The Social Aspect of a Biopsychosocial Pain Management Assessment is a webinar that discusses the social influences on our perception of pain.

Workshop Overview:
In this dynamic and interactive online workshop, Neuromuscular Therapists will explore the often-overlooked social dimension of the Biopsychosocial (BPS) model in pain assessment and management. While we are well-versed in addressing biomechanical and neuromuscular components of pain, this session invites us to expand our clinical lens—examining how relationships, work environments, culture, socioeconomic factors, and support systems influence the pain experience and client outcomes.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to recognize social determinants that may be perpetuating a client’s pain.
• The impact of isolation, work-related stress, and role identity on the neuromuscular system.
• Strategies to integrate social context into your intake, assessment, and treatment planning.
• Effective communication skills to build trust, enhance client engagement, and promote shared decision-making.
• When and how to refer or collaborate with other professionals for comprehensive care.

Why It Matters:
Pain does not exist in a vacuum. Social pressures and environmental stressors can amplify neuromuscular tension and inhibit recovery. By understanding the client’s social world, therapists can deliver more personalized, empathetic, and effective care.

Who Should Attend:
This workshop is ideal for Neuromuscular Therapists seeking to deepen their understanding of the BPS model and enrich their clinical practice with socially-informed, client-centered strategies.

Cynthia Ribeiro

Cynthia came to the United States from Brazil, where she had attained a degree in Physical Education and studied Surgical Nursing. In the U.S., she graduated from two massage schools, and now specializes in Neuromuscular Therapy and Orthopedic Massage.

A highly dynamic teacher, she has taught advanced anatomy and injury rehabilitation skills since 1988. Her in-person Advanced Neuromuscular Therapy workshops are in high demand throughout U.S. and Canada. Cynthia frequently presents at state and national massage therapy conventions and has had great success with both her in-person and online course offerings.

As founder and owner of Western Institute of Neuromuscular Massage Therapy (WIN) in Southern California, Cynthia developed highly effective therapeutic bodywork, and has brought that material to NHI for the 450 hour program in Advanced Neuromuscular Therapy.

In 2003, she was appointed Honorary Clinical Professor at the University California Irvine Medical School.  In 2012 she became National President for the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA). In 2017 she received the Jerome Perlinski, Teacher of the Year Award.

Cynthia has also served as a Board of Directors member of the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB).

A continual inspiration to her students, she nevertheless says, “I am always a student myself, and I strongly believe in lifelong learning.”