HALF DAY COURSE F: Saturday 13th [ TOP ]

ARCHETYPAL POSTURES AND ERECTING FROM THE FLOOR TO TREAT ENDEMIC BACK PAIN
Phillip Beach

Course Description:

Back pain is proving to be recalcitrant to understanding and treatment. This workshop will offer a new approach to the assessment and treatment of endemic low back pain via Archetypal postures of repose, allied with exercises that are derived from the floor to standing transition - the Erectorcises.
For millions of years humans have spent many hours a day sitting on the terrain to rest and work, and then to erect from the terrain to standing. It is a developmental sequence we have all mastered as babies. A modern chair based lifestyle has had a profoundly deleterious effect on our musculoskeletal health by avoiding floor postures that the human physique has embedded both structurally and functionally. As a society if we are to counter our endemic back pain we need to revalue floor based rest, and train the exercise sequences involved in the floor to standing transition - that most basic of movements for an ape derived from Homo Erectus. This advice and the exercises described are applicable to all but the most infirm.

Context for the workshop will emerge from three perspectives.

  • The first perspective is evolutionary via a brief account of the vertebrate transition from the lateral undulating of a fish to a walking bipedal ape.
  • The second perspective looks at the embryology of musculoskeletal development, and the subsequent childhood development towards walking and running.
  • The third perspective is anthropological - all people, all cultures, across all time frames have found ease and rest on the floor, and maintained the strength to erect from the floor throughout their lives.
  • How to assess and facilitate ease in the floor postures and how to erect from the floor with good form and safety will be demonstrated in the workshop with the participants themselves adopting the postures.


    • All biological systems have self-corrective mechanisms, which in this context are deeply embedded norms of rest, these postures are then functionally coupled with anti-gravity biomechanical patterns that then lift us from the floor. As a society we need to place a value on floor based rest. Deceptively simple advice can make a significant contribution to biomechanical ease.


    Course Instructor:
    Phillip Beach DO, DAc.

    Phillip Beach studied osteopathy at the British College of Osteopathic Medicine, and acupuncture at the London School of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. For many years he taught osteopathic technique and rehabilitation both in London and to many European schools. From his undergraduate days he has an interest in how a dissectionist approach to musculoskeletal anatomy could be applied to the understanding of living movement patterns. Drawing on embryology and evolutionary vertebrate biomechanics he has developed a new model of movement - the Contractile Field. This model of whole organism movement needed a new approach to assessment. The concept of biomechanical tune and the archetypal postures were developed. He lives in Wellington, New Zealand and is in private practice.



    HALF DAY COURSE G: Saturday 13th    [ TOP ]

    INTEGRATED CORE CONDITIONING
    Paul Chek

    Course Description:

    This course is taught by a world class sports trainer and teaches therapists how core control can be modulated by internal systems, such as the digestive, eliminative, hormonal and limbic. Participants will need an intermediate level knowledge of anatomy and physiology for optimal comprehension of the principles and methods shared by the instructor.
    Though there are numerous research papers substantiating viscero-somatic, somatic-somatic, viscero-viscero and somato-somato reflex relationships, current approaches to restoring and optimizing core control typically overlook relevant reflex pathways. Additionally, normal infant development is a requisite for optimal gravitational loading and attenuation of forces. Static and dynamic posture reflect intrinsic balance of the musculoskeletal system and it's supportive bio-systems. In this lecture/workshop, Paul Chek, HHP will share his clinical experience and approach to optimizing core control through the use of exercise, diet, and stress management methods which are relevant lifestyle factors that may influence core control. Participants will gain relevant theoretical and practical knowledge that can be used immediately to improve any patient's core control.

    Upon completion of this course, you will:
    • Understand reflex relationships relevant to core control
    • Appreciate the relationship between the enteric nervous system and core modulation.
    • Experience infant development exercises and their influence on both core control and posture.
    • Explore exercises for progressing patients from isolation exercises into integrative exercises for improved static and dynamic motor function.

