You are invited to attend the NAMTPT's 42nd Annual Conference October 15-18, 2026
Pittsburgh Airport Sheraton Hotel
Our 2026 Conference
Myofascial Pain and Special Populations:
Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy for People with Hypermobility, Fibromyalgia and for Older Adults
*Hypermobility Syndrome (HMS) is now being termed as HSD : Hypermobile Spectrum Disorder.
During this 4 day event, October 15-18th, the world's leaders in the treatment of and understanding of myofascial pain, myofascial dysfunction, hypermobility and Fibromyalgia will be sharing cutting-edge treatment options as well as insightful concepts and current research-based information.
Who should register for this conference? Licensed massage therapists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, medical doctors and other allied health professionals who want to learn cutting edge techniques and who are prepared to actively participate in treatment trade sessions to learn hands-on techniques.
Questions? Send an email to: Mary Biancalana, Conference Chair NAMTPTconference@gmail.com
For registrants attending all educational programming, this conference will provide 19 NCBTMB Approved Continuing Education hours for massage therapists.
Pre-Conference Workshop with Shannon Goossen
This pre-conference class is sold out, no new registrations are being accepted.
Applying the Mover Stabilizer Technique During Massage: A functional myofascial approach to restore dynamic stability
Thursday October 15th: 8:00am to 4:00pm
This workshop requires a separate registration fee and will provide 8 NCBTMB Approved CE Hours
2026 NAMTPT Conference Agenda
Educational programming begins at 6pm on Thursday October 15th, and goes through 12 noon on Sunday October 18th
Please arrive at 4pm for networking and registration. We will provide a buffet dinner before our first speaker starts at 6pm.
For registrants attending all educational programming, this conference will provide 19 NCBTMB Approved Continuing Education hours for massage therapists.
(Keep scrolling down this page to learn more!!)
Agenda for Thursday October 15th
4 pm The NAMTPT 2026 Conference Begins!
4pm-6pm NAMTPT Conference Registration, Networking, Visit vendors, review products
4:45pm - 5:45 pm
Hot Dinner buffet "Build your own New York Style Deli Sandwich Buffet" and "Geting to Know You" activities
6pm Our educational programming begins with our Keynote Speaker Dr. Tina J. Wang and our general session will meet in Ballroom #1.
6pm-8pm Keynote Presenter: Tina J. Wang, MD (2 CE hours)
Lecture Title: Fascial and myofascial dysfunctions in people affected by hypermobility characteristics
Description: In this keynote lecture, hypermobility expert and awesome person Dr. Tina J. Wang will outline some of the key characteristics found in persons within the hypermobility spectrum disorder. This includes but is not limited to myofascial pain, joint instability tendon and ligament dysfunction. Dr. Wang will be using video examples with actual persons with hypermobility to highlight and help us understand from the patient's point of view some of the challenges they face. Then we will learn some of the positive outcomes and improvements they gain once they learn strategies to cope with their disabilities and changes to the myofascial and fascial structures. Video examples and in-practice applicable techniques will be shown to support our work.
Dr. Wang will leave plenty of time for Q & A, so prepare your questions for this world-leader in myofascial and fascial disorders!
We are proud to promote the premiere of Dr. Wang's new book : Fascia and Hypermobility Disorders: Structural, Functional and Innovative Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches
Click THIS LINK to order Dr. Wang's book
from Singing Dragon Publishing!! (Conference Registrants and NAMTPT Members will get a special discount code emailed to them to save 20% when ordering this important book)
8:00pm - 9pm Presenters: Mary Biancalana, MA, CMTPT, LMT, ACE CPT and Shannon Goossen, BS, LAc, CMTPT
Lecture Title: Scientific research supporting the importance of manual therapy
and range of motion for special populations including those with fibromyalgia, hypermobility and older adults
In this lecture, Mary Biancalana and Shannon Goossen, will help us understand the research science and concepts supporting the importance of including modified techniques for persons in special populations. There have also been quite a few excellent books published recent years which highlight key information on pain science and myofascial considerations. While we know that myofascial trigger point therapy by itself is a brilliant treatment modality, it is critically important that we adapt our treatment style for people who are hypermobile, who have myofascial pain syndrome, fibromyalgia and for those who are older adults/senior citizens.
Thursday will provide (3) NCBTMB Approved CE hours for massage therapists
9pm-onward... Non-CE event: Socializing and treatment trade, Ballroom #2.
The NAMTPT is the only nationally recognized organization that is focused on treating, understanding and eliminating myofascial pain and dysfunction due to myofascial trigger points. We look forward to expanding your knowledge and teaching this amazing multi-step protocol.
