Adult Rehabilition
High Performance Pelvic Health: From Screening to SportFit and athletic females* experience pelvic health symptoms at high rates with negative impacts on their performance, training longevity, physical and mental health, and quality of life. Yet many rehabilitation professionals lack the confidence to assess or address them within their clinical settings. Sports medicine and orthopedic providers are rarely trained to include pelvic health, pregnancy, or postpartum variables in their differential diagnoses or return to play programming. Often, they are only empowered to screen and refer. At the same time, pelvic health providers may have limited exposure to the strategies required to progress fit and athletic folks back to fitness, training, or sport. The result is a siloed, less effective model of care: pelvic, pregnancy, and postpartum health needs are untreated, screened and referred (often in pelvic practitioner deserts), or isolated from movement and training programs. Fit and athletic folks are left without resolution, support, or guidance back to play or optimal performance. Our practice patterns must evolve.
Designed for sports medicine and pelvic health providers, this course offers an un-siloed, middle ground. Practitioners will gain a structured thought process to interpret biopsychosocial histories, pelvic health screens, in-sport symptom behavior, and movement analysis to build well-reasoned programs for recreational to elite athletes across the lifespan. Participants are introduced to a contemporary pelvic health model that integrates pelvic floor strength, power, coordination, and endurance into fitness and sport preparation rather than treating them in isolation. Drawing on familiar movement and conditioning principles such as graded exposure, progressive overload, impact and pressure management, and exercise scaling, this course provides a practical, coachable framework for pelvic health. Providers will learn to apply a systems-based thought processes to develop individualized, sport-specific progressions grounded in the whole-athlete presentation.
(This course offers externally focused, indirect, and integrative assessment and intervention strategies only. This course does not provide direct, internal assessment or intervention tools.)
*Identified biological female at birth
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Describe the anatomical, and neurophysiological inter-relationships that provide interventional bridges between pelvic, musculoskeletal, and performance health.
- Gain an understanding of the etiology and symptomatology associated with a broad range of pelvic health conditions across the lifespan commonly experienced by female-bodied athletes beyond urinary incontinence (painful sex, pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse, diastasis recti, gut issues).
- Develop an individualized whole-athlete pelvic health risk profile based on biopsychosocial variables – age-specific co-factors, physical and pregnancy history, genetics, fueling, sleep, stress, fitness/training history, and kinesiophobia.
- Interpret pelvic health screen findings and in-sport symptom patterns to develop a clinical hypothesis that supports exercise selection, loading strategies, and return-to-play progressions.
- Analyze movement, fitness, and sport demands to identify symptom triggers and patterns to identify clinical and conditioning opportunities to coordinate the pelvic floor into fitness and athletic movements.
- Create setting-specific interventions that integrate the pelvic floor into three different types of sport-specific movement patterns appropriate for early rehab.
- Apply concepts of graded exposure, progressive overload, impact and pressure management, and/or exercise scaling to progress pelvic floor tissue adaption, load or impact tolerance, and coordination in three different sport-specific demands.
- Build communication tools to bridge collaboration gaps and re-imagine referral patterns with pelvic health, orthopedic, sports medicine, strength and conditioning, and sports dietician disciplines to support un-siloed, athlete-centered care across the lifespan.
- Value abdomino-pelvic health as an essential component of comprehensive, whole athlete care.
This is a live, in-person, 2-day course with practical application opportunities via labs and case studies. All participants will be required to complete an online module with conceptual introductory material prior to attending the in-person professional course. This content is integral to the course and considered part of the curriculum. It must be completed to maintain a seat at the course and to receive a course completion certificate/ CEUs. This will also allow in-person time together to be well-spent on deeper concepts. (The online module will be available 2-months prior to course date).
In addition, participants are expected to bring a client case specific to their patient population as a component of class activities. Cases are intended to support concept synthesis and prepare for clinical application. Cases will potentially be shared with the group for group activities ( if the patient provides written consent).
Course Audience:
Course material is intended for Physical Therapists/Physiotherapists, credentialed Athletic Trainers/Therapists, Exercise Therapists, Kinesiologists, medical providers in all areas of adult care (urology, orthopedics, sports medicine, pain, women’s health, etc.), and Strength and Conditioning Specialists (CSCS).