    Course Instructor:
    Paul Chek, Holistic Health Practitioner

    Paul Chek is a Holistic Health Practitioner and Certified Neuromuscular Therapist. He is the Founder of the C.H.E.K Institute in San Diego, Ca, and the founder of the PPS Success Mastery Program. Paul is also an inventor with three patents on medical and exercise equipment.




    Post Congress Workshops

    After the congress there will be opportunities to follow workshops.
    These workshops are given especially by clinicians who want to share their work with you.
    Over two days, Saturday and Sunday, there will be evidence based and experienced based courses available.
    The workshops can be reserved when the registrations become available online by the end of February.

    Only participants of the congress can participate in these workshops.

     

     


     

    FULL DAY COURSE A: Saturday 13th [ TOP ]

    CLINICAL APPLICATION OF REHABILITATIVE ULTRASOUND IMAGING: LUMBO-PELVIC DYSFUNCTION
    Jackie Whittaker


    Course Description:

    Continued research highlights that a primary impairment of the muscular system in individuals with lumbopelvic dysfunction is not one of strength, endurance or functional capacity, but rather of motor control. In particular there is a pattern of augmented activity of the superficial, and insufficiency of the deep muscles of the region. The clinical extrapolation of this is that the initial and pivotal focus in rehabilitation must address these motor control deficits by retraining a coordinated co-contraction of the deep trunk muscles, and restoring appropriate activation of the superficial muscles. Success hinges upon the ability to detect motor control alterations in the deep muscles of the trunk. This requires a high level of clinical skill as these muscles are located deep and their desired contraction is sub-maximal. Consequently, the evaluation and the initial retraining phase can be augmented with the aid of Ultrasound Imaging (USI) technology.

    Rehabilitative Ultrasound Imaging (RUSI) has been used by research driven clinicians as a safe and cost effective method to enhance both the assessment and treatment of patients with motor control deficits of the lumbopelvic muscles (including the transversus abdominis, lumbar multifidus, the diaphragm and the pelvic floor muscles). The value of USI in a clinical setting is that it allows for real time study of these deep muscles as they contract. This allows both the patient and the therapist to view the contraction as it happens, leaving little room for supposition. Consequently USI can be used as both an assessment tool, and maybe more importantly as a form of biofeedback, providing patients with knowledge of performance, in the early stages of motor relearning.

    Upon completing this course, you'll be able to:

    • Provide an overview of the history, scope of practice and limitations of the use of ultrasound imaging by Physical Therapists.
    • Demonstrate basic USI and instrumentation principles including the various modes and applications of the technology.
    • Demonstrate of the types of information that are available with USI (namely muscle architecture and echogenicity) and how these are related to muscle composition and activity.
    • Demonstrate how to generate images of the lateral abdominal wall muscles, rectus abdominis, linea alba, lumbar multifidus, lumbar longissimus and bladder base.
    • Demonstrate an understanding of how to interpret static and dynamic imaging studies of abdominal wall, pelvic floor and lumbar paravertebral muscle function.
    • Demonstrate an understanding of how to perform measurements of muscle girth, length, cross-sectional area as well as fascial length and bladder base motion.
    • Describe and demonstrate use of USI in the treatment of lumbopelvic dysfunction including facilitation strategies for activation of TA, PFM and dMF.

    Course Schedule:

    9.00-12.30pm Including 15 mins tea break

    • Welcome and Overview
    • Introduction, History, Scope of Practice of RUSI
    • USI Instrumentation
    • What information can USI provide?
    • Image generation (abdominal wall, bladder neck, bladder base & paravertebrals)

    1.30-5.00pm

    • Lab - Image interpretation - Abdominal Wall
    • Lab - Image interpretation - Lumbar paravertebrals
    • Lab - Image interpretation - Bladder base, bladder neck
    • The role of USI in the treatment of lumbopelvic dysfunction
    • Questions & Summary

    Course Instructor:
    Jackie L. Whittaker BScPT, FCAMT PhD Candidate, School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, UK.

