Full Course Description

Re-discover The Core: Shift Clinical Understanding to Improve Neuromuscular Re-Education, Stability, Mobility & Function

Core function is the apex of all functional movement, yet the “core” is one of the most misunderstood terms in therapy, medicine, and athletics.

With this robust approach that is centered on functional stability and mobility, you’ll re-define the “core” and explore a powerful new array of clinical tools that accelerate outcomes.

Filled with techniques for transverse, sagittal, and frontal planes, these evidence-based strategies apply to patients of all ages and abilities. As you highlight neuro-muscular re-education, you’ll learn how to:

Utilize the optimal contraction sequence for functional activities in supine, seated and standing
Integrate standardized assessments that address core weakness and dysfunctional movement patterns
Expertly transition from assessment to treatment
Create activities and exercises for patients of all abilities
Maximize reimbursement with best practices for billing and documentation

Through a series of interactive labs, this comprehensive training will ensure mastery and confidence to implement these concepts into your practice the very next day. With broad applications from sit to stand, bed mobility, fall risk reduction and improvement of low back pain, to accelerating outcomes of elite athletes – you cannot miss this powerful training!

Program Information

Objectives

Investigate missing components of broadly used definitions of the core and how this leads to clinical misunderstanding and lack of evidence when treating core dysfunction.
Evaluate the core with a functional emphasis using transverse, sagittal, and frontal planes with stability, mobility, and functional emphasis.
Demonstrate the evolution of contraction for stabilization of the core and spine.
Appraise standardized evaluations used to evaluate core weakness and stability.
Distinguish evidence-based core activities and exercises emphasizing the re defined core that promote stability and mobility in supine, seated, and standing.
Demonstrate dynamic core activities during labs to develop an evolutionary plan of care and to promote functional outcomes.

Outline

Overview of the Core

Evidence of function and clinical significance
Definitions and myths

Core Function in Multiplanar Activity

Region: Superior, inferior, central
Anatomy & physiology of stabilizers vs. mobilizers

Evolution of Contraction for Core/Spine Stabilization

I-IIA-IIX-IIB - muscle contraction slow twitch to fast twitch
Stability vs. mobility of the brain in the geriatric client
Contract-Relax-Antagonist-Contract principle (CRAC)
Sherrington’s Law: Are we emphasizing poor patterns during treatment?

Core Strength Evaluation

Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS): core stability and mobility control
Bent Knee Fall Out (BKFO)
Side lying SLR
3-Plane Core Test

Evidence-Based Strategies for Stability

Supine core stability
- Abdominal Ball Press Lab:
- Anterior abdominal wall re-education
- Application: low back pain
- Trochanter Tension Lab:
- Supine techniques to contract gluteus medius/minimums, TFL, and QL
- Application: single leg standing balance for mobility and transfers
Seated core stability
- Dolphin Lab:
- Core dissemination during frontal plane mobility
- Application: lateral mobility: bed mobility, toileting, functional reach
- Stable Ball Drop Lab:
- Stabilizing the anterior and posterior abdominal walls
- Application: low back pain and fall risk
Standing core stability
- Wall Plank Lab:
- Application: low back pain, LOB, fall risk
- PNF Chop Lab:
- PNF functional reaching diagonal patterns
- Application: high to low reaching during functional tasks

Evidence-Based Strategies for Mobility

Supine core mobility
- ASIS Press, Scapular Elevation Lab:
- Mobilization of the pelvis to reduce soft tissue tightness
- Application: sagittal plane movement of the upper body over the core
Seated core mobility
- Quad Sit-up Lab:
- Sit-stand utilizing lower extremity emphasis
- Application: low back pain, sit-stand/transfers
- Mobile Drop Lab:
- Core rotation and reaching in all planes with various weighted objects
- Application: functional reach for ADL’s
Standing core mobility
- Standing ASIS, Dynamic Chop Lab:
- Tactile cues for pelvic extension during sit-stand
- Application: COG over BOS during upright tasks with reduced energy expenditure

