Foundation Form and Function

Overview:

Core stability is the new lucrative trend in the Rehab and Sports Industry but what is the actual core according to the new evidence? What are the anatomical integrations of muscle, fascia, neural, and emotional components that are involved in efficient trunk stability? Why are our patients tight, stiff, or collapsing?  Why are so many of our athletes in significant dysfunction? This course is heavily evidence-based on multiple theories on the core and the overriding effects of the global muscle groups, the latest studies on respiration and the diaphragm, and its far-ranging effects on the trunk. Dysfunction of the respiratory complex, trunk muscular imbalances, muscular inhibition and weakness, and myofascial restrictions, all have significant effects on posture and trunk stability.

Multiple lab videos in this seminar will deal with muscle length evaluations, core evaluation, respiratory facilitation, and a functional core training program that can be utilized with heavily involved patients right up to and including performance athletes. 

This online course will enable the student to connect the negative effects of dysfunction of the diaphragm and the dysfunctional core to specific pathologies and generate answers on the management of these pathologies. 

Learning Objectives:

Objectives for Part 1: Foundation Form and Function (hour 1)

1. Describe the components of the core and the function of the core.
2. Describe the function of the diaphragm as it relates to posture, muscular relationships, and stability of the spine.
3. Describe the function and structure of the superficial muscle system of the body.
4. Describe two functions of the diaphragm.

Objectives for Part 2: Foundation Form and Function (hour 2)

1. Describe the four subsystems of spinal stability.
2. Describe fascial and neural length issues in restrictions of mobility of the body.
3. Describe three ballistic movements that may alter core stability and why.
4. Describe the three cores of Caroline Richardson’s Gravity Fit concept.

Objectives for Part 3: Foundation Form and Function Lab (hour 3) 

1. Demonstrate how to determine the length of the quadratus lumborum and erector spinae. 
2. Describe how to differentiate length issues between Gluteus Medius Anterior, Tensor Fascia Lata, and Psoas.
3. Demonstrate how to evaluate transversus abdominus function.
4. Demonstrate how to facilitate the core and initiate a core training program.

Objectives for Part 4: Foundation Form and Function Dysfunction (hour 4)  

1. List three pathologies related to less than optimal core function.
2. Describe three postural strategies that the patient may develop when the core is dysfunctional.
3. Describe how the weakness of the abdominals can alter diaphragm contractions.
4. Explain how respiratory fatigue can alter core control.

Audience:

This online course is designed for Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Chiropractors, and Physicians.