Price: $650 Experience Level: Beginner Contact Hours: 18 |
Despite decades of research Breathing Pattern Disorders, together with a range of the resulting pathophysiological biochemical, psychological and biomechanical effects, remain commonly under-recognized by health care professionals as contributing to pain, fatigue and dysfunction in general and lumbopelvic pain and dysfunction”- Leon Chaitow
This two-and-a-half day continuing education course is designed to expand the participants knowledge of the diaphragm and breathing mechanics and their relationship with the core inclusive of the pelvic floor. Through multiple lectures and detailed labs, participants will learn how the diaphragm and breathing can affect core and postural stability through intra-abdominal pressure changes. As an integrated approach, the course looks at structures from the cervical region to the pelvic floor and helps in understanding a multi component system that works together.
Optimal function of the diaphragm and correct breathing patterns are key to a normal functioning core and postural stability. Evidence-based methods to assess the diaphragm and breath mechanics are presented along with easy to apply practical intervention strategies. This course includes assessment and treatment of barriers by addressing thoracic spine articulation and rib cage abnormalities, and the abnormalities in the fascial system of muscles related to breathing and the diaphragm. The assessment concepts and treatment techniques can be easily integrated into a therapist's current evaluation and intervention strategies. Sufficient lab time is built into the class to allow the participant to practice the material that is demonstrated.
The course information is applicable to the patient who presents with cervical/ thoracic/ scapular/ and lumbar pain. Current literature has shown that these breath and diaphragm training techniques can effectively improve athletic performance in runners, throwers, swimmers, weight-lifters, and Cross Fit athletes by improving motor control patterns. In addition, this course also helps the orthopedic therapist gain some evaluation techniques of the pelvic floor and when to appropriately refer to a pelvic health clinician
NOTE: There are two versions of this course. This edition is designed for therapists with no prior experience in intravaginal examination, and it does not include an extra lab at the end of day two. Therapists with intravaginal examination experience can attend the Breathing and the Diaphragm: Pelvic and Orthopedic Therapists version of the course, which has Pelvic Floor Level 1 as a prerequisite.
Target Audience:
This continuing education seminar is targeted to physical therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapist assistants, occupational therapist assistants, and other rehabilitation professionals. Content is not intended for use outside the scope of the learner's license or regulation. Physical therapy continuing education courses should not be taken by individuals who are not licensed or otherwise regulated, except, as they are involved in a specific plan of care
Prerequisites:
None
What to Bring:
Special Considerations:
As this continuing education course includes lab work, all course attendees should come prepared to participate as both clinician and patient. Participants need to bring a goniometer, a mobilization wedge, and some medium resistance theraband.
Day One: 4:00-4:15 Objectives and Introductions |
Day Two: 8:00-8:30 Questions/Day 1 recap |
Day Three: 8:00-8:30 Questions/Day 1 and 2 recap |
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to::
1. Describe the functional anatomy and biomechanics of the thoracic spine, ribs and diaph-ragm.
2. Explain normal diaphragmatic breathing and the role of the internal and external oblique musculature.
3. Assess and treat dysfunctional breathing patterns including but not limited to chest, ab-dominal and paradoxical breathing patterns.
4. Understand the concept of Intra-Abdominal Pressure (IAP)/ and the control and use of IAP with the diaphragm in a lowered position as a stabilizing mechanism for the spine.
5. Understand the concept of regional interdependence and it’s application in the treatment of back or pelvic pain patients.
6. Recognize the effects of postural patterns and the linkage to the diaphragm and pelvic floor.
7. Understand the muscles and myofascial components involved in dysfunctional breathing and techniques to effectively treat the same.
8. Understand and demonstrate mobilizations of the rib and thoracic spine and develop a comprehensive treatment program.
9. Develop an exercise progression for dysfunctional breathing for use in the clinic and in home programs.
10. Integrate diaphragmatic breathing and mobility in the athletic clientele