Target Audience

Physical Therapists
Physical Therapist Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Chiropractors
Athletic Trainers
Massage Therapists
Other Rehab Professionals

Copyright : 10/05/2022

The Core: Training from the Inside Out

Assessing core function is challenging and sometimes overwhelming, but with these tests and effective strategies – you’ll go back to the clinic feeling confident and have a clear direction to use with your clients. You’ll walk through how the core muscles function and why dysfunction is so common. With techniques for LBP, poor posture, snapping hip and urinary incontinence – these proven progressive strategies will retrain core function!

Program Information

Objectives

Develop a clear understanding of the core, including, the ‘inner core’ and ‘outer core’, outlining their importance.
Evaluate how and why the inner core muscles become dysfunctional in so many individuals.
Establish strategies to assess core muscle function.
Propose step-by-step strategies to train the inner and outer core muscles for optimal function.
Investigate common MSK injuries that are associated with a dysfunctional core; and consider corrective strategies.

Outline

Foundational Anatomy and Core Concepts
- Anatomy of the ‘Inner Core’ and ‘Outer Core”
- Introduce theories of how the core muscles function
How and Why does our Core Become Dysfunctional
- The BioPshycoSocial model of care
- Factors that contribute to a dysfunctional (or inactive?) core
- Common patterns in someone with a dysfunctional core
- The brain and body connection: Body mapping via the homunculus
- The upper and lower cross patterns of dysfunction
- Injuries associated with upper cross and lower cross dysfunction
Assessing Core Muscle Function
- Old models of assessment
- New models of assessment: three planes of motion and movement screens
Progressively Train the Core: Strategies and Tips
- Stage 1: Core muscle facilitation: Supine
- Stage 2: Core function: All 4’s
- Stage 3: Core function: High kneeling
- Stage 4: Core function: ½ Kneeling
- Stage 5: Core function: Standing
- Stage 6: Core function: Standing sport specific
Injuries Associated with Dysfunctional Core & Corrective Strategies
- Low back pain
- Poor posture
- Snapping hip
- Urinary leakage (urge incontinence)
Integrated Techniques for Improving Function
- Manual therapy
- Kinesiology tape
- Floss bands
- Vibration tools
FAQ & Case Studies

Target Audience

Athletic Trainers
Chiropractors
Massage Therapists
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapy Assistants

Copyright : 05/12/2022

The Diaphragm: Understanding the Key Role in Core Stabilization and Optimal Movement

The diaphragm holds the key to training integrated functional movement. Many MSK pain syndromes, rehab plateaus and performance issues are the result of faulty stabilization and movement patterns. These compensatory strategies impact the quality of spinal stabilization and movement up and down the kinetic chain increasing stress/load on structures. Assessing the quality of respiration, core stabilization and the ability to modulate both concurrently is critical for achieving optimal outcomes. When you truly understand the core, your ability to impact movement patterns and dysfunction is greatly improved. Learn about these key functions and how to confidently assess them in your practice.

Program Information

Objectives

Evaluate the 3 functions and the role respiration plays in stabilization and movement.
Distinguish ideal vs compensatory respiratory and postural stabilization patterns.
Perform basic assessment of respiration, postural stabilization and concurrent respiration and postural stabilization function.

Outline

Evaluating the Role of the Diaphragm: Why does core matter?

