Full Course Description

Anatomy and Physiology of Pregnancy: Changes in Body Mechanics and Impact on MSK System, Overall Function and Pain

This is the ultimate guide to understanding the hormonal and musculoskeletal changes associated with pregnancy and postpartum. You’ll explore the body mechanics by trimester and dive into the myriad of structural changes and most common pain complaints. Hot topics covered include:

When “sciatica” isn’t actually sciatica – and how the piriformis may be the problem (and solution!)
HYPER-mobility and the systemic implications for optimal MSK care
How to better asses/evaluate for the increased fall risk
Autoimmune and post-partum - what to look out for!

Enhance your understanding of the mobility and stability challenges associated with pregnancy and streamline your treatment plan for pain free pregnancies.

Program Information

Objectives

Investigate the mechanical changes of each trimester and postpartum and the associated impact on musculoskeletal care.
Investigate the hormonal changes of each trimester and postpartum and how those impact musculoskeletal care.
Evaluate common pain related symptoms due to the anatomical and physiological changes during pregnancy and postpartum.

Outline

Guide to Hormonal and Mechanical Changes by Trimester

FIRST TRIMESTER
- Hormonal changes – Relaxin
- Mechanical changes –
  - Exaggerated lordosis
  - Widening/increased mobility of SIJ and pubic symphysis
  - Strain of pelvic structures
  - Altered gait and increased fall risk
  - Kyphosis in thoracic spine
- Common complaints: LBP
SECOND TRIMESTER
- Hormonal changes – relaxin, progesterone, plasma volume rapidly increases
- Mechanical changes –
  - Lordotic curve changes
  - Static stability reduced significantly
  - Piriformis hypertonicity compresses sciatic nerve
  - Compression of IVC
  - Shift in center of gravity
  - Anterior pelvic tilt
- Common complaints: SPD, Carpal tunnel and RLS
THIRD TRIMESTER
- Hormonal changes – Estrogen, progesterone and relaxin
- Mechanical changes:
  - Gait – step width and stride increases
  - Upward displacement of the diaphragm
  - Costal angle increases by 50%
  - Rib flare
  - Weight gain increases stress on SIJ
- Prepping for delivery: webster technique
- Common complaints: Round ligament pain, sacrotuberous ligament tension, sacrum/tailbone

DELIVERY & POSTPARTUM
- Hormonal change:
  - Oxytocin
  - Ligament laxity
  - Sleep deprivation
  - Post-partum depression
  - Autoimmune
- Mechanical changes
  - Differences between vaginal birth and c-section
  - Poor posture
  - Long periods of neck flexion
  - Hypertonicity of the SCM
  - Diastasis recti
  - Weakened pelvic floor
- Common complaints: mommy arm/shoulder, elbow pain, LBP

Target Audience

Physical Therapist
Physical Therapist Assistant
Chiropractor
Athletic Trainer
Massage Therapists

Copyright : 11/29/2022

Assessment and Treatment of the Pregnant & Postpartum Body

For pregnant and post-partum mothers, safe treatment options often feel out of reach. But in this training, you’ll unlock proven strategies for better assessing and safely treating the most common pain syndromes that mothers face. From LBP and sciatica to neck pain and carpal tunnel – it’s all here! Filled with effective techniques for mobility and stability, you’ll learn exactly what to do for bodies that are constantly changing mechanically and hormonally. With these active release and care strategies for busy moms, you can quickly reduce pain and optimize overall function.

Program Information

Objectives

Investigate the mechanical and neurological contributions for common pain conditions in pregnancy and postpartum.
Utilize targeted assessment strategies do differentiate various pathologies.
Demonstrate safe and evidence-based treatment techniques for pregnancy, delivery prep and post-partum.

Outline

Enhance Your Clinical Assessment & Find the Root Cause

Pregnancy Pains:
- Low Back Pain
- Sciatica
- SPD
- Vascular/swelling
- Carpal tunnel
- RLS
- Sacrotuberous ligament tension
- Round ligament pain
- Rib/diaphragm pain
- Sacral/tailbone pain
Post-Partum:
- Neck Pain
- Upper back pain
- Torticollis
- Mommy arm/shoulder
- Pelvic floor dysfunction
- Core weakness
- Low back pain
Whole Body Interventions and Solutions: Best Practice Mechanical and Soft Tissue Treatment
- Chiropractic: create fluid movement of the spine and off load spinal nerves
  - Spinal alignment
  - Spinal areas of treatment specific to each pain syndrome
    - Special considerations for piriformis and iliopsoas
  - Delivery prep
  - Pelvic alignment - Webster method
- Acupuncture
  - Anti-inflammatory
  - Neuro pain receptor relief
- Physical therapy
  - Improve strength
- Pelvic floor techniques
  - Rehabilitation
  - Muscle lengthening
  - Slow mobilization
- Massage
  - Muscle lengthening
  - Reduce muscle tension
Low-Cost Tools with High Impact for Pain Relief
- Exercise ball
- Stretches to target hypertonic muscles
- Lumbosacral support belts
- Low back travel pillow
- Wedge pillow
- Epsom salt bath
- Kinesiology tape
- Compression socks
- Tennis ball