    Jackie received her undergraduate degree with distinction from the University of Alberta, Canada in 1993. In 1998 she completed the requirements to become a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Therapists (IFOMPT). In 1998 she was certified in the application of Intramuscular Stimulation (a dry needling technique) by the Institute for the Study and Treatment of Pain (ISTOP), and in 1999 awarded a Certificate from the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute (AFCI). She is currently pursuing her PhD at the University of Southampton in the UK as well as practicing as an independent clinical consultant in White Rock B.C. Canada.

    Jackie is a registered instructor with the Orthopaedic Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association and has extensive clinical experience with the incorporation of ultrasound imaging (USI) in the rehabilitation of individuals with spinal dysfunction. She has developed and taught specialized courses on the topic of Rehabilitation Ultrasound Imaging (RUSI) in Canada, the USA, Norway, Switzerland and the UK. Jackie has served as a research consultant and associate investigator for the U.S. Army-Baylor University Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy, and is a reviewer for rehabilitative and ultrasound imaging journals. Jackie has contributed to peer reviewed journals as well as a text on the topic of RUSI and is the author of the first textbook devoted to RUSI entitled "Ultrasound Imaging for Rehabilitation of the Lumbopelvic Region; A Clinical Approach". Jackie was the chair of the Real Time Ultrasound Imaging ad hoc committee for the College of Physical Therapists of British Columbia as well as both a member of the organizing committee and an invited speaker for the first international symposium on RUSI held at Fort Sam Houston, Texas in 2006.



    FULL DAY COURSE B: Saturday 13th [ TOP ]

    OPTIMISING MOTOR CONTROL OF THE LUMBAR/ PELVIC REGION TO MAXIMISE RECOVERY AND PERFORMANCE
    Trish Wisbey-Roth

    Course Description:

    Participants will exposed to a wide variety of functional exercises and the theory and research behind how to assess and progress a lumbo-pelvic stability program. The muscle assessment and exercise program design can be progressed from very specific isolating and retraining of individual spinal and pelvic stabiliser muscles, through to dynamic functional movement patterns required for work, ADL through to high level sport.

    The course will cover:

    • Assessment of dysfunctional local/global muscle recruitment patterns of the lumbar spine, hip and pelvis.
    • A grading system to assess and progress a core stability program from the acute stage of treatment, to return to normal function.
    • Practical session, where participants are introduced to a wide variety of graded core stability exercises using proprioceptive cues and progressed functional challenges (resistance bands and gym balls will be uses in some exercise as tools). The important aim of this practical course is to recognise the correct level of exercise difficulty for the appropriate grade of core stability exhibited and how to progress.
    • Graded assessment protocols will be provided for running athletes and cycling. These protocols can be adjusted for a wide variety of sports and work related functional activity.

    Course Instructor:
    Trish Wisbey-Roth ,Olympic/Specialist physiotherapist (FACP) ,Active Rehabilitation Consultant.

    A physiotherapist with over 25 years experience Trish Wisbey-Roth is known throughout Australia for her expertise in the assessment and treatment of complex musculo-skeletal problems with emphasis on spinal stabilisation, grading & functional progression of core stability.

    After graduating from Sydney University, Trish completed both Orthopaedic Manipulative Therapy training in the Kaltenborn-Evjenth system and a Post Graduate Sports Physiotherapy Masters at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra. She became a Titled Sports Physiotherapist in 1999 and has been an Olympic Physiotherapist since 1996. Trish has been involved with Australian national cycling, hockey and gymnastics teams at the National, World Championship and Olympic level. In 2009 Trish successfully completed Specialisation exams for Fellowship by Australian College of Physiotherapists (FACP) and is now one of the first Sports Physiotherapy Specialists in the hip & lumbo-pelvic region.

    Trish has worked in private practice in Australia and Europe and on her return established a large multidisciplinary Sports Medicine Practice in Sydney.

    As an educator, Trish lectures extensively in the areas of diagnosis and rehabilitation of the lumbar-pelvic and hip regions with an emphasis on simple, effective and understandable exercise prescription for both the therapist and the patient.

    Her unique ability to combine her extensive clinical experience, latest research and detailed biomechanical and anatomical knowledge led her to create the BOUNCE Back system of active rehabilitation. This program of graded exercises to improve dynamic core stability with proprioceptive control, enables other trained physiotherapists to achieve consistent and measurable outcomes and to optimise the three dimensional biomechanics of the spine. She is currently the Director of both Bounce Back Active Rehabilitation Systems and the "Take Control" Active Rehabilitation Clinic in Sydney, Australia.