Below is an illustration from the Travell and Simons textbooks illustrating possible trigger point locations within the
gluteus medius muscle.
Agenda for Friday October 16th
8am – 12 noon Hands-on Treatment Techniques (Our group will be divided in 1/2 and will learn from each of our instructors in 2-hour segments. Instructors will repeat their session twice.)
Presenter #1 Ann Boone, LMT, MTPT, BCTMB
Lecture Title: Manual Treatment Adaptations for Persons with Fibromyalgia Syndrome. Hands-on Techniques to Release Trigger Points with Accommodations for Clients in Special Populations (2 CE hrs)
Description: Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) is a difficult and multi-faceted condition estimated to affect approximately 2% to 5% of the US population, roughly 4 to 10 million people in the United States alone. There are often additional health conditions concurrent with FMS which may cause high levels of pain and sensitivity requiring a variety of adaptations and creativity when providing hands-on manual therapy to those in the Fibromyalgia Syndrome community.
In this workshop, we will explore a range of manual therapy approaches to employ when working with persons experiencing myofascial pain and dysfunction due to FMS.
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Presenter #2 Carri Bullock
Lecture Title: Hands-On Hypermobility: Assessment methods and manual therapy adaptations for people with hypermobile characteristics. (2 CE hr)
Description: Assessing for hypermobility before performing any type of manual therapy is important because hypermobile individuals often rely on chronic muscle tension to support unstable joints, are prone to overstretching, bruise easily, and have other symptoms to consider when making a treatment plan. Identifying specific hypermobile characteristics allows manual therapists to adapt techniques and modifications for each individual, safely optimizing treatment outcomes.
During this workshop we will practice assessments, explore modifications for maintaining neutral posture, and learn self-myofascial trigger point release techniques for hypermobile bodies.
LUNCH 12- 1pm Hot lunch buffet, "Build your own Fajita bar...With ALL the fixings!!" Networking and meet with vendors
1-2:30pm David Lesondak, SI, LMT
Lecture Title: The Fascia Connection: Discover the Key to Flexibility, Vitality, and Pain-Free Living (1.5 CE hr)
In today’s culture of information overload and influencer malarkey it’s never been easier to find incorrect information on the internet about fascia. Well, lucky for us we have an expert on fascia living right here in the Pittsburgh area! And an expert with two new books out in just the past two years! In this lively, informative and fun-filled talk, you’ll be introduced to David Lesondak's new book on fascia for the lay person: The Fascia Connection: Discover the Key to Flexibility, Vitality, and Pain-Free Living (available at a Target store near you!) and get some easy to understand and up-to-date information on fascia and you will improve critical thinking skills and get the latest fascia research.
Click here for information on David's new book at Amazon
2:45-4:15pm Sue Dimbert, BA, LMT, MTPT
Lecture Title: Manual Therapy for the Zebra - Insights and Helpful Tips For Working with EDS and Hypermobile Clients (1.5 CE hr)
Description: In this lecture, Sue Dimbert will highlight some of the key characteristics of hypermobility spectrum disorder and why this genetic disorder is often referred to as being a "Zebra". We will also be taken on a personal journey as Sue describes her own journey with her Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. It is important for each of us to understand the family traits and signs that may indicate certain cardiac/vascular/circulatory disorders that can be found with some types of hypermobility. We will review best treatment tips and practices for handling the client's loose joints during treatment.
Friday will provide 7 NCBTMB Approved CE hours for massage therapists
4:15-5:15pm Town Hall Discussion (Non-CE event) This one hour discussion session is open to all interested practitioners. We will have open ideas exchange for topics influencing our profession, the study of and understanding of myofascial pain and dysfunction as well as topics relating to our association.
5:15 - 6:15pm Relax and get ready for a fun evening
6:15-7:30pm Dinner for all registrants! Build your own healthy salad with grilled chicken or flank steak. This dinner will be provided to all conference registrants.
7:15-8:30pm Social event; Polynesian traditional Hawaiian dance! We will participate in the integration of intrinsic abdominal muscles and lateral stabilizer muscles with a professional Hawaiian Dance expert. We will provide Hawaiian Leis, Hawaiian skirts and headbands!
● Cash bar and dancing juice available for purchase. You are welcome to bring anything else that is fun that you want help to swing your hipsl!!
8:30pm - ???
Informal socializing and treatment trade for licensed practitioners
Agenda for Saturday, Oct 17th
8am – 12 noon
Hands-on Treatment Techniques (Our group will be divided in 1/2 and will learn from each of our instructors in 2-hour segments. Instructors will repeat their session twice.)