Target Audience

Physical Therapist
Physical Therapist Assistant
Chiropractor
Athletic Trainer
Massage Therapists

Copyright : 01/03/2023

Chiropractic Adjustment Techniques for the Pregnant and Postpartum Body

Pelvic alignment is crucial – and with a significant reduction in labor times – these proven strategies will expand your service line and build another revenue stream! You’ll explore month by month, the mechanical and hormonal changes associated with pregnancy and postpartum so that you can expertly guide your treatment plan. Learn a multimodal approach to decrease pain and dysfunction for pregnant/post-partum women and all their common aches: low back pain, sciatica, pelvic pain, mommy arm, round ligament pain and so much more!

Program Information

Objectives

Determine best practices for chiropractic treatment of the pregnant and postpartum body including adjustment techniques and soft tissue care.
Investigate the common pain complaints related to body mechanics.
Evaluate how treatment safely relieves pregnancy related pain complaints.
Demonstrate passive and active home techniques for self-care.

Outline

Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy and Postpartum
- Reduction in labor times
- Postural modifications
- Safety
- Contraindications
- Month by month outline of common issues to expect
Targeted Adjustments, Soft Tissue Techniques & Active Self-Care Tools For All of the Common Pain Complaints
- Low Back Pain
- Sciatica
- SPD
- Vascular/swelling
- Carpal tunnel
- Round ligament pain
- Rib/diaphragm
- Sacrum/tailbone
- Neck/upper back/torticollis
- Mommy arm/shoulder
Specific Techniques to Utilize for the Pregnant or Post-Partum Population
- Postural modifications
  - Side posture
  - Prone and supine options
  - Wedge pillows
- Soft tissue and passive care
  - Myofascial release
  - Muscle lengthening
- At home & active care
  - Stretches
  - Exercise ball
  - Lumbosacral support belt
  - Compression socks
  - Kinesiology tape
  - Bracing

Target Audience

Physical Therapist
Physical Therapist Assistant
Chiropractor
Athletic Trainer
Massage Therapists

Copyright : 01/03/2023

Post Pregnancy Pains

Make the transition into mom life easier with effective tools for the aches and pains that go hand in hand with having a baby. Explore the biomechanical and hormonal changes that impact the musculoskeletal system alongside proven strategies to restore function post-partum. Learn today’s best techniques for therapeutic exercise, postural modifications, and low-cost tools to restore core function and reduce pain for common post-partum issues.

Program Information

Objectives

Investigate the anatomic and physiologic changes related to pregnancy and postpartum and how they affect evaluation and intervention.
Perform an appropriate evaluation of a pregnant or postpartum patient with musculoskeletal dysfunction or pain.
Assess for diastasis rectus abdominis with objective measurement skills.
Demonstrate proper breathing techniques to help stabilize the core.
Assess functional planes of motion and develop treatment plan based on these planes of motion.
Demonstrate progressions and regressions for strength training and exercises.
Develop an exercise plan to get a postpartum woman back to exercising.

Outline

Musculoskeletal Changes Associated with Pregnancy and Associated Dysfunction

Biomechanical changes
Hormonal implications
Postural adaptations
Low back, neck, and shoulder pain
Core weakness/diastasis recti
Incontinence

Exercise, Manual Therapy and Simple Interventions to Reduce Pain and Optimize Function

Enhance Core Function:
- Diaphragmatic breathing techniques
- External pelvic floor exercises
- Exercise progressions and regressions
Shoulder, Neck and Low Back Pain:
- Manual therapy techniques
- Therapeutic exercise
- Kinesiology taping
Modifications to posture for baby care that reduce pain

Target Audience

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

Copyright : 04/13/2023

Core and Pelvic Floor – Identifying and Treating Pelvic Floor Dysfunction from Outside of the Pelvis

Spoiler alert: it’s not just a mom problem!! 1 in 3 women seen in a primary care setting will have pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD). With symptoms ranging from lower urinary tract issues and incontinence to pelvic pain and sexual problems, you need simple assessments that quickly pinpoint the problem. With the large co-incidence of other pain conditions such as low back and abdominal pain, learn practical exercises to reduce symptoms and enhance function. Walk away with straight forward techniques to identify and treat pelvic floor dysfunction externally, as well as when and where to refer if needed.