Diaphragm: core anatomy and 3 functions
Respiration: basic description & mechanics
Postural Stabilization: basic description & mechanics
Concurrent respiration and postural function
Consequences of poor core activation

Assessment Techniques to Quicky Identify Ideal vs Compensatory Patterns

Picking up on subtle compensatory strategies
Common areas where we tend to see insufficiency
Respiration: 3 levels (lower ribs, waist and lower abdomen)
Common compensatory strategies with respiration
Postural stabilization: 3 levels (lower ribs, waist and lower abdomen)
Common compensatory strategies with postural stabilization
Sitting diaphragm assessment (respiration, postural function, concurrent)
Supine diaphragm assessment (respiration, postural function, concurrent)
Variations in higher positions

Target Audience

Physical Therapists
Physical Therapy Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Athletic Trainers
Massage Therapists
Chiropractors

Copyright : 08/09/2022

The Diaphragm: Training Proper Respiration and Postural Stabilization Function

360° breathing and core stabilization provide our bodies with the foundation needed for all movement. They significantly influence the quality of movement up and down the entire kinetic chain but retraining these engrained motor patterns is challenging. Learn effective strategies to train proper timing, coordination and expansion of the core muscles - when they are in sync, you’ve got strong, supported movement. With improved recognition of common compensations and cues to help refine the quality of respiration and stabilization, you will be able to immediately implement diaphragm training with clients and make a big difference in their movement and performance.

Program Information

Objectives

Perform basic training of respiration and postural function of the diaphragm.
Distinguish typical compensatory recruitment or faulty patterns during training.
Determine how to approach progressing training and how to integrate the basic strategies with your clients in all settings.

Outline

Diaphragm Training: Impact on Performance and Movement

Where to start
Factors influencing outcomes
Training 3 functions in sitting
Training 3 functions in supine
Specific positions to target common key areas of insufficiency
Typical compensatory strategies: what to look for and how to recognize

Integrate New Breathing and Core Patterns into Functional Movements and ADLs

Strategies and tools to facilitate re-education
Potential limiting/contributing factors to consider
Progression strategies/considerations
Key factors to watch for as load or challenge is increased

Target Audience

Physical Therapists
Physical Therapy Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Athletic Trainers
Massage Therapists
Chiropractors

Copyright : 08/09/2022

Stabilizing the Core & the SI Joint: A Manual Therapy Approach

Restoring a Stable Base

The sacrum is the cornerstone through which the weight of the upper body flows. Eighty-five percent of the population experiences pain directly related to SI joint dysfunction, which connects the sacrum to the pelvis. When the SI joint works in harmony with the pelvis, a wonderful self-locking device develops allowing us to move with ease and power.

Instructor Peggy Lamb will guide you through innovative and comprehensive strategies, including osteopathic-derived muscle energy techniques and neuromuscular therapy to restore the core and the SI joint. This lab-intensive recording is essential for anyone who uses manual therapy to achieve optimal outcomes for their clients.

Program Information

Objectives

Review the anatomy and the dynamic nature of the sacrum and SI joint
Describe the causes of sacroiliac pain and dysfunction
Identify assessment tests of the SI joint and core stabilizing tissue
Evaluate SI joint up-slips and corrections
Practice techniques for restoring SI joint, sacral, and core function and mobility
Apply strategies for resolving functional scoliosis and sciatica

Outline

ANATOMY: OVERVIEW

Understanding spinal curvatures
The architecture of the pelvis
Impact of ligaments, body position, and gender on the sacrum
Articulating surfaces
Nutation/counter-nutation
Causes of SI joint dysfunction

ASSESSMENT TESTS (LAB)

Test for iliac crest
Test for sacral torsion
Test for pubic bone
Test for SI joint up-slip
Test for leg length difference

COMPREHENSIVE OVERVIEW AND DEMONSTRATION OF MUSCLE ENERGY TECHNIQUES (LAB)

Correction for sacral torsion
Correction for iliac crest
Correction for SI joint up-slip
Correction for pubic bone

MUSCLE SWIMMING/DEEP TISSUE STRATEGIES (LAB)

Piriformis/external rotators and/or quadratus lumborum

Target Audience

Massage Therapists
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapist Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Athletic Trainers
Personal Trainers

Copyright : 05/02/2018

Bridging the Gap between Yoga and Pelvic Health

You’ve utilized yoga in your personal life and have undoubtedly experienced the benefits...but when it comes to how you incorporate it into your clinical practice, you’ve hit a roadblock.