Please note: Personal Trainers/Fitness Professionals without a CSCS credential- Education and experience varies broadly across the globe amongst personal trainers/fitness professionals. We are assessing inclusion in the course on a case-by-case basis. Please reach out to admin@juliewiebept.com before registering.
Topics will include:
Day One: Conceptual Context and Strategies that Support any type of Athleticism across the Lifespan (with Synthesis through Labs and Case Studies)
- Pelvic Health is a Team Sport- Anatomical, Neurophysiologic Systems Thinking
- Contemporary Pelvic Health-Research and Practice Pattern Updates
- Pelvic Health as a Performance Variable: Symptoms are Signals.
- Biopsychosocial Framework Across the Lifespan: Symptom Context, Physical and Pregnancy History, Fitness and Recovery Strategies, Fueling Habits, and Kinesiophobia.
- From Screening to Strategy: Interpretation and Clinical Decision-Making (beyond urinary incontinence)
- Coaching Pelvic Health: Movement Analysis Through a Pelvic Health Lens
- Creating Adaption: Modification of Load, Impact, and Pressure Across Training
- Integrative Programming: Pelvic Health Within Return to Sport Plan of Care
Day Two: Practical Application
- Young Adult Athlete Pelvic Health (no pregnancy history): Clinical Reasoning and Special Considerations
- REDs, Beyond menstrual tracking, Low Energy Availability, Incontinence, and Bone Stress Injury, Hypermobility, and more
- Athleticism in Pregnancy: Clinical Reasoning and Special Considerations
- Pregnancy preparation, Monitoring and tailored modifications in various fitness/sport, Diastasis screening and more.
- Athleticism in Postpartum: Clinical Reasoning and Special Considerations
- Role of genetics, Return to activity reasoning, Kinesiophobia, Individualizing Care, Progression Strategies, and more.
- Athleticism in (Peri)Menopause: Clinical Reasoning and Special Considerations
- Hormonal transitions, Systemic changes, Muscular composition and training, Connective tissue considerations, and more
- Case Presentations:
- Concept synthesis via individual and group processing opportunities.
- Plan of care and program development
Contact Us to inquire about hosting a workshop: Contact Us
Fit and athletic females* experience pelvic health symptoms at high rates with negative impacts on their performance, training longevity, physical and mental health, and quality of life. Yet many rehabilitation professionals lack the confidence to assess or address them within their clinical settings. Sports medicine and orthopedic providers are rarely trained to include pelvic health, pregnancy, or postpartum variables in their differential diagnoses or return to play programming. Often, they are only empowered to screen and refer. At the same time, pelvic health providers may have limited exposure to the strategies required to progress fit and athletic folks back to fitness, training, or sport. The result is a siloed, less effective model of care: pelvic, pregnancy, and postpartum health needs are untreated, screened and referred (often in pelvic practitioner deserts), or isolated from movement and training programs. Fit and athletic folks are left without resolution, support, or guidance back to play or optimal performance. Our practice patterns must evolve.
Designed for sports medicine and pelvic health providers, this course offers an un-siloed, middle ground. Practitioners will gain a structured thought process to interpret biopsychosocial histories, pelvic health screens, in-sport symptom behavior, and movement analysis to build well-reasoned programs for recreational to elite athletes across the lifespan. Participants are introduced to a contemporary pelvic health model that integrates pelvic floor strength, power, coordination, and endurance into fitness and sport preparation rather than treating them in isolation. Drawing on familiar movement and conditioning principles such as graded exposure, progressive overload, impact and pressure management, and exercise scaling, this course provides a practical, coachable framework for pelvic health. Providers will learn to apply a systems-based thought processes to develop individualized, sport-specific progressions grounded in the whole-athlete presentation.
(This course offers externally focused, indirect, and integrative assessment and intervention strategies only. This course does not provide direct, internal assessment or intervention tools.)
*Identified biological female at birth
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Describe the anatomical, and neurophysiological inter-relationships that provide interventional bridges between pelvic, musculoskeletal, and performance health.
- Gain an understanding of the etiology and symptomatology associated with a broad range of pelvic health conditions across the lifespan commonly experienced by female-bodied athletes beyond urinary incontinence (painful sex, pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse, diastasis recti, gut issues).
