DNS A

Much attention has been given in recent years to the development, maintenance and decline of functional stability of the locomotor system. Indeed, emerging research has proven the existence of the deep, or core, stabilizing muscles and their impact in controlling safe joint motion. This is especially true for the joints of the spinal column, where the complexity of the biomechanical and neurophysiological demands is phenomenal. With the increased understanding of functional stability have arisen new theories regarding the etiology of functional pathology and also of effective treatment methods to restore stability. Unfortunately, these techniques have yielded less than satisfactory results for many frustrated clinicians. Some methods, although based on sound principles, have been criticized as impractical.

It is during this period that a new method of intrinsic locomotor system stabilization has arisen to dramatically gain the attention of rehabilitation specialists. Pavel Kolar, PaedDr., Ph.D. has indeed spawned a new manual approach to activate the intrinsic system and achieve exciting levels of improved function in a remarkably brief period. Based upon the principles of developmental kinesiology, the neurophysiological aspects of the maturing locomotor system on which the Prague school was established, he has expanded the scope of clinical options in an exciting new direction. Attendees to the course will be introduced to these methods.

One of the most exciting aspects of the course is that this method describes the first new manual approach to the treatment of radicular syndromes since Cox and McKenzie did so decades ago. The success of this method has gained a great deal of interest among clinicians around the world.

Course attendees will have a clear understanding of:

• The basic principles of developmental kinesiology.
• Development during the first year of life: stabilization of the spine in the sagittal plane, development of the phasic movements coupled with trunk rotation.
• The relationship between development during the first year of life and pathology of the locomotor system in adulthood.
• The reflex consequences following central neural programs during the first year of life.
• Functional stabilization of the spine
• Correction of poor stereotypical respiration.
• New terminology such as functional joint centration and decentration, stabilization, punctum fixum. In addition, posture will be discussed from a developmental point of view.

Course attendees will possess:

• Skills to utilize the most important tests to evaluate the stabilizing system of the spine.
• Skills for evaluation of breathing stereotypes.
• The most important techniques used in active treatment of the stabilizing system of the spine utilizing the principles of ontogenesis.

With the above knowledge and skills, the attendee should be able to clinically apply these principles for:

• Treatment of functional pathology of the locomotor system, vertebrogenic and radicular pain syndromes where the deep stabilizing system of the spine plays a crucial role.
• Treatment of functional pathology of the locomotor system resulting from poor early development.