Ann Sleeper, RMT

This is my last year of teaching.
The course listed below is in June. I hope to teach another course in September or October 2026. It will be either Muscle Energy Technique for the Neck or Muscle Energy for the Ribs. I am not able to teach Muscle Energy for the Low Back because it takes more that two days.You can check this website later to see if there will be a fall course, or email me at sleeplow@telus.net and ask to get on my email list for new courses. Thank you.

Courses for 2026

The techniques Ann teaches are based on osteopathic concepts, which use an understanding of anatomy and body structure to treat pain and dysfunction.

Ann Sleeper RMT has been practicing in Vancouver since 1981. She taught Muscle Energy Technique (MET) at West Coast College of Massage Therapy for six years, and has instructed continuing education courses since 1991. Ann has studied techniques from the osteopathic tradition in the U.S. and Canada, including Muscle Energy Technique, Cranial Therapy, Myofascial Release and Positional Release Technique.

Vancouver - Family Centre Therapeutics, 712 - 2525 Willow Street (at Broadway)

May 30-31 , Saturday & Sunday, 2026, 10am - 6pm

Registration: Cheque or cash only, payable at the course
$425 early registration: up to 10 days before the course
$450 after
Email Ann at sleeplow@telus.net to register.

The simple and useful concepts behind the development of osteopathic techniques (Muscle Energy Technique, Positional Release Technique, cranial and visceral manipulation, and so on) are applicable no matter what techniques you use. This course illustrates these concepts and includes simple joint glides for the spine, pelvis and thoracic cage, treatment of the diaphragms, and rocking techniques for lymph drainage and paraspinal muscles. The techniques are easily integrated into your current practice. An introduction to pain science concepts gives an alternate model for how we think about assessment and treatment.

Muscle Energy Technique Courses
Muscle Energy Technique (MET) is used to test and treat the motion of each individual vertebra and pelvic bone. Imbalanced tone of the deep paraspinal muscles and fascia cause decreased and twisted motion of these bones, leading to pain, imbalance throughout the body and sympathetic nervous system overactivity. These problems are very common, especially in patients who have had motor vehicle accidents, falls, etc. Testing is specific and treatment is by accurate positioning and gentle contract relax techniques.

Please do not take MET if your only motivation is to earn continuing education credits. These classes require an interest in learning biomechanics and precise technique.

Introduction to Osteopathic Techniques
The simple but profound concepts behind the development of osteopathic techniques (Muscle Energy Technique, Positional Release Technique, cranial and visceral manipulation, and so on) are applicable no matter what techniques you use. This course illustrates these concepts and includes simple joint glides for the spine, pelvis and thoracic cage, treatment of the diaphragms, and rocking techniques for lymph drainage and paraspinal muscles. The techniques are easily integrated into your current practice. An introduction to pain science concepts gives an alternate model for how we think about assessment and treatment.

Muscle Energy Technique for the Neck and Upper Thoracic Spine
Treatment of lost range of motion of the cervical and upper thoracic vertebrae can be very helpful for reducing symptoms from car accidents, falls and postural strain. This course includes testing of the vertebral joints from occiput to T4 and treatment with gentle contract/relax techniques. MET for this area is used to treat headaches, neck pain and stiffness, shoulder problems and more. An introduction to pain science concepts gives an alternate model for how we think aout assessment and treatment.

Muscle Energy Technique for the Low Back, Part 1 - Lumbar & Ilia
Full range of motion of the joints of the pelvis and lumbar spine is necessary to help the myofascia to normalize and for the low back to function properly. This course includes motion testing of the lumbar vertebral and ilia joints and treatment with a gentle contract/relax. MET for this area is used to treat low back pain, postural imbalance and more.

Muscle Energy Technique for the Low Back, Part 2 - The Sacrum
Thorough assessment and treatment of the sacrum is one of the strengths of MET. This often under-treated pelvic bone can be the key to successful low back treatment.
The prerequisite for taking this class is a previous continuing education class on Muscle Energy Technique for the Lumbar Spine and Ilia.

Muscle Energy Technique for the Ribs
Stiff ribs are common, and can be a factor in re-occurring pain in the neck, shoulder, mid-back and low back. Car accidents, falls and sports injuries frequently cause rib dysfunctions. Because few therapists work with the ribs, many patients have untreated rib problems. An introduction to pain science concepts gives an alternate model for how we think about assessment and treatment.
It is highly recommended that those taking this class either have taken a previous continuing education MET class or have some experience using MET in their practice.

Treating Legs and Arms
The extremities are often neglected, but they can have an influence on symptoms in the back and neck, as well as in the extremities themselves. The course emphasizes working with extremity joints and also shows how to move easily between myofascial release, muscle energy and mobilization techniques for these joints. The techniques are easily integrated into your current practice. An introduction to pain science concepts gives an alternate model for how we think about assessment and treatment.