Note: This course is half day Friday, Full day Saturday, and a half day Sunday
Course Description
Thoracic spine and symptoms can arise from trauma such as whiplash, but frequently it is an insidious, recurrent and an ongoing problem for many people. This is often related to suboptimal loading on the tissues around the thoracic region.
The mechanism driving the sub-optimal loading on the tissues may be the:
- Movement Pattern (too much and too little)
- Translation Control of the joint
- Biomechanical Exposures to Loading
There is considerable individual variation in how these present. These loading mechanisms may present in combinations or alone. As well, how the central nervous system tries to control the loading could be too much or too little. The causation can be related to local issues or from the other regions such as the lumbo-pelvic or cervical regions.
The underlying hypothesis of movement as a link to musculoskeletal symptoms is that the way the central nervous system coordinates movement can influence tissue loading. For example, the mid (or lower) thoracic spine is susceptible to developing flexion and / or rotation related symptoms.
Altered translation control can manifest as too much little control (e.g., shear) or too much control (e.g., compression). Too much shear can place stress on articular structures that limit movement. Compression with shear places more stress on articular structures (e.g., disc). Altered translation control can present with altered movement patterns and can contribute to ongoing symptoms. For example, the thoracic spine can develop translation control deficits secondary to excessive movement (as noted above) or from the compensation for lumbo-pelvic or cervical deficits.
This course will provide participants with strategies to sub-classify a movement pattern control deficit in the thoracic spine and whether this is influenced by the lumbo-pelvic region or the cervical spine.
Motor control retraining strategies will be introduced using a comprehensive and evidence based clinical reasoning process. This involves; specific activation of the appropriate stability muscles to control segmental translation of the thoracic spine; breathing retraining, and the retraining of movement patterns of the thoracic spine. This can create an environment for normal healing by reducing tissue provocation.
The integration of other physiotherapy skills such as manual therapy, myofascial trigger point release and progressive loading exercise will also be discussed. Some beneficial taping techniques will also be discussed.
The exercise progressions are described and strategies for the integration into function are discussed with participant examples and case studies to link it real life difficulties.
Course Objectives:
- Make an accurate movement pattern control sub-classification and relate this to the client’s presentation
- Understand the relationship of the lumbo-pelvic and cervical motor behavior to the thoracic spine
- Use movement patterns as a clinical reasoning tool to help guide manual therapy and other techniques
- Integrate the treatment of movement patterns and translation control into clinical practice
- Identify and rehabilitate normal breathing
WHAT WILL YOU GET FROM THIS COURSE THAT YOU MAY NOT ALREADY HAVE?
Thoracic Spine Segmental Stability
We have developed segmental stabilization exercises for Multifidus, Serratus Posterior Inferior, Lower Trapezius for the thoracic spine and ribs
Breathing
Do you know what normal breathing is? Do you know how to retrain it? The diaphragm is a muscle and changes with posture and pain and can affect all aspects of our function. Breathing is an essential part of rehabilitation and needs to be addressed.
Cervical Spine or Lumbo-pelvic Culprit
We`ll show you how the cervical spine or lumbo-pelvic region is involved in thoracic dysfunction.
Primitive Reflexes
Over 90% of people with musculoskeletal pain have primitive reflexes. They contribute to altered motor control and tone. Learn how they will influence the thoracic spine.