    FULL DAY COURSE C: Saturday 13th [ TOP ]

    POSITIONAL RELEASE TECHNIQUES (PRT) FOR SPINAL AND GENERAL PAIN AND DYSFUNCTION: AN EVIDENCE BASED APPROACH.
    Leon Chaitow

    Course description:


    Positional Release techniques (PRT) - including Strain-Counterstrain and Functional Technique derive from osteopathic methodology. These are manual methods that rely on precise positioning of dysfunctional tissues in ways that encourage a spontaneous response that releases or reduces excessive tension, and/or spasm. The mechanisms are thought to result from spindle resetting, reduction in nociceptive sensitivity, and circulatory enhancement. (Schiowitz 1990, Simons, Travell & Simons 1999, Greenman 1996, DiGiovanna 1991, Chaitow 2007).

    More recent evidence suggests reflex responses to ligamentous shortening achieved during facilitated stages of some forms of PRT (Solomonow 2009, Chaitow 2009). Studies have also shown anti-inflammatory cellular changes in response to SCS (Meltzer & Standley 2007, Standley & Meltzer 2008). Chaudhry et al (2009)have suggested that counterstrain methods can induce benefits to disk related dysfunction.

    Positional release methods are ideal for acute situations, but can usefully be added to treatment of chronic dysfunction, and can be combined with other soft tissue and joint mobilisation approaches.


    For example

    • Low-back pain (Lewis & Flynn 2001)
    • Hip pain (Wong & Schauer-Alvarez 2004, Speicher et al 2004)
    • Chronic and sub-chronic cervical dysfunction (Fryer et al 2005)
    • Plantar fasciitis (Wynne et al 2006)
    • Myofascial pain (Mesegue et al 2006, Dardzinski 2000)
    • Iliotibial friction syndrome (Pedowitz 2005)

    The PRT workshop includes topics which set the use of the methods in context, as well as practical (hands-on) application of these safe, effective and increasingly researched methods.


    By the end of the course the participant should have:

    • An understanding of the methodology, cautions and precautions relating to the use of Positional Release Techniques in a clinical setting
    • An awareness of the therapeutic value of Positional Release Techniques (PRT), particularly strain/counterstrain (SCS) based on clinical and research evidence as well as experiential evidence
    • The ability to employ PRT for first aid care of recent onset pain - and for self-application
    • The ability to show patients self-management use of this research evidence as well as experiential
    • An understanding of the value of PRT in chronic pain, trigger point and restriction settings
    • An awareness of the wide range of PRT related approaches used in osteopathy, chiropractic and physical therapy

    The workshop will incorporate lecture, PowerPoint and video presentations, hands-on instruction and practice.


    Course Schedule:

    Morning 9am to 12.30pm (3.5 hours, includes 15 minute coffee break)

    • Introduction to Positional Release Technique (PRT) variations for treatment of soft tissue dysfunction, including palpation/assessment methods (and accuracy issues)
    • Research evidence relating to PRT clinical use in the spine and pelvis, comparing osteopathic PRT with the methods of Mulligan and McConnell (physiotherapy MWM/'unloading' taping), as well as with chiropractic SOT methodology and aspects of McKenzie methodology ('preferred directions of movement') (Morrissey 2007)

    Afternoon 2 to 5pm (3 hours, includes 15 minute coffee break)


    PRT (positional release) variations (including:
    • Strain-counterstrain SCS
    • Functional Technique
    • Facilitated Positional Release

    Demonstrated and applied to soft tissue and articular restrictions (spine and pelvis) identified in partners - working in groups of 3