The benefits of yoga for the female population are unparalleled. Aimee M. Bailey, DPT, RYT-200, PCES is will provide the step-by-step guide to incorporating yoga into your clinical practice. You’ll learn her proven methods and strategies that will help you to:

Confidently address incontinence
Reduce pelvic pain
Strengthen the core
Decrease stress
Increase HEP compliance

On top of all that, these techniques are also a great fit for those patients who say they hate traditional exercise. This session will be experiential – leading you through each pose so that you can perfect the proper alignment and safely transition from one pose to another. This will help deepen your understanding of how each yoga technique engages the body and when to use them.

You'll walk away with the practical tools you need to help guide your clients into a lifestyle that is more active, less stressful and pain free.

Program Information

Objectives

Differentiate and implement simple yoga poses to improve strength and promote relaxation to improve function in the core and pelvic floor.
Evaluate basic anatomy and function of the pelvic floor in relation to yoga poses and breathwork in order to utilize appropriately in treatment sessions.
Utilize common precautions in yoga poses in order to avoid increasing pain in your patient.

Outline

The Impact of Yoga in Women’s Health

Anatomy of the diaphragm, core, and pelvic floor
Common diagnosis in which yoga is helpful
- Pelvic pain
- Incontinence
- Core weakness

Top 3 Pelvic Health Myths, Busted

It’s all about kegels
Leaking is normal after childbirth and with aging
There’s not much that can be done for pelvic pain

Pranayama – 3 Most Effective Breathing Techniques

Ujjayi breathing
Alternate nostril breathing
Box breathing

Asana – Body Posture to Release, Mobilize, and Strengthen

Poses to engage the pelvic floor muscles
Poses to relax the pelvic floor muscles
How to keep the core engaged
Precautions

Integration: Yoga and Clinical Practice

Implement yoga safely into your treatment sessions
Furthering your knowledge base of yoga

Target Audience

Athletic Trainers
Chiropractors
Exercise Physiologists
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Personal Trainers
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapy Assistants
Physicians
Physician Assistants
Strength and Conditioning Coaches

The Aging of Posture: How Age, Gravity, and Dysfunction Contribute and What to Do About It

Does your patient’s posture appear to be inspired by Picasso? Are your patients reporting pain, dysfunction, falls, and more? Additionally, due to an increasingly sedentary lifestyle and electronic use, forward head posture and excess thoracic kyphosis are becoming more prevalent among ALL age groups. Dive into the anatomical and functional contributions to dysfunctional posture. We will analyze imaging of common pelvic, thoracic and cervical postural dysfunction. Finally, fill your toolbox with evidence-based treatment strategies to inhibit, lengthen, and activate specific structures for long-term successful correction of the most common postural deviations seen in the clinical setting.

Program Information

Objectives

Analyze dysfunctional posture that can occur with contracture, weakness, and disuse of anatomy.
Formulate common associations of dysfunctional posture in the pelvis, thorax, and cervical regions.
Evaluate evidence-based postural activities to inhibit, lengthen, and activate specific anatomy to limit or reverse dysfunctional posture.

Outline

Posture analysis

Images
Lateral Pelvic Tilt

Posture of aging

Muscle Fiber shortening
- Iliopsoas
- Biological sex and falls (anterior vs posterior pelvic tilt)

Stretch principles

Iliopsoas (pelvis)
Sherrington’s Law

Objective Assessment

Measuring FHP
- Angle & ruler
Measuring Kyphosis
- Inclinometer
- Averages

Treatment

NASM approaches
- Inhibit, lengthen, activate, integrate
- FHP - Cervical extension
- HKP – Thoracic, CRAC (active)
Sahrmann Corrective Exercises
- Target-Load
- Thoracic

Target Audience

Physical Therapists
Physical Therapy Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Athletic Trainers
Massage Therapists
Chiropractors