Creative Approaches to Relieve Neck and Shoulder Tension

Thursday 26th March 2026 @ 7 p.m.

Speakers: Lewis Wood and Pete Banbury

Synopsis: This presentation will explore how to quickly identify whether postural issues are contributing to common neck and shoulder tension, and what you can do about it in clinic.

We’ll cover the usual suspects such as forward head posture, upper crossed syndrome, excessive upper thoracic kyphosis and scapular dyskinesis, and demonstrate a handful of simple practical tests you can use straight away to check whether the shoulder girdle is sitting in a more neutral, optimal position.

From there, we’ll ask a key question: does your client have balanced movement between the glenohumeral joint, scapula and thoracic spine? We’ll look at local structures and ROM, then zoom out to consider global movement and how neighbouring segments (and myofascial lines) can influence shoulder function.

You’ll leave with a clearer framework for selecting treatment, plus a few simple movement patterns and corrective postures clients can practise immediately to restore better function. We’ll also share our dual approach: combining targeted soft tissue work with strategies that address wider loading patterns, including releasing restrictions that often sit away from the obvious “tight” areas.

Biographies:

Lewis Wood works as a musculoskeletal specialist and movement-based therapist. He is one of a few practitioners in the UK who effectively incorporates the philosophies of Physical Therapy and Osteopathy to an individualised approach to restoring human function. He first qualified as a Physio in 1999, then soon joined the Sports Massage Association which gave him the opportunity to work at both the Athens 2004 and London 2012 Olympic Games. He then gained more experience in Biomechanics and Pain Management whilst completing a master’s degree in Osteopathy at Unitec New Zealand in 2009 (Physiotherapist, Osteopath, Personal Trainer & SMA Sport Massage Therapist - https://www.bodyalignclinic.com/about.html)

Pete Banbury is an energetic communicator, educator and movement biomechanics specialist. He coaches clients in the 50-70 demographic using primary movement patterns to achieve a pain-free, fulfilling life for them. Pete qualified in 1996 as a Sports Therapist and Personal Trainer, evolving into Sports Massage (incl. 4 years at Leicester Tigers RFC) and later a 3-year Nutritional Therapy Diploma and a functional biomechanics qualification. Currently researching and implementing strategies around neuroplastic pain with his clients - thebodymapper.com

Chair of the SMA, Yvonne Blake, will open the event at 7pm. We're looking forward to seeing you there!

Yvonne Blake

Lewis Wood

Pete Banbury

We ask you to ONLY register for this event if you are able to attend LIVE.  

All SMA Study Events are recorded and made available to eligible members after the event has taken place.

If you are NOT an SMA member, attending this event will cost £25. We will then register you as a Friend of the SMA and you will gain access to all the SMA's live Study Events for the following 12 months.