• Joe Muscolino has been running cadaver lab workshops for more than 15 years. Cadaver labs are run at the University of Bridgeport, College of Chiropractic in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

• Human cadaver workshops are either three or four hours in length. The difference between the three and four-hour workshops is the amount of time spent and therefore, the number of structures that can be seen and the amount of detail that can be explored.

• The three-hour workshop is recommended for the first time participant. Every major skeletal muscle of the body is seen, as well as time spent on the major internal visceral organs.

• The longer workshops are truly better because more is seen and learned. These longer workshops are best for the more motivated and ambitious students (first time or otherwise). The longer time frame allows for most every skeletal muscle to be seen, including smaller muscles of the forearm, hand and foot, as well as more time spent with the internal viscera. More time also allows for comparison time to be spent looking at the same muscles or structures in different cadavers and also time spent seeing whatever pathologic conditions might be present, such as arteriosclerosis, polycystic kidneys, etc. Finally, the longer workshop allows for us to slow down and take our time and also for more questions to be asked and discussed.

• A maximum of 15 participants are admitted so that everyone can see and have the opportunity to palpate, if desired.

• Contact hours of continuing education through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) are given to massage therapists and bodyworkers.

• The cadavers that are used are already dissected by the Chiropractic students. The focus of the workshop is to have the structures (that are already dissected) displayed to the workshop participants. The emphasis is primarily upon the muscular system, but some time is spent seeing the internal viscera such as the heart, lungs etc.

• Multiple cadavers are used so that a better sense of the variability of the structures of the body can be seen.

• The main point of the cadaver lab is to see all of the structures that you have studied for so long. There is no pressure to have to do anything except observe. If you would like, you certainly may palpate the structures. Latex (and non-latex gloves for those who are allergic) will be provided for those who do wish to palpate.
  
  
• I often like to say that being a Massage Therapist, or any type of bodyworker, and never having seen the inside of the human body is like being a car mechanic and never having opened up the hood!

Note: If you have a group and you would like to have a cadaver lab done specifically for your group, cadaver labs of different lengths and focuses can be created to meet the needs of your group. Please click the "Contact" button above and leave an email regarding what you would like.

“What a great experience I had at the lab! I felt like I was able to see, feel, and absorb much more this time than last December. I think this was, in part, because my theoretical understanding of anatomy is deeper now. How valuable it is to see and touch a person's physical form and see the reality of the highly individual anatomy we use to affect the world around us! ”

- Jason W., Licensed Massage Therapist

Here's what people are saying...

Unsolicited Testimonials:

“I just wanted to thank you for sharing your knowledge with us and for creating the opportunity for such amazing learning and growth! I left the workshop with a feeling of understanding, compassion and gratitude! I never really considered what a tremendous gift it is to donate your body to science until yesterday. Joe and I took a moment to express our gratitude before entering the cadaver room, but it was not until we were done that I realized how deeply grateful I am.”

- Sheryl C., LMT

 

“Hi Joe! I had attended one of your cadaver labs in November 2008, and it was a life-altering opportunity. I regret I never followed up with you to express my gratitude. It was by far the most valuable experience I had as a student of massage therapy. My hope is to attend another lab in the near future, if you are still offering them. Again, thank you for sharing your great gifts with the rest of us. You are a big part of the reason I have come to harbor a great love and respect for the human body.”

- Jennifer N., Massage Therapist