Program Information

Objectives

Investigate strategies to appropriately screen for pelvic floor dysfunction in their patient population.
Demonstrate treatment techniques and exercises to normalize function of the pelvic floor and improve body awareness.
Determine which patients are appropriate for a pelvic floor physical therapy referral.

Outline

Pelvic Floor & Anatomy overview

Pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function
Other Muscles that Work with the Pelvic Floor

Screening for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (PFD)

Pregnancy and Postpartum
PFD Symptoms Overview
Subjective Exam

External PFM Assessment

PFD Treatments
Kegel overview
To Kegel or not to Kegel?
Other exercises for the PFM
Dilators, Pelvic Wands, Vaginal Weights – oh my!

Appropriate Referrals

Red flags and when to refer
Where to find referral partners

Target Audience

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

Copyright : 04/14/2023

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

Running After Pregnancy: The 4th Trimester and Beyond: Evaluate and Address Postpartum Symptoms

The body doesn’t just simply “bounce back” after a pregnancy. The physiological impacts can last for months or even years.

Many of your female patients have the goal to return to running and Julia Mitchell, PT is here to share her go-to, practical postpartum and external pelvic health strategies that help you address these issues with confidence! You’ll learn an evidence-based approach to:

Determine when to return to running
Exercise progressions that increase strength, stability and mobility
Techniques that aid in quickly mitigating poor running mechanics

This seminar is a unique blend of both external pelvic health and orthopedic perspectives that will give you strategies you can use immediately in clinic. And here’s the kicker - these strategies can be used by women at ANY stage postpartum, whether they had a baby 6 weeks ago, 6 months ago, 6 years ago.

Program Information

Objectives

Investigate common postpartum changes, and their effect on a running preparation program.
Evaluate common postpartum issues and create strategies to address them and prepare for running.
Determine relative and absolute contraindications to running postpartum.

Outline

The 4th Trimester: Postpartum Period

Musculoskeletal postpartum changes
Early vs late postpartum
Subsequent pregnancies

Adding Impact: Progression Strategies

When is it safe to return to running?
MSK and time based considerations
Relative and absolute contraindications
How to increase running capacity
Best strategies for incorporating the stroller
Running mechanics and cadence

Practical Guide to Identify and Address the Most Common Issues

Breathing pattern dysfunction
Posture
Diastais recti
C-section scars
Pelvic girdle pain
Lumbopelvic stability
Hip mobility
Trunk rotation mobility and stability
When to refer to a pelvic floor specialist

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

Foot Strength and Movement Efficiency: Improve Women’s Strength from the Ground Up

“My feet are killing me!”...but it’s never just a foot problem.

In some situations, the best foot orthotic may be...the glutes!

Join Dr. Courtney Conley, founder of Gait Happens, an online education platform specializing in foot and gait mechanics with over 100,000 followers on Instagram, as she explores:

Functional footwear and how to avoid bunions
Corrective strategies for the most common foot diagnoses in women
Why intrinsic foot strength is a critical player in movement efficiency

You’ll learn effective interventions that require as little equipment as possible, so that the patient can maximize what their body is doing. She’ll also bring to light new evidence that shows something as simple as dorsiflexion can have a significant impact on the pelvic floor – yet another reason to get out of those heels! Filled with innovative strategies, you are sure to be able to implement these techniques immediately with your own patients.

The most amazing vehicle we will ever own is the one we all got for free. Let’s keep those feet healthy, one step at a time. A strong foot is a strong body.

Program Information

Objectives

Determine why foot strength and proper footwear is important in maintaining movement efficiency.
Investigate the diagnoses common to women and how to address them.
Evaluate key stages in the gait cycle and why eccentric strength is key to movement efficiency.

Outline

Walking and the Gait cycle

Movement efficiency
Key stages in the gait cycle
Sprains, stress, strain, and stiffness
Importance of foot intrinsic strength
Key structures involved
FHL, FDB, and their relationship to the pelvic floor

Corrective Strategies for the Most Common Foot Diagnoses in Women

Bunions
Hammertoes
Neuromas
Stress fractures

Simple Treatment Techniques with Serious Results

Toe yoga
Farmer’s carry
Palllof press or balance on a wedge
Pen touch for big toe abduction

Taking Care of Feet: Determine Proper Footwear

What is functional footwear?
Shoes and their impact on women’s feet
Recommendations for healthy footwear for WOMEN

Target Audience

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