This course will focus on improving clinician ability to treat patients presenting with cervico-thoracic disorders. You will learn select high yield manual therapy skills, supported by evidence, that you will use on a regular basis. More importantly, develop skills that will allow you to stage and classify patients to specific interventions and progress them through an exercise based rehabilitation program that builds self-efficacy and resiliency.

This course will also develop your communication and listening strategies. You will gain skills to build therapeutic alliance with patients which will maximize both patient outcomes and patient satisfaction.

• Rule out serious conditions in the cervical spine.

• Classify cervicothoracic patients to specific treatment groups and effectively stage patient recovery.

• Apply selected thrust and non thrust manual therapy interventions proficiently.

• Understand how to effectively prescribe and progress an exercise program for a patient presenting with cervicothoracic pain.

• Demonstrate communication and listening skills that will enable the clinician to establish a strong therapeutic partnership with the client.

• Have adopted more than 3 habits to support reflective practice and continuous growth.

Meet Steve Young

Steve received an undergraduate degree from the University of Victoria before attending the McMaster University physiotherapy program in Hamilton, Ontario. He graduated summa cum laude in 1999 before returning to Victoria to work in private practice. He has extensive post graduate education, organizing and attending dozens of orthopaedic and pain science courses. He previously served as CBI Health’s Senior Clinical Educator for seven years on Vancouver Island and has taught continuing education courses throughout British Columbia and North America.

Along with maintaining a full-time musculoskeletal practice, Steve has been vigorously involved in teaching throughout BC and North America. He has been published in a number of journals and previously served as Chief Editor for the Orthopaedic Division Review from 2005 to 2007. He has also presented nationally at physiotherapy conferences. Steve was recognized for his clinical achievements in 2014 when he was chosen to receive the award for clinical excellence from the Physiotherapy Association of British Columbia. More recently, Steve completed post graduate training with the Evidence In Motion Institute of Health Professionals, an exceptional education group who invited Steve to teach within their program. His clinical interests include persistent pain, manual therapy and the integration of research evidence into clinical practice.

Meet Curtis Tait

Curtis has always enjoyed helping people, which made his journey to become a physiotherapist a natural one. Practicing since 2012, Curtis started his studies at the University of Victoria in 2004 studying kinesiology. This whetted his appetite to understand all aspects of the human body, and most especially movement. He reached his goal of becoming a physiotherapist graduating from the University of British Columbia in 2012, he has been practicing in Victoria since.

Curtis has a bottomless appetite for both food and for learning and growing professionally. To this end he has taken courses in manual and manipulative therapy, IMS/dry needling, vestibular and neurological rehabilitation, as well as chronic pain seminars. Having worked in private practice, pain management, head injury programs, and in neuro-rehabilitation, Curtis works with all types of clients. Sports injuries, chronic pain conditions, vestibular, neurological and concussion presentations are all within Curtis' area of expertise. While he maintains a diverse interest in treating all types of conditions, Curtis particularly enjoys spinal pain, headaches, hip, knee and ankle conditions, sports injuries, temporomandibular dysfunction, chronic pain, diabetes-related conditions, vestibular disorders, stroke and spinal cord injuries.

Inspired and enthused by an approach that focuses on providing his clients with the highest standard of care, Curtis completed post graduate training with The Evidence In Motion Institute of Health Professionals; a stellar program that focuses on evidence based practice and the clinical science of physiotherapy.

Curtis was naturally drawn to Tall Tree Integrated Health Centre based on the clinic’s orientation to excellence, fun, and positively changing the landscape of healthcare on Vancouver Island and in BC. He is very excited to be working with like-minded professionals dedicated to making a positive difference to their patients, community, and profession.

When not engrossed in the latest BJSM publication, Curtis loves spending time with his family and friends travelling around BC and the west coast finding adventures involving the beach and mountains. Having grown-up in northern BC and the Yukon he relishes any chance to play in the snow, and has maintained a love for board sports, basketball, photography and anything involving creative movement.

In the midst of the opioid epidemic, Explain Pain provides an effective, drug-free solution. The provision of pain knowledge to patients is an effective evidence-based treatment tool and patients have a large capacity for understanding.

Based on David Butler and Lorimer Moseley’s book of the same name, this course explains how the pain system works when there are injured tissues and nerves, what happens in the brain in relation to pain experiences, and the impact of stress in relation to pain. Explain Pain is delivered in a way in which any professional working with patients or clients in pain can utilize.