- Develop an individualized whole-athlete pelvic health risk profile based on biopsychosocial variables – age-specific co-factors, physical and pregnancy history, genetics, fueling, sleep, stress, fitness/training history, and kinesiophobia.
- Interpret pelvic health screen findings and in-sport symptom patterns to develop a clinical hypothesis that supports exercise selection, loading strategies, and return-to-play progressions.
- Analyze movement, fitness, and sport demands to identify symptom triggers and patterns to identify clinical and conditioning opportunities to coordinate the pelvic floor into fitness and athletic movements.
- Create setting-specific interventions that integrate the pelvic floor into three different types of sport-specific movement patterns appropriate for early rehab.
- Apply concepts of graded exposure, progressive overload, impact and pressure management, and/or exercise scaling to progress pelvic floor tissue adaption, load or impact tolerance, and coordination in three different sport-specific demands.
- Build communication tools to bridge collaboration gaps and re-imagine referral patterns with pelvic health, orthopedic, sports medicine, strength and conditioning, and sports dietician disciplines to support un-siloed, athlete-centered care across the lifespan.
- Value abdomino-pelvic health as an essential component of comprehensive, whole athlete care.
This is a live, in-person, 2-day course with practical application opportunities via labs and case studies. All participants will be required to complete an online module with conceptual introductory material prior to attending the in-person professional course. This content is integral to the course and considered part of the curriculum. It must be completed to maintain a seat at the course and to receive a course completion certificate/ CEUs. This will also allow in-person time together to be well-spent on deeper concepts. (The online module will be available 2-months prior to course date).
In addition, participants are expected to bring a client case specific to their patient population as a component of class activities. Cases are intended to support concept synthesis and prepare for clinical application. Cases will potentially be shared with the group for group activities ( if the patient provides written consent).
Course Audience:
Course material is intended for Physical Therapists/Physiotherapists, credentialed Athletic Trainers/Therapists, Exercise Therapists, Kinesiologists, medical providers in all areas of adult care (urology, orthopedics, sports medicine, pain, women’s health, etc.), and Strength and Conditioning Specialists (CSCS).
Please note: Personal Trainers/Fitness Professionals without a CSCS credential- Education and experience varies broadly across the globe amongst personal trainers/fitness professionals. We are assessing inclusion in the course on a case-by-case basis. Please reach out to admin@juliewiebept.com before registering.
Topics will include:
Day One: Conceptual Context and Strategies that Support any type of Athleticism across the Lifespan (with Synthesis through Labs and Case Studies)
- Pelvic Health is a Team Sport- Anatomical, Neurophysiologic Systems Thinking
- Contemporary Pelvic Health-Research and Practice Pattern Updates
- Pelvic Health as a Performance Variable: Symptoms are Signals.
- Biopsychosocial Framework Across the Lifespan: Symptom Context, Physical and Pregnancy History, Fitness and Recovery Strategies, Fueling Habits, and Kinesiophobia.
- From Screening to Strategy: Interpretation and Clinical Decision-Making (beyond urinary incontinence)
- Coaching Pelvic Health: Movement Analysis Through a Pelvic Health Lens
- Creating Adaption: Modification of Load, Impact, and Pressure Across Training
- Integrative Programming: Pelvic Health Within Return to Sport Plan of Care
Day Two: Practical Application
- Young Adult Athlete Pelvic Health (no pregnancy history): Clinical Reasoning and Special Considerations
- REDs, Beyond menstrual tracking, Low Energy Availability, Incontinence, and Bone Stress Injury, Hypermobility, and more
- Athleticism in Pregnancy: Clinical Reasoning and Special Considerations
- Pregnancy preparation, Monitoring and tailored modifications in various fitness/sport, Diastasis screening and more.
- Athleticism in Postpartum: Clinical Reasoning and Special Considerations
- Role of genetics, Return to activity reasoning, Kinesiophobia, Individualizing Care, Progression Strategies, and more.
- Athleticism in (Peri)Menopause: Clinical Reasoning and Special Considerations
- Hormonal transitions, Systemic changes, Muscular composition and training, Connective tissue considerations, and more
- Case Presentations:
- Concept synthesis via individual and group processing opportunities.