Presenter #1 Richard Finn, LMT, CMTPT, MCSTT
Lecture Title: Trigger Point Therapy for Healthy Nerves and Muscles (2 CE hours)
Description: A relationship exists between our spinal nerves and muscles via shared pathways. A dysfunctional nerve will impact the function of the muscles and visa versa. Our nerve roots innervate muscle but can have broader problems. Treating the skin, muscles as well as the spinal segments is important for fully eliminating myofascial dysfunction. Techniques will be discussed, demonstrated and practiced in this class.
Learning Objectives: Participants will
- Be able to explain a proposed mechanism by which nerve root dysfunction can create down-stream myofascial dysfunction.
- Identify the nerve root segments to be treated via the dermatome map and affected muscles.
- Locate spinal segments for treatment via testing.
- Will treat the spinal level of a particular muscle.
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Presenters #2 Julie Zuleger, PhD, CSCS, CMTPT, LMT and Mary Biancalana, MA, CMTPT, LMT, ACE CPT
Lecture Title: Proprioceptive Techniques to Develop Spatial Awareness in Older Adults and in Persons with Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder. (2 CE hours)
Description: A common characteristic found in persons with hypermobility disorder is a reduction in proprioception. Interestingly we also find a reduction in proprioception in the older adult population as well. These reductions in proprioception occur for different reasons, but they still impact the myofascial integrity of the muscular system. In this workshop, Julie Zuleger and Mary Biancalana will outline important strategies and treatment adaptations to use during myofascial trigger point therapy, massage session or any manual therapies with older adults and persons with hypermobility spectrum disorder.
Julie and Mary will utilize techniques like interoception, tapping, jostling, contract relax, targeted and focused Drishti or focal points when utilizing post-treatment balance or movement techniques. Students will receive a take-home QR code sheet with links to at-home practice videos prepared by Mary and Julie.
Learning Objectives
- Participants will be able to implement proprioceptive techniques to improve body awareness and sensory feedback in older adults and those with hypermobility with application to movement control and postural stability.
- Participants will be able to cue and create progressive proprioceptive activities that enhance a person with HMS and / or older adult’s ability to recognize joint position, load, and movement during functional tasks.
LUNCH 12 noon- 1:30pm Healthy gluten-free lunch wraps and hot, broth-based soup. Networking and meet with vendors
1:30pm - 2:30 pm
Presenter: Dr Jeanette White, DC
Lecture Topic: Topic: Regulating the Vagus Nerve (1 CE hr)
Description: In this lecture, Dr.Jeanette White, DC will outline some of the key characteristics found in persons within the hypermobility, fibromyalgia and how it is important to be aware of the Vagus Nerve dysfunction and how this can impact a person's everyday life and perception of pain/discomfort.
2:30- 2:45pm Break, Meet and greet vendors and other participants
2:45 - 3:45pm
Speaker: Renee Hartz, MD
Lecture Topic: Topic: The Anatomy of the Myofascial Unit; Trigger Points Re-examined (1 CE hr)
Description: In this lecture, Dr Hartz will discuss her investigations into the current concepts of the myofascial system. She has come to review the literature published by many of the leaders in this field; Travell and Simons of course and more recently; Drs Jay Shah, Antonio Stecco, Carla Stecco and Robert Gerwin. Dr Hartz will outline her own conclusions after reviewing this literature and the three essential factors:
1) that ‘musculoskeletal’ is an inadequate term for the MFU
2) that the ‘referral pain’ at the insertion of the MFU is actually an ‘enthesopathy’ and is predicable in location and
3) that the ischemic muscle in the trigger point does not undergo the fibrosis seen in other muscle-based organ systems (eg. cardiac and gastrointestinal). This means that virtually all myofascial pain and dysfunction can be resolved with hands-on Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy and proper self-care instructions.
In this lecture we will discuss the anatomy of the Myofascial Unit (MFU). The MFU, like other human organ systems, is composed of multiple tissue layers separated by fluid contained spaces that allow movement and distortion of the unit.
Saturday's Educational Programming ends at 3:45pm and provides (6) NCBTMB Approved CE hours for massage therapists
4pm-4:45 pm NAMTPT Annual Business Meeting (Non CE Event) Only current NAMTPT Members may attend this meeting.
4:45-6:30pm Relax and get ready for dinner
6:30pm Cocktails (Cash Bar)
7pm -12 midnight NAMTPT Awards Gala Dinner and Dancing
(Dinner is included in your full conference registration) Guest tickets for significant others may be purchased at our website.
At this dinner, we will be honoring our new members, and all past and current members.