PLEASE NOTE: This venue is not wheelchair accessible.

Luke graduated from The University of Melbourne, and is currently in clinical practice in New York. One of New York City’s most prominent physical therapists, Luke practices a ‘hands-on’ approach combining his advanced manual skills with neuromuscular/exercise and education Luke has a strong belief that education is fundamental in optimizing patient recovery and performance. He has taught advanced skills courses in Manual Therapy internationally since 2004 and has been on the NOI faculty since since 2015.

Luke has extensive experience in the management of acute and chronic pain and sports injuries and is affiliated in the clinical education programs of Columbia University and Touro College. Luke also treats professional and Olympic athletes as well as touring performing arts/dance company members. He currently serves as a consultant with the NBA League as well as European soccer professional teams.

Luke is the co-founder of NY Sports Medicine which was later acquired by Orthology. He is currently involved in clinical research focused on injury management and is developing guidelines for injury prevention in sports medicine and in the workplace.

“Excellent, knowledgeable, experienced instructor who is very approachable and thoughtful when answering questions in the class. Great job!”

“Luke Bongiorno’s sense of humor and positive attitude lets you intuitively know he can and will help you – both physically and emotionally – through your tough time. Thank you Luke for making such a difference in my health.”

“I’ve worked with 7 different PTs over 3 years on a challenging shoulder rehab. Luke stands above the rest. His focused and personalized attention helped me understand the why and how of my rehab so I could get back to the activities I enjoy and maintain a healthy fitness plan for the long run.”

This three-day workshop is for Occupational Therapists, Mental Health Providers, Speech Language Pathologists, Physiotherapists and other allied health looking for concrete strategies to more effectively support their clients of all ages who are impacted by trauma.

This course will provide an integrated theoretical connection about the neurological interplay between attachment, developmental trauma and sensory processing issues. Participants will develop an understanding of the use of relational attunement as a regulatory influence that supports and stabilizes the arousal and sensory processing systems. This workshop will uniquely blend the integration of psychotherapeutic skills with sensory processing intervention.

Health care providers will learn how to put these two distinct therapeutic approaches together as a mechanism for the development of self-regulation and mental health function. A combination of theory and practical trauma interventions will emphasize compassionate dialoguing skills, sensory strategies, postural control and movement techniques together with attachment theory and psychotherapeutic process work. Learning will be facilitated through lecture, story-telling, group problem-solving from case examples, role plays and active reflection.

Participants will be able to:

• Explain how attachment strategies are functionally adaptive in relation to developmental trauma

• Describe the connection between trauma, arousal and sensory processing challenges

• Discuss how the use of relational attunement skills and therapeutic use of self can stabilize arousal and support sensory processing issues

• Develop a repertoire of sensory processing strategies to address trauma

• Understand how trauma impacts postural control

• Learn to provide therapeutic intervention to the postural and movement system to affect change in the emotional responses to trauma (treating trauma through the body)

• Begin to integrate psychotherapeutic process within a sensory motor context

As a clinician with a private practice since 1989, Kim Barthel BMR, OTR is a registered Occupational Therapist in British Columbia, Ontario and the United States. While she is predominantly a speaker and teacher, she also assesses and supports a wide range of clients, often when there is complexity involved. She is an Advanced Neuro-Developmental Treatment Instructor as well as a Sensory Integration Instructor.

Kim travels widely as an instructor to a range of therapists, educators, social workers, physicians, special-needs care providers and parents. Her specialties in workshop instruction include Trauma-Sensitive Practice, Pediatric Neuro-Developmental Treatment, Sensory Processing, Attachment Theory, as well as understanding and supporting complex behaviour and mental Health. In May, 2019, Kim was honoured as the recipient of the prestigious Award of Merit by the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists.

Day 1:

Morning:

• Attachment strategies as functional adaptations to perceived danger.

10:15 am - 10:30 am: Break

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm: Lunch

Afternoon:

• Developmental trauma, sensory processing and arousal.

• Sensory processing interventions as treatment for trauma and mental health challenges.

2:15 pm - 2:30 pm: Break

5:00 pm: End of Day

Day 2:

Morning:

• Continued sensory processing interventions for treatment of trauma and mental health challenges.

10:15 am - 10:30 am: Break

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm: Lunch

Afternoon:

• How is trauma exhibited in the postural system?

• Treating trauma through movement and postural supports.

