World Massage Festival &
Massage Therapy Hall of Fame

July 16-20, 2023
Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort
Cherokee, NC

Our Mission Statement: To honor those who built the bridges for our profession,
to educate the general public about massage, to educate therapists
about different types of massage and to have fun.



Eric Stephenson


Eric Stephenson, LMBT is President of imassage, Inc. in Chapel Hill, NC. Eric creates continuing education focused on career longevity for massage schools, spas and professional organizations specializing in Deep Tissue Massage that does not harm the therapist or the guest. All workshops focus on saving your hands with his "No Thumbs!" approach & Core Body Mechanics that help prolong your career.

Eric has been teaching workshops internationally for over 18 years and has worked with the most respected names in the industry including- Sandals Resorts, Mii Amo Sedona, Wynn/Encore Las Vegas, Grove Park Inn Asheville and Kamalaya Thailand.

Eric serves as Chief Wellness Officer for Elements Massage, one of the largest providers of massage therapy in the country - performing over two million sessions annually. In addition, he is an immediate past member of the International Spa Association (ISPA) Board of Directors in Lexington, KY where he served for six years.

Contact Eric at eric@imassageinc.com

Website: imassage, Inc.


"No Thumbs" Deep Tissue Techniques
4 CE Hours

Class description:

Deep Tissue Techniques, Body Mechanics and Self-Care with current research showing over 40% of therapists leaving the profession within the first two years, we focus on career extending strategies throughout this workshop. The intention of this workshop is to teach therapists how to provide Deep Tissue Massage which will not harm the client or the therapist. This includes a thorough exploration of how to apply touch which is received by the client in a therapeutic manner as well as improve the quality of touch the client is experiencing during a service to ensure it is within their boundaries for applied pressure. An in-depth exploration of optimal body mechanics to prevent injury and burnout will be presented in a standing as well as a seated position. We will introduce the harmful effects of forward head posture and overuse of thumbs when therapists deliver massage, all reinforced with research. Students will learn:
  • how to apply Deep Tissue Massage which will not harm the client or the therapist
  • hand saving techniques with our "No Thumbs" Deep Tissue approach
  • techniques to address the tibialis anterior/posterior, arm flexors, quadriceps, hamstrings, rhomboids and many more
  • fresh approaches for treating many common conditions including headaches, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, lateral/medial shin splints and lower back pain
  • Core Body Mechanics in a standing and seated position for career longevity
  • how to read non-verbal guest cues to improve communication and session outcomes


PLEASE DO NOT WEAR PERFUME, COLOGNE OR ESSENTIAL OILS TO CLASS.