    Course Instructor:
    Leon Chaitow ND DO

    Leon Chaitow is a consultant naturopath and osteopath to the UK National Health Service, in London, as well as practising privately. He teaches widely in America, Australia, Canada and Europe at osteopathic, chiropractic and physical therapy schools.
    Leon has written over 75 books, including major textbooks on manual methods of treatment, breathing rehabilitation and chronic pain conditions.(e.g. fibromyalgia). He is also Editor-in-Chief of Elsevier's peer-reviewed, MedLine Indexed, Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies.
    He is currently co-editing three major textbooks:
    Practical Physical Medicine Approaches to Chronic Pelvic Pain & Dysfunction
    Manual Therapies and Fascia
    Multidisciplinary Management of Migraine.
    From 1993 to 2004 Leon was a Senior Lecturer in Therapeutic Bodywork, at the School for Integrated Health, University of Westminster, London. In 2005 the University conferred an honorary Fellowship in recognition of his 'services to osteopathy and complementary medicine'.
    For more detail visit his website at http://www.leonchaitow.com


    References
    • Chaitow L 2009 Ligaments and positional release techniques? Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 13, 115-116
    • Chaudhry H et al 2009 Viscoelastic stresses on anisotropic Annulus Fibrosus of lumbar disk, under compression, rotation and flexion in manual treatment Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies 13:182-191
    • Dardzinski J et al 2000 Myofascial pain unresponsive to standard treatment: Successful use of a strain and counterstrain technique with physical therapy. Journal of Clinical Rheumatology 6( 4):169-174
    • DiGiovanna E (ed) 1991 An osteopathic approach to diagnosis and treatment Lippincott Philadelphia
    • Fryer G Alvizatos J Lamaro J Effect of osteopathic treatment on people with chronic and sub-chronic neck pain Journal of Osteopathic Medicine Volume 8, Issue 2 , June 2005, Pages 41-48
    • Greenman P 1996 Principles of manual medicine. 2nd edn. Williams and Wilkins, Baltimore
    • Lewis T Flynn C 2001 Use of strain-counterstrain in treatment of patients with low back pain Jnl Manual and Manipulative Therapy 9(2):92-98
    • Meltzer K Standley P 2007.Modelled repetitive motion strain and indirect osteopathic manipulative techniques in regulation of human fibroblast proliferation and interleukin secretion Jnl. American Osteopathic Association 107(12):527-536.
    • Mesegue A et al 2006 Immediate effects of the strain/counterstrain technique in local pain evoked by tender points in the upper trapezius muscle. Clinical Chiropractic 9:112-118 Morrissey D 2007. Unloading and proprioceptive taping. In: Chaitow, L. (Ed.), Positional Release Techniques, 3rd ed. Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh.
    • Pedowitz R 2005 Use of osteopathic manipulative treatment for iliotibial band friction syndrome Journal of the American Osteopathic Association 105(12):563-567
    • Schiowitz S 1990. Facilitated positional release. Journal of the American Osteopathic Association 90(2):145.
    • Simons D Travell J Simons L 1999 Myofascial pain & dysfunction (vols 1 & 2) Williams & Wilkins Philadelphia
    • Solomonow M 2009.Ligaments:a source of musculoskeletal disorders. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 13(2):136-154.
    • Speicher T et al 2004 Effect of strain counterstrain on pain and strength in hip musculature Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy 12( 4):215-223
    • Standley P Meltzer K 2008 In Vitro Modeling of Repetitive Motion Strain and Manual Medicine Treatments: Potential Roles for Pro- and Anti-Inflammatory Cytokines. Jnl.Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 12(3):201-203
    • Wong C Schauer-Alvarez C 2004 Effect of strain-counterstrain on pain and strength in hip musculature Jnl Manual and Manipulative Therapy 12(4):215-223
    • Wynne M et al 2006 Effect of counterstrain on stretch reflexes, Hoffmann reflexes, and clinical outcomes in subjects with plantar fasciitis J.Am. Osteopathic Assoc. 106(9):547-556


    FULL DAY COURSE D: Sunday 14th [ TOP ]

    IMAGERY INTERVENTIONS: TO IMPROVE AND MAINTAIN PRACTICAL HUMAN MOVEMENT ON A DAILY BASIS.
    Marie-José Blom, Eric Franklin

    Course Description:

    This workshop focuses on the use of mental motor imagery derived from the Franklin Method in addition to incorporating the therapeutic applications of Pilates technique. The objectives are to engage the "Core Ability" of the spine via proper recruitment of the deep core structures while balancing the joints of the pelvis and hips.
    The concept of natural bone rhythms in support of healthy function will be introduced. And the evolutionary logic of the human design will provide a fresh and practical understanding of anatomy and biomechanics of the pelvis in support of the entire body and its movement efficiency.
    This experiential approach provides a refreshed understanding of biomechanics by introducing a user friendly vocabulary for Clients, Patients or Practitioners, while improving both learning and teaching. The key solution is to introduce "working in" vs. "working out". Our goal is to provide the body with a solid foundation for optimal human movement.

    Topics to be covered:
    • Mental motor imagery in the exercise and therapeutic setting: The principles of effective practice
    • Biological and metaphorical imagery as applied to the lumbar spine and pelvic floor
    • Pilates exercises to train and balance the pelvic joints and muscles.
    • External and internal perspective, global and specific imagery: Making the best choices for your patient.
    • Imagery exercises to recruit the deep Psoas.
    • Receptive and programmed imagery: Motivating the client to healthy behaviors through imagery.
    • Mental motor imagery for the pelvic floor
    • Franklin Method imagery sequences to improve alignment, balance and flexibility at all skill levels.

    Course Instructors:
    Marie-José Blom, Eric Franklin

    Marie-José Blom

    As creator, Partner & President of SmartSpine Works Company, Marie-José Blom has more than twenty years of master teacher training to help your back on track. Marie-José specializes in deep core strengthening, pelvic work, and work for the spine. She is widely known for her work in Conditioning Techniques for dance and dance injuries, and is the founder and director of Long Beach Dance Conditioning in Long Beach, CA, and Angel City Body Kinetics in Marina del Rey, CA (the home for PILATES & GYROTONIC®).
    Marie-José conducts and directs the Advances in Pilates Technique, an internationally acclaimed professional teacher's training program established in 1991. As a faculty member at Southern CA Loyola Marymount University, she taught anatomy/kinesiology and physiology for the Department of Dance for which she received the 2006 spotlight award.
    Marie-José has established programs at various facilities internationally and is in great demand for lectures and presentations, both locally and internationally for institutes, physical therapists and movement educators. She teaches her core curriculum in Japan and Germany throughout the year. Additionally, she is a regular presenter for Balanced Body University, California Education Connection, and Pilates Method Alliance. She is also the creator of the well known therapeutic back care product, SmartSpine.

    Her mission is clear:

    "The implementation of movement sciences,
    elevating Pilates into the Twenty-first Century!"

    To view her calendar, book her for a speaking engagement, or workshop, please visit her personal website at www.pilatesinspiration.com


    Eric Franklin

    Eric Franklin is a dancer, movement educator, university lecturer and successful author who has taught at universities, medical centres and arts educational schools throughout the world including New York University School of the Arts, the Royal Ballet School and the Laban Centre in London. In 1998 he introduced the first dance therapy methodology to mainland China. Recently Eric Franklin has taught at the Julliard School in New York and the rheumatology clinic Valens in Switzerland. Eric Franklin is author of Dynamic Alignment through Imagery (1996), Dance Imagery for Technique and Performance (1996), Relax your Neck - Liberate your shoulders (2002) Pelvic Power (2003) and Beautiful Body, Beautiful Mind (2009). Eric Franklin's books have been translated into German, Chinese, Italian, Spanish, Polish and Korean.



    FULL DAY COURSE E: Sunday 14th [ TOP ]

    THE FASCIAL MANIPULATION© TECHNIQUE FOR THE LOW BACK PAIN: ANATOMICAL BASES AND BIOMECHANICAL MODEL
    Antonio Stecco, Julie Ann Day

    Course Description:

    This workshop will illustrate the latest research concerning the gross and histological anatomy of the superficial and deep fasciae of the trunk and their connections with the limbs, analysing them according to the biomechanical model for the human fascial system currently applied in the manual technique known as Fascial Manipulation©.