2:15 pm - 2:30 pm: Break

5:00 pm: End of Day

Day 3:

Morning: Becoming your best self and self-care.

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm: Lunch

Afternoon:

• Relational interventions

• The art of regulation through relationship

• Compassionate dialoguing in the sensory environment

2:15 pm - 2:30 pm: Break

5:00 pm: End of Day

Bodily Relearning is an all-new course offered by Noigroup based on and supported by the Bodily Relearning book by author, educator, and physical therapist Benjamin Boyd, PT, DPTSc .

In this interactive course, we will explore how to help those in pain gain insight, knowledge, and understanding about how bodily protection systems operate and how to regain some control over these protection responses, including pain. We will investigate the use of movement exploration and reflection to help reset bodily protection responses.

Additionally, we will explore other concurrent strategies, such as targeted neurodynamic exercises and mindfulness practices, to help reset bodily protection levels and increase engagement in meaningful life activities. With the skills emphasised in this course, we aim to drive bodily relearning by facilitating bioplastic adaptations to reset bodily protection responses towards less protection, less pain, and more freedom of movement.

Ben works as a Physical Therapist at Stanford ValleyCare in Livermore, California where he specializes in persistent pain conditions, working with both individual clients and group classes. He has worked as an outpatient Physical Therapist in multiple practice settings within the San Francisco Bay Area, seeing patients with a variety of neuromusculoskeletal complaints. He received certification as an Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist through the American Physical Therapy Association in 2008.

In addition, Ben was an Associate Professor at Samuel Merritt University in Oakland, California for 12 years, where he taught in their entry-level Physical Therapy Program. He continues to work as an Adjunct Associate Professor for this program, teaching on a part-time basis. Ben has been teaching courses on peripheral nervous system anatomy, biomechanics, clinical evaluation, and intervention since 2004 and he joined the NOI US teaching faculty in 2013.

Ben originally graduated from the joint program at the University of California, San Francisco and San Francisco State University (UCSF/SFSU) with a Masters of Science in Physical Therapy in 2002, returning in 2008 to earn his Doctor of Physical Therapy Science degree.

Ben has been involved in research examining neuropathic pain conditions, including the mechanosensitivity of the nervous system in people with Diabetes Mellitus and in women post breast cancer treatment.

“Great speaker, very knowledgeable about the course material and evidence-based on other areas. Was able to answer participants questions well.”

“Excellent, knowledgeable, experienced instructor who is very approachable and thoughtful when answering questions in the class. Great job!”

“Ben was a fantastic presenter. He was very personable and approachable, answering questions in a helpful and discussion based manner.”

“Ben is an excellent clinical educator. Really appreciated watching him work with the group and pitching things to various levels for the different participants. Great to see adult learning in action”

Bodily Relearning is a book for all healthcare providers and movement specialists who are actively helping those suffering from persistent pain. Participants are welcome to purchase the book as a resource to enhance their learning, but it is not mandatory.

Click here to purchase the book.

A fun and informal workshop packed full of information designed for all therapists, regardless of their titles or experience, who are looking for a patient-centred, pragmatic, and practical approach to the assessment and management of all painful shoulder issues.

This two day workshop is designed to give therapists the confidence that simplifying the shoulder is safe, effective, and evidence based. It is also designed to be highly clinically relevant and to give lots of helpful hints and tips that can be put into practice immediately. The workshop promises to be informative, informal, and fun, presented by Adam in his own unique and controversial style as he cuts through the host of myths and misconceptions that surround the shoulder.

This course aims to give all attending the confidence that doing the simple things well is both efficient, effective, and evidence-based. It also cuts through all the bullshit and bluster as well as the many over complicated and confusing methods and opinions out there around painful shoulders. This course doesn’t promise any fancy techniques, miracle cures, or quick fixes. Instead it focuses on simple, honest, practical approaches giving heaps of tips and ideas that can be used with all who have painful shoulders.

• Simplify the assessment, management, and treatment of the most commonly encountered shoulder problems

• Examine how to best assess and diagnose painful shoulders

• Expose some common myths and misconceptions around shoulder anatomy, biomechanics, assessments, and pathology

• Evaluate how to best assess shoulder movement, strength, endurance, power, proprioception, and its kinetic chain

• Practice all levels of shoulder rehab exercises and how design a comprehensive and progressive shoulder rehab program

Adam Meakins is an Extended Scope Physiotherapist and a Clinical Lead for Sport and Exercise Medicine in both the NHS and private practice. Adam has been a shoulder specialist for nearly 10 years, and has worked in various settings, including professional sport, and has been fortunate enough to work with some of the worlds leading shoulder specialists, helping a wide and diverse range of patients recover from shoulder problems.

