceptive and stabilization work
• Exercise progressions for both rehab and performance

This approach helps bridge the gap between treatment and long term movement improvement.

The Shoulder as Part of a Larger System

One of the core themes of the course is understanding how the shoulder connects to other areas of the body.

Topics include:

• Thoracic spine mobility and its effect on the shoulder
• Ribcage mechanics and breathing patterns
• Pelvic influence on upper body movement
• Rotator cuff stability and control
• Fascial and diaphragmatic relationships
• Shoulder mechanics in throwing athletes and performance training

This systems approach helps practitioners develop more effective strategies for both injury rehabilitation and athletic development.

Course Schedule

Day 1

8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

• Group exercise session

• Lumbo pelvic complex assessment

• Treatment and exercise applications

• Thoracic spine and ribcage integration

Day 2

8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

• Group exercise session

• Shoulder assessment and treatment

• Exercise application

• Case studies and practical integration

• Q and A session

Who This Course Is For

This workshop is designed for professionals working in rehabilitation, manual therapy, and performance training.

Practitioners who will benefit include:

• Physical therapists

• Chiropractors

• Athletic trainers

• Strength and conditioning coaches

• Personal trainers

• Osteopathic practitioners

• Pilates instructors

• Movement specialists

• Rehabilitation professionals

• Current SOMA Training or SOMA Therapy students are also encouraged to attend.

Course Details

Dates: May 2–3, 2026

Location:
Beach Fitness
148 Main Street Suite F
Seal Beach, CA 90740

Format:
In person or live online via Zoom

**Please note that this workshop does not include recording access.

Tuition: $599

Register Here

What You Will Take Away

By the end of the course you will have a clear system for:

• Assessing shoulder dysfunction
• Applying treatment techniques
• Programming corrective exercise
• Connecting manual therapy with movement training
• Improving outcomes for rehabilitation and performance

This is the first event that brings SOMA Therapy and SOMA Training together in one integrated format.

Register for the Functional Shoulder Course

If you are a practitioner in Orange County, Los Angeles, or Southern California looking to deepen your understanding of shoulder function and treatment, this course offers a practical and hands-on learning experience.

Spots are limited for the in person workshop in Seal Beach.

Register Here

Frequently ASKED QUESTIONS