    We intend to:
    • Outline the anatomical research that has verified and modified the anatomical knowledge about the fasciae of the trunk and their connections with those of the limbs
    • Introduce and explain the basic principles of Fascial Manipulation© (myofascial unit, centre of coordination, centre of perception) and its biomechanical model.
    • Explain the specific clinical assessment process for the Low Back Pain via illustration of the Assessment Chart and the objective examination for the analysis of movement on the spatial planes
    • Demonstrate the application of this technique in a clinical setting
    • Power Point Slide presentations will be used to illustrate points these points and printed material will be available including copies of the Assessment chart.
    This workshop will illustrate new studies of the gross and histological anatomy of the human fasciae, and explain the biomechanical model for the human fascial system currently applied in the manual technique known as Fascial Manipulation©.
    The model represents a three dimensional interpretation of the fascial system. Its hypothetical foundations are fruit of more than thirty years of analysis of anatomical texts and clinical practice. More recently, dissections of unembalmed bodies have provided anatomical verification of numerous hypotheses including the fascial continuity between trunk and limbs via myotendinous expansions and the possible distribution of tensional forces.

    This workshop will also propose new studies concerning the histological characteristics of superficial and deep fasciae (fibre content, structural conformation, and innervation) and debate the role of deep fascia in proprioception. Altogether, these new studies could provide the bases for research projects in fields of gross anatomy, histology, biomechanics, and clinical studies.

    The Fascial Manipulation© technique is based on the concept of myofascial units (mf units) united in myofascial sequences, and involves manual friction over specific points (called Centres of coordination and Centres of fusion) on the deep muscular fascia. As friction causes a localised increase in temperature with consequent hyperaemia, it is hypothesised that this could modify the extracellular matrix, restoring gliding between endofascial fibres and intrafascial planes. Given that many receptors are embedded within fascia, any impediment to gliding could cause anomalous tension and non-physiological movements due to altered proprioceptive afferents, resulting in inflammation within the joint of a malfunctioning mf unit or along a sequence of mf units. This underlying rationale and the resultant analytical process guides the therapist in the combination of points to be treated and allows therapists to work at a distance from the site of pain, which is often inflamed due to non-physiological tension.
    This workshop will summarize the assessment process and present a clinical case.
    The Fascial Manipulation© technique, presently applied by growing numbers of clinicians in Italy, Spain, Poland, France and Portugal.

    This technique permits a general evaluation of the patients, not only of the specific problem, i.e. the low back pain, but analyses and explains the irradiation of pain in the limbs, in the anterior region of the trunk and also the possible involvement of the viscera. The connection between Low Back Pain and gastritis, irritable colon syndrome, constipation, dysmenorrhoea, etc., are explained thanks to the fascial connections between the musculoskeletal system and the viscera and organs.

    The above-mentioned anatomical and physiological studies provide groundbreaking information about the human fascial system that can be integrated into the application of a wide-range of manual techniques.


    Course Instructors:
    Antonio Stecco, MDPhysiatrist, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic, University of Padova, Italy
    Julie Ann Day, Physiotherapist (Australia), University of Padova, Italy.


    Antonio Stecco

    Graduation in Medical Doctor in 2007 at University of Padova; from 2008 Specialization in "Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation" at University of Padova.
    From 2007 research activities principally concerning anatomy of the fascia corporis via dissections and histological studies, including immunohistochemical and molecular biology (Tutor: Prof. R. De Caro, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Padova; Tutor: Prof. V. Delmas, Department of Anatomy, University Réné Descartes, Paris).
    Since 2005 Dr. Stecco is dealing with the organization of courses in Fascial Manipulation.
    Since 2008 is in the Scientific Committee of the Fascial Manipulation Association, which brings together researchers interested in studying diseases of the fascia and myofascial origin.