Adam has extensive training and clinical experience in orthopaedic medical assessment and treatment, and always looks for the most effective, efficient, and evidence-based approach to help all he sees recover as quickly and safely as possible. His main philosophy is to do the basics really well and save the complex stuff for later if needed. Adam strongly believes in a practical and pragmatic approach, and is passionate about educating patients and clinicians on the evidence and effectiveness or lack of it for many treatments within the profession.

This course will cover current best evidence in the use of thrust manipulation to treat common clinical syndromes. Laboratory sessions will focus on the safe and effective delivery of thrust manipulations to the lumbar spine, sacroiliac joint, thoracic spine, and cervical spine. Lecture material will focus on the developing body of literature regarding safety of thrust manipulation, neurological examination, and the use of thrust manipulations with commonly treated patient presentations.

These presentations include (but are not limited to):

• Cervicogenic headaches

• Acute and chronic neck pain

• Non-radicular mechanical low back pain

• Sacroiliac joint dysfunction.

• Additional lectures will cover the neurophysiological effects of manipulation and the importance of understanding the neurophysiology of pain in treating patients.

Student to faculty ratio: 15:1 (maximum of 15 students to 1 faculty)

Faculty: Justin Dunaway, PT, DPT, OCS, CERT. SMT, CERT. DN

• Understand the risk factors associated with spinal manipulation and be able to screen patients properly using a thorough history and targeted physical examination

• Understand the distinct components of the subjective and physical examination that guide selection of each thrust manipulation instructed

• Understand the strengths and weaknesses of literature support for HVLAT in syndromes commonly treated in the outpatient setting

• Demonstrate to the instructor and class proper technique with lumbar, cervical, and thoracic HVLAT

• Demonstrate to the instructor and class proper technique with lumbar, cervical, and thoracic mobility exercises and their home exercise counter parts

DAY ONE

8:00am-8:30 | Overview of Subjective Examination & Clinical Reasoning Framework

8:30-9:30 | Indications for HVLAT and Cervical Examination

9:30-10:00 | Lab – Examination & Screening

10:00-11:00 | Contra Indications to OMT

1:00-12:00 | Lab – Mid Cervical HVLAT

12:00-1:00 | Lunch

1:00pm-1:30 | Neuro Exam

1:30 – 2:00 Lab | Neuro/instability exam

2:00-3:00 | Lab – Supine upper thoracic and ribs HVLAT

3:00-4:00 | Evidence surrounding cervical and thoracic HVLAT

4:00-4:30pm | Lab – Seated Cervical

4:30-5:30pm | Lab – Round Robin

DAY TWO

8:00am-8:30am | Q&A

8:30am-9:15am | Lumbar examination and evidence for HVLAT

9:15am–10:00am | LAB Lumbar and SL TLJ HVLAT

10:00am–11:00am | Neurophysiology of Pain/placebo/expectation

11:00am-11:30am | Prone CTJ

11:30am-12:00pm | Lab Supine mid/low thoracic; TLJ Sit to supine

12:00pm-1:00pm | Lunch

1:00pm – 1:30pm | Lab: Supine Lumbar

1:30pm – 2:00pm | HA lecture

2:00pm-2:30pm | Lab A/A

2:30pm-3:00pm | Lab: Prone Thoracic and Ribs

3:00pm – 3:30pm | SIJ exam lecture

3:30pm-4:00pm | LAB SIJ exam and HVLAT

4:00pm-5:00pm | Round Robin

This course will focus on improving clinician ability to treat patients presenting with cervico-thoracic disorders. You will learn select high yield manual therapy skills, supported by evidence, that you will use on a regular basis. More importantly, develop skills that will allow you to stage and classify patients to specific interventions and progress them through an exercise based rehabilitation program that builds self-efficacy and resiliency.

This course will also develop your communication and listening strategies. You will gain skills to build therapeutic alliance with patients which will maximize both patient outcomes and patient satisfaction.

• Rule out serious conditions in the cervical spine.

• Classify cervicothoracic patients to specific treatment groups and effectively stage patient recovery.

• Apply selected thrust and non thrust manual therapy interventions proficiently.

