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An
integrated approach to the management of musculo-skeletal dysfunction.
PROGRAMME:
Our course goal
will be to share with you how normal day-to-day function is changed by
interference with the fascial and connective tissue anatomy. By understanding
how various systems interlink to determine function, we can explore new and
integrated treatment strategies as a tool in relieving the distress of the
painful lower limb
After
these two-day workshops, participants should have a clearer understanding of:
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The
functional anatomy and biomechanics of the lower limb
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The
structure of connective tissue, its classification, and its role in normal
musculo-skeletal function
-
How
this system is damaged by trauma, surgery, overuse, or habit, and ultimately
the body’s postural responses with functional adjustments leading to later
complaints – even in non-related areas of the body
-
How
to evaluate the connective tissue/fascial system
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How
all the above guides you, the therapist, through the most appropriate
personalized treatment strategy for every individual client
Our
courses will be an intense mix of theory and practical work, and, therefore, we
limit the number of participants to maximum 18 per course.
ELEMENTS
AND SUBJECTS COVERED DURING COURSES
PART
1
1.
BODY
DESIGN:
The
principle that all structures are involved in movement quality is expanded on.
Seeing the body as a “tensegrity” structure using self-assembly into a
hierarchy of systems from microscopic to macroscopic, full system pre-stress and
minimum pathway (geodesic) principles for musculoskeletal function are
explained. This expands our traditional view of linear biomechanics in
explaining human movement into a more realistic view of the body functioning as
a non-linear system where small changes can produce a disproportionately large
output.
2.
CONNECTIVE
TISSUE:
One
of the main aims of the course is to bring connective tissue as a largely
microscopic subject taught as a basic science in the introduction to anatomy
into the macroscopic domain where it becomes a living tissue that has been
described as our “organ of form” that can be assessed, moved and
manipulated. In this section we look at
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The
structure of connective tissue
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The
classification of connective tissue with the emphasis on connective tissue
proper (this includes tendons, ligaments, fasciae and aponeurosis)
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Vessels
and nerves of connective tissue where it’s role in fluid transfer within
the extracellular matrix and its role in proprioception and sensation are
highlighted
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Connective
tissue architecture. In this we highlight design differences on a
macroscopic level in different parts of the body with special reference to
function and movement quality. Different fascial layers encountered
therapeutically i.e. skin/epidermis, superficial fascia/hypodermis, deep
fascia and myofascia (epi-, per-, and endomysium) are explained and
evaluated within their functionally important contributions to movement
-
Functions
and roles of connective tissue with the emphasis on the fascial components
of the connective tissue
-
Physiological
changes that occur in tissue (especially connective tissue) during injury,
immobilization and remobilization. Connective tissue is both plastic
and malleable.
The wound
healing process is explained and how tissue responds to manual therapy
during all stages of healing. The role of fibroblasts and the laydown of
collagen during healing and immobilization are highlighted. Finally, how
manual therapeutic interventions contribute to the repair and restoration of
connective tissue and fasciae are explained
3.
CONTRIBUTORS
TO “PROBLEM JOINTS”:
Factors
contributing to changes in the movement patterns and movement quality of joints
and limbs are discussed. These factors could be muscle imbalances, surgery or
trauma. We also explore how a “local” tissue dysfunction can contribute to a
“global” body response. How a local loss of tissue gliding and mobility
through thickening or scarring changes movement patterns elsewhere in the
musculoskeletal system is discussed.
4.
MANUAL
ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT OF THE CONNECTIVE TISSUE:
Assessment
and grading of the depth of touch and palpation of tissue are practically
demonstrated and practiced. Palpation and assessment are carefully performed
from the least invasive level on the superficial structures – skin and
superficial fascia, to the deeper fascia/myofascia and myofascia/periosteum
layers. These layers are:
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Evaluation
of the skin. Its quality of movement and mobility, contour of the body part,
areas of superficial changes and temperature are evaluated
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Mobility
of the skin as a unit on the superficial fascia, its mobility and gliding
quality are evaluated
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The
deep fascia and myofascia of the superficial layers of muscles are evaluated
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Deep
fascial relationships to other deep fasciae and myofascia on bone interfaces
are evaluated. We palpate for tissue mobility, flexibility and freedom of
tissue glide. We are teaching to identify areas of compromised tissue glide,
tissue hypomobility and inflexibility, as well as to identify the position
and direction of tightness
This
concludes part
1 where
connective tissue as a therapeutically responsive tissue is introduced.
PART
2 of the course
is more area or joint specific.
The
emphasis is on basic functional
anatomy of the
part under discussion, the detailed biomechanics
of the part or
joint; and how soft tissue changes could potentially change normal joint
biomechanics, leading to pathology, pain or dysfunction.
In
“The Lower Limb” module, soft tissue tightness and scarring contributions to
the development of lumbar spine, hip and knee dysfunction are investigated.
Teacher: Willie Fourie
Date:
24 & 25
September 2011; 9am - 5pm both days
Venue:
London
Cost:
£225 (deposit £75) Early
reg £200 paid in full by 30/04/11
To book: +44 (0)7526
925734 or info@bodyworkcpd.co.uk
Contact us for booking form
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