    Publications

    • Stecco A, Masiero S, Macchi V, Porzionato A, Stecco C, De Caro R, Ferraro C. Le basi anatomiche del danno propriocettivo negli esiti di distorsione di caviglia Europa Medicophysica. 2008;44(Suppl. 1 to No. 3)
    • Stecco A, Masiero S, Macchi V, Stecco C, Porzionato A, De Caro R. The pectoral fascia: anatomical and histological study. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2009 Jul;13(3):255-61.
    • Day JA, Stecco C, Stecco A. Application of Fascial Manipulation technique in chronic shoulder pain--anatomical basis and clinical implications. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2009 Apr;13(2):128-35
    • Stecco A, Macchi V, Stecco C, Porzionato A, Ann Day J, Delmas V, De Caro R. Anatomical study of myofascial continuity in the anterior region of the upper limb. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2009 Jan;13(1):53-62.
    • Stecco A, Macchi V, Masiero S, Porzionato A, Tiengo C, Stecco C, Delmas V, De Caro R. Pectoral and femoral fasciae: common aspects and regional specializations. Surg Radiol Anat. 2009 Jan;31(1):35-42.
    • Stecco C, Porzionato A, Lancerotto L, Stecco A, Macchi V, Day JA, De Caro R. Histological study of the deep fasciae of the limbs. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2008 Jul;12(3):225-30.
    • Stecco C, Porzionato A, Macchi V, Stecco A, Vigato E, Parenti A, Delmas V, Aldegheri R, De Caro R. The expansions of the pectoral girdle muscles onto the brachial fascia: morphological aspects and spatial disposition. Cells Tissues Organs. 2008;188(3):320-9.
    • Macchi V, Porzionato A, Stecco C, Benettazzo F, Stecco A, Parenti A, Dodi G, De Caro R. Histotopographic study of the longitudinal anal muscle. Pelviperineology 2007; 26: 30-32

    Co-Author of one Book: Italian:

    • Stecco L, Stecco A. "Manipolazione fasciale: parte teorica" 2 edition. Piccin, Padova, in press (January 2010)
    On-line links:

    1. http://www.fascialmanipulation.com/
    2. http://www.medicina.unipd.it/

    Julie Ann Day

    Julie Ann Day is originally from Adelaide, South Australia and currently lives in Padova, Italy.  Physiotherapist since 1977, she has worked mostly in the Orthopaedic field. Specialised in Connective Tissue Massage (Dicke, Teirich-Leube methods) and Foot Reflexology, Julie has explored various forms of therapeutic exercise (Feldenkrais, Hatha Yoga). She has been involved in Fascial Manipulation© since 1999; authorized teacher since 2002 and translator (from Italian to English) of “Fascial Manipulation for Musculoskeletal Pain”, L. Stecco, (Nuova Libraria Piccin, 2004.) and “Fascial Manipulation - Practical Part”, L. and C. Stecco, (Nuova Libraria Piccin, 2009.)

    Founding member of The Fascial Manipulation Association, since 2006 Julie has been involved in the organization of Fascial Manipulation courses in English. 


    Publications

    • Day JA,  Stecco C, Stecco A.  Application of Fascial Manipulation technique in chronic shoulder pain —Anatomical basis and clinical implications.  J Bodyw Mov Ther.  2009 April; 13 (2) 128–135 Epub 2008 Jun 24. 
    • Stecco A, Macchi V, Stecco C, Porzionato A, Day JA, Delmas V, De Caro R.   Anatomical study of myofascial continuity in the anterior region of the upper limb. J Bodyw Mov Ther.  2009 Jan; 13 (1): 53-62. Epub 2007 Jun 28.
    • Pedrelli A, Stecco C, Day JA.  Treating patellar tendinopathy with Fascial Manipulation.  J Bodyw Mov Ther.  2009 Jan; 13 (1): 73-80. Epub 2008 Jul. 26.
    • Stecco C, Porzionato A, Lancerotto L, Stecco A, Macchi V, Day JA, De Caro R.  Histological study of the deep fasciae of the limbs.    J Bodyw Mov Ther.  2008 Jul; 12 (3): 225-230. Epub 2008 Jun. 13.
    • Co-relator for University theses 
      2000 Mario B.  La manipolazione fasciale e le sue applicazioni alla pubalgia, University of Padova.
      2006 Filippetto Martina.   Trattamento della spalla dolorosa cronica: confronto tra la manipolazione della fascia e la terapia fisica. University of Padova
    .