• Understand how to effectively prescribe and progress an exercise program for a patient presenting with cervicothoracic pain. 

• Demonstrate communication and listening skills that will enable the clinician to establish a strong therapeutic partnership with the client.

• Have adopted more than 3 habits to support reflective practice and continuous growth.

Meet Steve Young

Steve received an undergraduate degree from the University of Victoria before attending the McMaster University physiotherapy program in Hamilton, Ontario. He graduated summa cum laude in 1999 before returning to Victoria to work in private practice. He has extensive post graduate education, organizing and attending dozens of orthopaedic and pain science courses. He previously served as CBI Health’s Senior Clinical Educator for seven years on Vancouver Island and has taught continuing education courses throughout British Columbia and North America.

Along with maintaining a full-time musculoskeletal practice, Steve has been vigorously involved in teaching throughout BC and North America. He has been published in a number of journals and previously served as Chief Editor for the Orthopaedic Division Review from 2005 to 2007.

Meet Sean Overin

In clinic, Sean facilitates an educational, evidence-based, and client-centered experience treating a variety of conditions with a diverse set of manual therapy and exercise interventions. Always psychologically informed. He has special interests in pain science, neck and low back disorders, headaches, sleep, and upper extremity conditions. In addition to clinical practice, Sean enjoys discussing, teaching, and challenging current practice trends based on the best available evidence. To do so, Sean contributes high level discussion to social media platforms on pain and rehab science. He regularly teaches and writes about his favorite topics, and mentors clinicians and students on a regular basis.

Meet Curtis Tait

Curtis has a bottomless appetite for both food and for learning and growing professionally. To this end he has taken courses in manual and manipulative therapy, IMS/dry needling, vestibular and neurological rehabilitation, as well as chronic pain seminars. Having worked in private practice, pain management, head injury programs, and in neuro-rehabilitation, Curtis works with all types of clients. Sports injuries, chronic pain conditions, vestibular, neurological and concussion presentations are all within Curtis' area of expertise.

While he maintains a diverse interest in treating all types of conditions, Curtis particularly enjoys spinal pain, headaches, hip, knee and ankle conditions, sports injuries, temporomandibular dysfunction, chronic pain, diabetes-related conditions, vestibular disorders, stroke and spinal cord injuries.

Saturday: 3:00PM - 8:30 PM

Sunday 8:30AM - 4:30PM

A virtual course hosted by the world-leading experts in pain and performance that will teach anyone working with personal or professional performance how to minimize the constraints of pain, enabling transformative gains.

When the worlds of modern pain science and elite training collide, something exciting happens; the application of pain reduction strategies takes performances to the next level.

Sessions will be broadcasted live and recorded. Every participant will have access to a full recording for you to rewind, re-watch and review!

• To understand contemporary thought on the relationships between injury, inflammation, nociception, pain, motor control and performance.

• To understand how the nervous system changes in response to injury, inflammation, cognitive, social and contextual factors.

• To understand principles that govern the operation of neuroimmune networks and apply those principles to pain, motor control and performance.

• To understand principles of predictive processing and apply them to pain, motor control and performance.

• To analyse clinical experiences through contemporary notions of human biopsychosociality and bioplasticity.

• To understand, apply, analyse and evaluate the Fit for Play model of prevention, rehabilitation, analysis and optimisation of motor control and performance.

• To create and modify rehabilitation plans informed by modern neuroimmune science.

• To understand the implications of cutting edge neuroimmunology for injury management, pre-season and in season strategies to optimise pain and performance.

• To integrate and adapt clinical innovations from across performance genres to optimise clinical and performance outcomes

• To create and modify pre-season and in-season strategies to optimise clinical and performance outcomes.

• To solve clinical problems by integrating and applying contemporary knowledge frameworks – neuroimmune learning, learning science, conceptual change theory, skill acquisition, cognitive-behavioural change.

• To apply assessment, evaluation and intervention strategies to optimise clinical and performance outcomes.

Lorimer will be joined by an incredible line-up of world-leading experts in pain and performance

• Dr. Darren Burgess, one of the best-known high-performance coaches in football, former fitness coach for Liverpool FC and high performance manager for the Australian national team.

• Dr John Baranoff, a psychologist who specialises in psychology of sport injury rehabilitation and pain psychology

• Prof. Mark Hutchinson, is a professor in the Adelaide Medical School and is the Director of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, he specialises in biopsychosocial pain from the nanoscale, to the cells to systems and this MasterSession will focus on Biomes and predicting injury using biometrics.

