Online SOBI Sponsored Study Groups

The Society of Ortho-Bionomy International sponsors monthly Online Study Groups. They are primarily in a conference call format and are taught by various Registered Ortho-Bionomy Instructors via Zoom.

Our Study Groups cover a variety of topics and also count towards the study group requirements in the Practitioner and Advanced Practitioner Training Programs.

The receipt received upon registration will have a link to download the handout, any preview materials and the Zoom link. Be sure you have these materials available before you login to the study group.

There is a limit to class size, so be sure to register early.

After a group finishes, all attendees will be emailed an evaluation form for that session. To receive study group credit attendees must attend the class live, keep their cameras on during the study group, and complete and submit the evaluation form within two weeks.

Recordings of select past study groups are also available in the SOBI Bookstore.

The study groups are a full three hours, with no credit given for homework time.

Out of respect for the Instructor and the other students, please be on time for the study group.

The Psoas and Diaphragm Connection

with SOBI Registered Advanced Instructor Carole Poffinbarger

April 16, 2026

6 PM Eastern, 5 PM Central, 4 PM Mountain, 3 PM Pacific, 12 PM Hawaii (US and Canada)

Three hours--Online through Zoom

SOBI member $55; non-member $75

The diaphragm–psoas connection shows how the diaphragm, through breathing patterns or tightness, can affect the psoas, and how the psoas can, in turn, restrict the diaphragm. These two muscles work together to stabilize the spine and, when functioning properly, promote better posture and ease of breathing.

In this study group, we will explore the anatomy and function of these two dynamic muscles, along with their relationship within the front fascial line. We will also examine the visceral, spinal, and leg components, and how they influence one another.

We will look at Phase 4 and Phase 5 exercises that may benefit individuals with these patterns. This work can support clients who have experienced injuries, challenges related to childbirth, pelvic or low back pain, scoliosis, and more.

Having a practice partner is encouraged.

About Carole

Carole Poffinbarger is a Registered Advanced Instructor and Advanced Practitioner with the Society of Ortho-Bionomy International. She has also served as past president and board member of our organization. A licensed massage therapist in Ohio since 1991, Carole actively practices and teaches in Hamilton, Ohio. She is also an NCTMB provider.

Upcoming 2026 SOBI Study Groups
May 21 Shaney Rockefeller The Role of the Tailbone	June 18 Rob Rich A Structural Approach to Plantar Fasciitis
July 16 Sheri Covey Understanding the Fascia of the Neck	August 20 Susan Smith Equine Shoulder Points Revisited
September 17 Melissa Malm Anterior Neck, Hyoid, and Trachea	October 15 Sara Sunstein Chapman's Reflexes Self-care
November 19 TBD Ethics	December 17 Rouel Cazanjian Phase 7

Past Study Groups

Did you miss a previous study group? Recordings of select past study groups are available in the SOBI Bookstore. Take advantage of these excellent resources to deepen your understanding and practice of Ortho-Bionomy. The two newest available recordings include:

Working With the Liver
with Advanced Instructor Melinda Doden

Discover the many ways the liver impacts health and how you can support both yourself and your clients toward greater well-being. The liver is extremely intelligent and possibly the hardest-working organ in the body, profoundly impacting our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Understanding the liver's wide-reaching influence on the body's systems can transform how you work with your clients and deepen the effectiveness of your practice.

Chair Ortho-Bionomy
with Advanced Instructor Jim Berns

Jim will show you techniques that he developed to do Ortho-Bionomy with someone in an upright position in a chair. He will share how he works with most of the body, including the neck, back, arms, pelvis, and legs. You can use a regular chair; you won't need a massage chair for this practice! This recordings is especially valuable for practitioners who want to expand their options. Working upright allows you to observe posture, movement, breath, and nervous system responses in relationship to gravity, while practicing Ortho-Bionomy in real-world settings.