- Plan of care and program development
Contact Us to inquire about hosting a workshop: Contact Us
Lunch N' Learn: Persistent Pelvic Pain in Athletes: A Biopsychosocial ApproachPersistent pelvic pain (internal) in athletes is not well understood. This 1-hour discussion will explore the interconnected systems that can contribute to the development of pelvic pain, while taking into consideration the added complexity and intertwined amplification of symptoms created by the athletic mindset, post-injury loss of sport and community, and high-level return to performance demands. Research updates will further participant understanding of the role of pelvic floor overactivity in athletic pelvic health needs. Finally, a case study describing the clinical course of a professional iron distance triathlete with persistent hip and pelvic pain will provide a framework for the discussion of biopsychosocialstrategies to support symptom resolution and return to sport.
Objectives-Upon completion of this session participants will:
• Describe the anatomical, physiologic, and functional inter-relationships between the hip complex, postural control, and pelvic health systems as a therapeutic bridge between musculoskeletal, performance, and pelvic health considerations.
• Articulate the added biopsychosocial complexities of the athletic mindset on persistent pelvic pain, particularly in the context of high-performance demands, post-injury challenges, and the loss of sport and community.
• Discuss the role of pelvic floor overactivity in persistent pelvic pain in athletic individuals.
• Value abdominopelvic health and access to fitness of choice as components of whole person care.
Schedule:
- Understanding Pelvic Pain: Terminology, biopsychosocial contributors (10 min)
- Pelvic floor functional, physiologic, and anatomical inter-relationships (10 min)
- Biopsychosocial Athletic considerations (10 min)
- Case Study: Meet Kate- Professional Iron-Distance Triathlete (20 min)
- Q and A- (10 min)
Contact Us to inquire about hosting a workshop: Contact Us
Persistent pelvic pain (internal) in athletes is not well understood. This 1-hour discussion will explore the interconnected systems that can contribute to the development of pelvic pain, while taking into consideration the added complexity and intertwined amplification of symptoms created by the athletic mindset, post-injury loss of sport and community, and high-level return to performance demands. Research updates will further participant understanding of the role of pelvic floor overactivity in athletic pelvic health needs. Finally, a case study describing the clinical course of a professional iron distance triathlete with persistent hip and pelvic pain will provide a framework for the discussion of biopsychosocialstrategies to support symptom resolution and return to sport.
Objectives-Upon completion of this session participants will:
• Describe the anatomical, physiologic, and functional inter-relationships between the hip complex, postural control, and pelvic health systems as a therapeutic bridge between musculoskeletal, performance, and pelvic health considerations.
• Articulate the added biopsychosocial complexities of the athletic mindset on persistent pelvic pain, particularly in the context of high-performance demands, post-injury challenges, and the loss of sport and community.
• Discuss the role of pelvic floor overactivity in persistent pelvic pain in athletic individuals.
• Value abdominopelvic health and access to fitness of choice as components of whole person care.
Schedule:
- Understanding Pelvic Pain: Terminology, biopsychosocial contributors (10 min)
- Pelvic floor functional, physiologic, and anatomical inter-relationships (10 min)
- Biopsychosocial Athletic considerations (10 min)
- Case Study: Meet Kate- Professional Iron-Distance Triathlete (20 min)
- Q and A- (10 min)
Contact Us to inquire about hosting a workshop: Contact Us
Foundations: The Diaphragm/Pelvic Floor Piston for Adult PopulationsDespite inclusion in most definitions of the core, few rehabilitation or fitness programs integrate the pelvic floor or diaphragm into strengthening or neuromotor training. An integrated clinical model of the pelvic floor requires a broadened definition of pelvic floor function beyond merely maintaining continence. When linked to the diaphragm, the pelvic floor acts as a powerful proximal stabilizer of lumbosacral, sacroiliac, pubic symphysis, and pelvic-hip joints ensuring efficient LE and UE mechanics. In addition, the dynamic interplay of these deep muscular elements will balance and harness the intra-abdominal pressure system as a component of central stability.
Clinicians will be introduced to an innovative, clinical model that incorporates a neuromuscular-based core recruitment and IAP balancing strategy, driven by external cueing of both the pelvic floor and diaphragm. This provides a sturdy, yet dynamic foundation that is responsive to the demands of function, movement, fitness and sport. Regardless of age or sport of choice, building programs that maximize results without compounding common women’s health issues such as incontinence, and organ prolapse is a critical clinical skill for all clinicians who treat females (regardless of specialty).