• And lots more…

WHY THIS FACULTY?

Professor Lorimer Moseley AO has been working with elite performers in sport and music for 25 years. Originally engaged to work with performers challenged by persisting pain, delayed return to play, or complex motor discoordination, his contributions have expanded to optimizing performance outcomes at individual and organizational levels. In those years, he has crossed paths with and learned a great deal from, clinicians, coaches and consultants working at the very top of their field.

These elite science, performance and clinical experts have been integrating and evaluating cutting edge discoveries in their own practice to drive the pursuit of two common aims: less pain and better performance. They have top shelf CVs packed full or important contributions to elite and recreational sport, music, theatre, dance and circus performance. Interactions with these experts have revealed shared and contrasting perspectives, triggered vigorous discussions, led to collaborative clinical engagements and generated research projects that traverse the pipeline from discovery to clinical trials.

Lorimer has finally managed to find a window in all their busy schedules to bring them together for 16 hours of learning, from cutting edge science to coalface practice, dedicated to Less Pain and Better Performance. Using the proven teaching and learning systems of Master Sessions (this is no ordinary online course!), they will engage you in strategies to enhance your own learning as well as that of your clients.

Over four content packed days, with lectures, panels, one-on-one interviews, and extensive Q and A, these bonafide international experts will share their insights, discuss their successes, failures, challenges and opportunities, with the sole objective of helping you optimise your clinical and performance outcomes: Less Pain. Better Performance.

• Know pain and know gain, moods and foods, rest and recovery, cold and conditioning, practice and protocols, resources and tools, coaching and coaxing, respiration, preparation, communication and organisations.

• Using modern immune and neuroscience to optimize clinical and performance outcomes in recreational, occupational and elite performers.

• The Cortical Body Matrix – the integrated neuroimmune networks that subserve the physiological, motor and perceptual regulation of our body.

• The Fit for Play model – understanding pain, protection and performance, refining the Cortical Body Matrix, and ensuring the unified, biopsychosocial, human is Fit for Play.

• Contemporary theory and practice to optimize clinical, motor and performance outcomes in musicians and organizations.

• Contemporary theory and practice to optimize clinical, motor and performance outcomes in elite athletes and organizations.

• Contemporary theory and practice to optimize clinical, motor and performance outcomes in recreational performers.

• Contemporary theory and practice to optimize clinical, motor and performance outcomes in performers post-career.

• Clinical applications: Lessons, learnings and outstanding challenges at the coalface: sport, music, circus.

This course will cover current best evidence in the physical therapy management of neck pain. Lecture material will summarize the developing body of literature regarding the subgrouping of cervical spine patients. We will present and discuss relevant safety concerns of evidence based treatments with a special emphasis on cervical spine thrust manipulation.

The laboratory component will focus on the safe and effective delivery of thrust and non-thrust manipulation to the cervicothoracic spine and supporting mobility and motor control exercises. The didactic portion will comprise 30% of the class with 70% of the time being spent in the lab.

• Understand the risk factors associated with spinal manipulation and be able to screen patients properly using a thorough history and targeted physical examination

• Understand the strengths and limitations of current objective tests for vascular insufficiency in the cervical spine

• Perform a thorough objective examination using clinical practice guidelines and current best evidence to determine which data to collect

• Demonstrate an excellent understanding of current best evidence in regards to manual therapy, thrust and non-thrust joint mobilization techniques, in the treatment of patients with neck pain.

• Demonstrate proper technique with cervical mobilization and thrust manipulation to the cervical and thoracic spine

• Demonstrate proper technique with all cervical and thoracic mobility exercises and their home exercise counter parts

