National Holistic Institute⎜A College of Massage Therapy

09/03/2026

🏃‍♂️💪 What does an athlete actually need from their massage therapist today?

In professional sports, the answer isn’t always deeper pressure or a more advanced technique. Sometimes the most important skill is knowing when to adjust the plan.

NHI Advanced Neuromuscular Therapy Program Manager Phil Okazaki recently sat down with neuromuscular therapists Phil Luis and Paul Gowans to explore the clinical reasoning behind working with elite and professional athletes.

Training load, travel, sleep, recovery, tissue tolerance, injury history, and upcoming competition can all influence what an athlete needs from a session.

💬 “The session that I was planning may not be the session the athlete ultimately needs.” - Paul Gowans

The conversation explores why “no pain, no gain” doesn’t belong in the treatment room, how therapists determine appropriate pressure, why reassessment matters, how the kinetic chain can influence recurring symptoms, and how therapists can evaluate the latest recovery trends while staying within their scope.

Advanced skills aren’t just about learning more techniques. They’re about developing the clinical reasoning to understand when, why, and how to use them.

Read Part 1 of The Role of Neuromuscular Therapy in Professional Sports:

https://nhimassageblog.com/2026/08/20/the-role-of-neuromuscular-therapy-in-professional-sports/

Tag or share this with a massage therapist who wants to take their clinical skills further. 🙌

NHI’s Phil Okazaki shares key insights from a panel discussion featuring Phil Luis and Paul Gowans on the role of Neuromuscular Therapy in professional sports.

09/01/2026

They’re learning Thai Massage! 🙌

Thai Massage is traditionally practiced on a mat on the floor, giving the practitioner room to use their body weight and leverage while guiding the client through assisted stretches, compression, and movement.

Here’s Group 50 at NHI Studio City putting those techniques into practice! 💆

08/27/2026

Your new career might be calling 📞

Tag someone who would make a great massage therapist 👇

08/25/2026

NHI Amazing Alumni Gabriel Posner, PhD., is coming back to where it all began! 💚

More than 20 years after beginning his massage therapy journey at NHI, Gabriel returns to our Emeryville Campus this September to teach Somatic Foundations of Therapeutic Touch and Movement, a two-day Continuing Education intensive for massage therapists.

After graduating from NHI, Gabriel went on to become an NHI instructor, earn his PhD in Mind-Body Medicine, found Elevated Somatics, and publish Somatic Techniques for Massage Therapists.

Now he’s bringing that experience back to NHI!

This hands-on course introduces clinical somatic techniques designed to help massage therapists work smarter, reduce physical strain, engage clients in their own healing process, and use the nervous system to address chronic tension from the inside out.

📅 Saturday, September 26 & Sunday, September 27, 2026
⏰ 9 AM–6 PM each day
📍 NHI Emeryville | 5900 Doyle Street, Emeryville
🎓 16 NCBTMB-approved CEs
💵 $499

Learn more about the course and register here:
https://nhi.edu/massage-school-events/emeryville-ce-class-somatic-foundations-of-therapeutic-touch-and-movement-260927

We’re excited to welcome Gabriel back to NHI and share his experience with the next generation of massage therapists!

Are you a massage therapist looking for CE classes? Join us at NHI Emeryville on September 26 & 27, 2026 from 9am to 6pm each day for Somatic Foundations of Therapeutic Touch and Movement.

08/20/2026

Our staff & students know how to have a little fun! 😂❤️

We had an amazing time welcoming everyone to our recent NHI Open House. Between learning about massage therapy, connecting with our community, and apparently doing a little dancing, there was plenty of good energy to go around!

We love seeing moments like these from our campuses. 💚

08/18/2026

Our NHI Redding team had an incredible weekend providing pre- and post-event massage to athletes at the IRONMAN Village!

From helping athletes prepare for race day to supporting their recovery after crossing the finish line, our team worked with more than 230 athletes throughout the weekend. 🙌

A huge shoutout to everyone who helped make it happen and represented NHI out in the community!

08/12/2026

Massage school can feel like it flies by. New techniques, anatomy, hands-on practice, clinic shifts—there’s always something to learn.

Take a moment to slow down.

The quiet moments of presence, intention, and connection are just as important as the skills you’re building. They’re what help shape you into the therapist you’re becoming.

Breathe. Stay present. Enjoy the journey. 💚

08/10/2026

Join us for our All Campus Open House on Thursday, August 13, from 3–7 PM and discover what it's like to train for a meaningful career helping others through massage therapy.

✨ At the Open House, you can:
• Tour your local campus
• Watch live massage demonstrations
• Meet instructors and current students
• Learn about our massage therapy programs
• Get answers about admissions and financial aid
• Enjoy light refreshments while exploring your future

Whether you're ready to start a new career or simply curious about massage therapy, this is the perfect opportunity to ask questions, explore the campus, and see if NHI is the right fit for you.

📅 Thursday, August 13
🕒 3:00–7:00 PM
📍 All NHI Campuses

RSVP today: https://nhi.edu/massage-school-events/all-campus-massage-therapy-school-open-house-260813

08/05/2026

🌟 Staff Spotlight: Juliane Carrillo
🇺🇸 U.S. Navy Veteran | NHI Redding Instructor | AAS Degree Graduate

Seven years after first being featured for her work serving veterans through massage therapy, Juliane Carrillo continues to expand her impact.

Today, she is an NHI Redding Instructor, an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree Program graduate, and one of the first professionals to combine advanced neuromuscular therapy with somatic practices, wellness coaching, and trauma-informed care to support veterans and others navigating chronic pain, PTSD, and recovery.

💬 "My understanding of healing is not only professional—it is deeply personal."

As the first non-NHI Core Program graduate to complete the AAS Degree Program, Juliane strengthened her clinical expertise while continuing her lifelong mission of serving fellow veterans.

Today, she brings that experience into both the classroom and clinical practice, helping students and clients alike understand that healing begins with connection, trust, and individualized care.

💬 "Working with veterans in recovery has reaffirmed something I have believed since the beginning of my journey: healing happens through connection, trust, education, and individualized support."

Her message to fellow veterans is one of hope:

💬 "Service shaped who I am. Healing became how I continue to serve." 💚

Read Juliane's full story:
https://nhimassageblog.com/2026/07/23/navy-veteran-redding-campus-instructor-juliane-carrillo-completes-nhis-aas-degree-program/

08/03/2026

What a great weekend at Napa to Sonoma! 💚

NHI Santa Rosa was proud to provide complimentary massage sessions at the Napa to Sonoma pre-race event at Meadowcroft Wines (). Our students had a fantastic time helping runners unwind before the big day while sharing the benefits of massage therapy with the community.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our tables, and thank you to the Napa to Sonoma Half Marathon and Meadowcroft Wines for having us. We loved being part of such an incredible event and look forward to seeing you again next year!