An Integrated Approach for Restoring Function & Relieving Pain: The Series (14 days in total)
(See below for who this course is aimed, course dates and previous participant reviews)

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This course consists of 14 days (2 weekends of 4 days each and 2 weekends of 3 days). Attendance is required at all days.

This series is a mergence of 5 individual courses offered by Diane Lee & Linda-Joy Lee – the specific course descriptions can be found on their websites www.dianelee.ca & www.ljptconsulting.ca under the following names:

1. Introduction to the Pelvis – An Integrated Approach for Restoring Function, Relieving Pain
2. The Advanced Pelvis – Integrating the Lumbar Spine & Hip

(The Lumbopelvic-hip Complex – An Integrated Approach is a mergence of these two previous courses)

3. The Lower Extremity – Integrating the Lower Limb to the Lumbopelvic Core
4. Introduction to the Thorax - An Integrated Approach for Restoring Function, Relieving Pain
5. The Advanced Thorax – Integrating the Shoulder Girdle and the Lower Neck

(The Thorax & Shoulder Girdle – An Integrated Approach is a mergence of these two previous courses)

The description below gives you an overview of the theory underlying the model and an overview of the aim of these series of courses. The courses have been combined so people go 'on a journey' with the material rather than just getting a small taste with the previous 2 day format. Diane and LJ are keen for a select group of people to work with the material over a year so they can return with questions and experiences on which they can build. Please see the programme for a more detailed description.

Aim of the series

Research in the last decade has greatly increased our understanding of muscle and joint function, leading to the development of multi-modal, evidence-based approaches such as The Integrated Model of Function (Lee/Vleeming).  This model highlights the interplay of form closure, force closure, motor control, and emotional components in restoring optimal function and requires the clinician to be skilled in manual therapy (techniques involving touch), exercise instruction (both for facilitation of optimal muscle patterning and then progressions) and education (pain neurophysiology) in order to empower their clients with the tools necessary for recovery. In addition, there have been recent advances in the use of real-time ultrasound imaging for both assessment of core muscle function and biofeedback during re-education as well as dry needling (IMS) techniques for myofascial release.  All of this and more will be covered and integrated into this series of courses as it is clinically applied to the thorax, shoulder girdle, lower neck, lumbar spine, pelvis and lower extremity. Please see the programme for a more detailed description.

The Series Content

 Briefly, this series will cover the following topics as they pertain to each of the regions.

 Theory

 We will discuss the: 

1.       Principles of the System-based classification and the multi-modal integrated approach

2.       Evidence (content knowledge) and clinical hypotheses (expertise) on the biomechanics (osteokinematics, arthrokinematics) of each region

3.       Evidence on strategies for how stability is achieved for the effective transference of loads while preserving the ability to move and how pain and maladaptive habits impacts the strategy chosen

 Subjective History

 Discuss and examine ways to better understand what has meaning for your patients so you can create a rehabilitation program that they want to actively participate in and that will meet their needs and goals. Learn what key features of a patient’s story help you determine what tasks to use for strategy analysis and how to triage your assessment tests to be more efficient.

 Clinical Tests

  We will discuss the relevant research and practice tests which examine: 

4.       Static and dynamic postural and movement strategies. Learn how to identify the sites of failed load transfer and how to determine the primary driver or cause for the patients symptoms

5.       From strategy analysis, you will understand how to streamline the rest of your assessment to determine the role of each of the puzzle pieces and when to assess them including the

6.       Articular system analysis

7.       Myofascial system

8.       Neural system and

9.       Visceral system.

Clinical Diagnosis/Classification  

We will discuss the  

10.    Common patterns of dysfunction seen in each region including those of excessive compression (stiff joints, hypertonic global muscle system, joint fixation) and insufficient compression (loose joints, insufficient recruitment of the local muscle system) and a combination of both

11.    Clinical reasoning required to reach a diagnosis/classification which facilitates treatment planning i.e. how to develop an effective multi-modal treatment program which is patient and condition specific – NO RECIPES 

Treatment techniques  

We will discuss, demonstrate and practice the following techniques: 

12.    Specific articular mobilisation techniques – both direct and indirect

13.    Release with Awareness (Lee & Lee) techniques for hypertonicity

14.    Dry needling will be integrated into this course as a demonstration for those not qualified to use dry needling and open to practice for those currently certified in their province/state/country

15.    Breath work for release of the rib cage and restoration of optimal function of the diaphragm

16.    Exercise Prescription – We will discuss the principles for developing an effective exercise program as well as:

17.    Discuss the protocol for a prescriptive exercise program and the role of external supports such as braces, sacroiliac belts, and taping in augmenting restoration of optimal strategies for function and performance.

18.    Practice exercises and strategies for restoring a neutral spine/pelvis/lower extremity/shoulder girdle position. 

19.    Lots of time will be spent developing sound skills for motor control and movement training to include:

a.       use of imagery and touch for facilitation of the local muscle system.  The focus will be on how to find the optimal strategy (best patient position, image, manual and verbal cues) for your patient.

b.       cues and techniques to facilitate coordination of the local and global muscle systems during functional activities, movement behaviour training and exercises.

c.        Clinical reasoning to decide which are the ‘best’ exercises for your patient 

At the conclusion of this series, the participant will have an understanding of how to design a multimodal, evidence-informed treatment program which includes manual therapy, real-time ultrasound imaging, dry needling, education and exercise from early rehabilitation to functional integration - in short how to ‘Solve the Puzzle’!

Who is this course aimed at?

This course is aimed at experienced musculoskeletal physiotherapists only.

An Integrated Approach for Restoring Function & Relieving Pain: The Series

Click here to see spaces available Click here for a programme with details of start / finish times
Click here to visit the Discover Physio website to see other courses offered by LJ Lee and Diane Lee  Previous Participant Reviews from previous Discover Physio courses with LJ Lee and Diane Lee The Pelvis "Thank you for a fantastic thought provoking course. Look forward to attending your others." (26/3/06) The Thorax "Diane Lee's knowledge and teaching is astounding. It's in an ordered fashion and will make an amazing impact on my treatment." (28/3/06) "My eyes have been opened! I will approach the thoracic spine completely differently in my clinical practice from tomorrow." (28/3/06)
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DVD Set			Hubert van Griensven	Diane Lee	Compressor Belt
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