• Perform upper cervical ligament integrity testing

DAY ONE

8:00am-9:00am | Subjective exam and clinical reasoning

9:00am-9:30am | Cervicothoracic examination

9:30am-10:00am | Examination lab

10:00am-10:30am: Subgrouping and manual therapy

10:30am-11:00am: Cervical manipulation safety

11:00am-12:00pm: Lab – Cervical thrust lab

12:00pm-1:00pm | Lunch

1:00-1:30 | Cervical mobilization lab

1:30pm-2:30 | Cervical mobility/motor control

2:30-3:30 | Lab – Mid thoracic manipulation

3:30-4:30 | Thoracic mobility/motor control

4:30-5:00pm | Lab – Student demonstration

DAY TWO

8:00am-8:30 | Patient expectation and HEP compliance

8:30-9:30 | Upper Csp: Risk/ligament testing

9:30-10:00 | Lab - Instability testing, CN test, BP

10:00-11:00 | Lab – Upper cervical thrust

11:00-12:00pm | Open lab – demonstration

12:00pm-1:00pm | Lunch

1:00pm – 1:30 | Lab – Upper thoracic thrust

1:30-2:00 | Legislative Update

2:00 – 2:30 | Lab – Cervicothoracic junction

2:30 – 3:30 | Lumbar manipulation: Broad overview

3:30 – 4:00pm | Open lab – review and demonstration

Friday 8:00AM – 5:00PM (Online)

Saturday 3:00PM-8:00PM (In-person lab)

Sunday 8:00AM – 5:00PM (In-person lab)

Follow-Up Session: October 6th, 4:00PM-8:00PM (Online)

*full attendance is required to receive course certificate

• Lecture, discussion, case studies and lab

• Lab component involves internal palpation

• An optional half-day clinical shadow or a 1 hour virtual consult within 3 months of course completion

This course examines, in an evidence-based approach, the presentation, pathophysiology, and physical therapy evaluation and interventions for adults of all gender expressions experiencing bladder and bowel dysfunction, incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.Theory, research, demonstration, and practical sessions including subjective/objective assessment and treatment of these conditions will be included. Examination of the pelvic floor via perineal observation, internal vaginal and rectal exam; treatment techniques specific to assessment findings; and the use of EMG biofeedback in small groups will be covered.

Class size is limited to ensure optimum learning, practice, and translation of skill. Instruction on how to screen for low estrogen, vulvar skin and vaginal pain conditions for proper referral and/or treatment will be included. A common sense, evidence-informed, and critical thinking approach will be implemented throughout the course. Participants will be challenged to problem-solve. The physiotherapist will leave the course with new conditions to treat and skills to use immediately on return to their office the next day! EMG biofeedback units will be available for each group of 2-3 physical therapists throughout the course for all lab sessions. Course participants will participate in the lab/practical session which will involve perineal, vaginal and/or rectal examination. 

Our courses focus on active rather than passive techniques. Treatment techniques are supported by incontinence, prolapse and pain science peer-reviewed literature. Learn new techniques for your “tool box” that are not myofascial or trigger point related. There is an emphasis on client empowerment through education and active treatment.

Course participants also receive an optional 1/2 day clinical shadow opportunity OR a 1-hour scheduled phone or Zoom consult with course instructor within 3 months of course completion.

• Understand pelvic floor anatomy

• Understand the anatomy and physiology of typical bladder and bowel control mechanisms.

• Understand the causes, different diagnoses, pathophysiology, prevalence, and clinical presentation of various conditions that affect bladder and bowel control.

• Know how to recognize the clinical presentation of the above conditions.

• Know when to administer a voiding and/or fibre diary and how to provide dietary and behavioural intervention as indicated from the completed diary.

• Understand the causes, different diagnoses, pathophysiology, prevalence and clinical presentation of pelvic organ prolapse.

• Know how to recognize the clinical presentation of pelvic organ prolapse.

• Be able to perform a subjective and objective assessment of the above conditions, including examination of the pelvic floor via perineal observation, internal vaginal and rectal examination.

• Be able to screen and refer for low estrogen, vulvar autoimmune diseases and other vaginal conditions, as well as an understanding of medical treatments for these conditions.

• Understand and have exposure to actual pessaries and their use for incontinence and prolapse.

• Understand and have exposure to penile clamps and inserts for the management of male stress urinary incontinence.

• Be comfortable with the use of EMG biofeedback for both pelvic floor assessment and treatment.

• Be able to provide evidence-informed treatments for above conditions based on research and clinical reasoning.

• Be able to differentiate between pelvic floor proprioception/motor control and strength issues.

• Be able to provide guidelines for general exercise and activities of daily living when pelvic floor dysfunction is present.

• Have explored and understand concepts of appropriate co-contraction of the transversus abdominis and the pelvic floor.

• Have explored and understand concepts of pelvic floor hypertonicity and increased tone in patients with no neurological deficit.

• Understand the impact of these conditions on people’s lives in all aspects of biopsychosocial function.

• Understand appropriate outcome measures.