NeuroCentric Approach®: Lower Quarter

This course is for licensed physical therapists, chiropractors, medical doctors, naturopaths, acupuncturists, osteopaths, etc. Personal trainers and bodyworkers may attend only with waiver obtained directly from Dr. Snell or Dr. Dean. Prior exposure to the work of rehab pioneers such as Robin McKenzie, Stuart McGill, Pavel Kolar and Michael Shacklock is strongly encouraged but is not a prerequisite to attendance. By the end of this 12 hour course, attendees will be expected to understand and appreciate the following concepts in regards to lower body conditions: Recognize the importance of thorough neurological assessment which includes the mechanical behavior of neurological structures. Learn to work within the Graded Neurological Exam to determine which neural compartments are most affected for the presenting patient. Recognize the continuum of neuralgia>muscle hypertonicity>altered arthrokinematics>joint pathology. Consider the best-practice application of current pain science and mind-body research as part of a holistic NMS program. Possess familiarity with specific exercise interventions to manage pain. Take part in assessment and treatment plan development on patient cases. Possess a base level of understanding of common rehab and exercise science principles for application in clinical practice. Appreciate and evaluate the effects of stress, diet, exercise, and sleep on biochemistry associated with pain. Appreciate the effects of trauma exposure to common pain conditions and clues to identify and appropriately refer these patients. Understand how and when to appropriately assist in co-management of trauma patients. Have a base level understanding of current technology to help patients track the effect of stress, sleep and lifestyle on heart rate variability (HRV). Develop an understanding of sympathetic/parasympathetic imbalance in pain conditions and ways to mediate the ANS toward balance. Identify and address dysfunction of central, peripheral and superficial neural structures.

• -Perform comprehensive neurological assessments that evaluate mechanical behavior of neural structures and identify affected neural compartments using the Graded Neurological Exam
• -Apply the neuralgia-to-joint-pathology continuum to clinical decision-making and develop appropriate treatment progressions for lower quarter conditions
• -Integrate current pain science and mind-body research principles into holistic neuromuscular-skeletal (NMS) management programs
• -Evaluate and prescribe evidence-based exercise interventions specific to neural mobilization, motor control, and pain management
• -Assess the impact of stress, sleep, diet, and exercise on pain-related biochemistry and utilize HRV monitoring as a clinical tool
• -Recognize trauma-related presentations, understand appropriate referral protocols, and implement co-management strategies for trauma-informed care
• -Identify and address dysfunctions of central, peripheral, and superficial neural structures while mediating autonomic nervous system balance toward parasympathetic dominance