7pm Program of events begins
7:30pm Dinner served
8:30 to 11pm Dancing and music provided by:
DJ Jazzy Jeff! Local Trigger Point Legend and Pittsburgh Native,
Jeff Lutz, NAMTPT Past-president and past- NAMTPT board member.
We are so happy to have Amber Davies as a colleague and member of our organization. Amber as you know is the co-author of The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook, Third Edition. Click here to order your copy from Amazon
Agenda for Sunday, October 18th
9am- 10:00am
Presenters: Bob Anderson, CMTPT, LMT
Lecture Topic: Bonnie Prudden style movement exercises to keep your myofascial system healthy (1 CE hr)
Description: In this active participation workshop, Bob Anderson founding member of the NAMTPT, a graduate of the Bonnie Prudden School for Physical Fitness, will take us through a series of range of motion exercises designed to keep our myo and fascial system limber and healthy.
As you know Bonnie Prudden was a very famous television celebrity with her own show in the 1960's that was focused on showing that women were strong and capable of performing exercises even in regular, everyday clothing they had at home. Bonnie is also the inventor of the unitard exercise outfit! Bonnie Prudden was also a pioneer in the application of trigger point pressure release which she highlighted in her book Pain Erasure. Bonnie Prudden first went to Dr Janet Travell because Bonnie herself had lots of myofascial pain. Bonnie also learned a lot about treating myofascial pain from her friend, the pioneering sports medicine doctor, Dr Hans Kraus.
Participants should be dressed to move and get on the floor and exercise. Please wear gym shoes and workout clothes.
10:00am - 11:00am Heather Brown BA, LMT, CMTPT
Lecture Title: Finding Purpose; Integrating Cutting Edge Modalities is Just Good Business Practice for Massage Therapists (1 CE hr)
Description: In this lecture, Heather Brown, NAMTPT Vice-President , CEO and founder of Body By Design, a holistic wellness spa in Pittsburgh, will outline for us how she is able to integrate cutting edge modalities into her massage practice. Heather's team at Body By Design, focus on myofascial pain among many other wellness modalities within her business model. We know that down regulation of the central nervous system is an important key to overall wellness. We will learn how Heather utilizes modalities within her massage therapy clinic to help clients get relaxed and to improve their overall health and wellness. When it comes to special populations, older adults, those with chronic pain or those with fibromyalgia or hypermobility, Heather clearly understands how she and her staff can provide complimentary and integrative add-on services to massage therapy sessions, keeping true to her mission, values and purpose.
11:00am - 12 noon Ron Leonardi, MS, CMTPT
Lecture Title: Exercises and Range of Motion Activities for the Older Adult (1 CE hr)
Description: In this active participation workshop, NAMTPT member Ron Leonardi, who considers himself a well-oiled 1950s Chevrolet Corvette, will outline simple range of motion and exercise activities that can and should be practiced by the older adult.
Scientific research tells us that participating in strengthening activities especially in the older years, can aid in longevity and in a more healthy life. As we age, weakness and trigger points in muscles develop because people do not challenge their balance or musculoskeletal system.
Sunday provides (3) NCBTMB Approved CE hours for massage therapists
12 noon End of our Event Thank you for participating!
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For registrants attending all educational programming, this conference will provide 19 NCBTMB Approved Continuing Education Hours for massage therapists.
CE Certificates will be emailed as a PDF to the email provided by registrants within 2 weeks.
Questions? Send an email to Mary Biancalana, Chairperson:
NAMTPTConference@gmail.com
2026 NAMTPT Conference Speakers
Scroll down for our Speakers and click on each picture to learn a bit more.
This Conference and it's 4-days of content will provide 19 NCBTMB approved CE Hours
for massage therapists
Hotel Information
Our block of rooms at a discounted rate will expire Thursday Sept 24th!!!
Book your room today!
Sheraton Pittsburgh Airport Hotel
1160 Thorn Run Road, Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, USA, 15108
Tel: +1 412-262-2400
- Free Shuttle from the Airport
- Free on-site parking
We have a block of rooms reserved and have procured a special hotel rate for our registrants.
If you are arriving before the start of our conference or staying after, those days are included in our group rate pricing.
So, If you are planning on arriving early or staying longer, you need to call the hotel directly to reserve your room for your extended stay (you will still get our reduced rate for your room).
Call: 412-375-5151 and speak with Ben Daley, Sales Coordinator
Click here to
Book your group rate for 2026 NAMTPT Annual Conference
We invite you to join us for our 2026 event!! Let's make new memories!! Here is a photo from our 30th Anniversary Conference event held in Chicago IL, Conference Chariperson, Mary Biancalana
Questions? Send an email to Mary Biancalana, Chairperson NAMTPTConference@gmail.com