Session participants will have the opportunity to experience the material themselves through exercises that integrate the diaphragm/pelvic floor piston into core stabilization, postural muscle patterning, gait, fitness and sport specific activities.
The Diaphragm/Pelvic Floor Piston for Adult Populations: Part One
Day 1:
8:00 – 8:30 – Registration
8:30 – 9:00 – Introduction
9:00 – 10:00 – Neuromuscular Core Strategy
10:00 – 10:15 – Break (provided)
10:15 – 11:00 – Life span core dysfunction
11:00 – 12:30 – Core Strategy enhancing alignment
12:30 – 1:30 – Lunch (on your own)
1:30 – 2:30 – Diaphragm functional eval and activate with lab
2:30 – 3:30 – Pelvic Floor eval and activate with lab (external evaluation)
3:30-3:45 – Break (provided)
3:45-4:30 – Clinical steps: Interaction demo/alignment practice
4:30-5:00 – Q and A
Day 2:
8:30 – 9:30 – Q and A/Day One Review Lab
9:30-11:00 – Training postural relationships (Posterior Oblique Synergist lab)
11:00-11:15 – Break
11:15 – 12:15 – Lateral Synergist lab
12:15 – 1:15 – Lunch (on your own)
1:15-2:15 – Anterior Oblique Synergist lab
2:15-3:15 – Rotational Synergist lab
3:15-4:00 – Core Strategy in gait
4:00-4:30 – Fitness/Plyometrics: Embed the Strategy
4:30-5:00 – Q and A /Case Studies
Contact Us to inquire about hosting a workshop: Contact Us
Despite inclusion in most definitions of the core, few rehabilitation or fitness programs integrate the pelvic floor or diaphragm into strengthening or neuromotor training. An integrated clinical model of the pelvic floor requires a broadened definition of pelvic floor function beyond merely maintaining continence. When linked to the diaphragm, the pelvic floor acts as a powerful proximal stabilizer of lumbosacral, sacroiliac, pubic symphysis, and pelvic-hip joints ensuring efficient LE and UE mechanics. In addition, the dynamic interplay of these deep muscular elements will balance and harness the intra-abdominal pressure system as a component of central stability.
Clinicians will be introduced to an innovative, clinical model that incorporates a neuromuscular-based core recruitment and IAP balancing strategy, driven by external cueing of both the pelvic floor and diaphragm. This provides a sturdy, yet dynamic foundation that is responsive to the demands of function, movement, fitness and sport. Regardless of age or sport of choice, building programs that maximize results without compounding common women’s health issues such as incontinence, and organ prolapse is a critical clinical skill for all clinicians who treat females (regardless of specialty).
Session participants will have the opportunity to experience the material themselves through exercises that integrate the diaphragm/pelvic floor piston into core stabilization, postural muscle patterning, gait, fitness and sport specific activities.
The Diaphragm/Pelvic Floor Piston for Adult Populations: Part One
Day 1:
8:00 – 8:30 – Registration
8:30 – 9:00 – Introduction
9:00 – 10:00 – Neuromuscular Core Strategy
10:00 – 10:15 – Break (provided)
10:15 – 11:00 – Life span core dysfunction
11:00 – 12:30 – Core Strategy enhancing alignment
12:30 – 1:30 – Lunch (on your own)
1:30 – 2:30 – Diaphragm functional eval and activate with lab
2:30 – 3:30 – Pelvic Floor eval and activate with lab (external evaluation)
3:30-3:45 – Break (provided)
3:45-4:30 – Clinical steps: Interaction demo/alignment practice
4:30-5:00 – Q and A
Day 2:
8:30 – 9:30 – Q and A/Day One Review Lab
9:30-11:00 – Training postural relationships (Posterior Oblique Synergist lab)
11:00-11:15 – Break
11:15 – 12:15 – Lateral Synergist lab
12:15 – 1:15 – Lunch (on your own)
1:15-2:15 – Anterior Oblique Synergist lab
2:15-3:15 – Rotational Synergist lab
3:15-4:00 – Core Strategy in gait
4:00-4:30 – Fitness/Plyometrics: Embed the Strategy
4:30-5:00 – Q and A /Case Studies
Contact Us to inquire about hosting a workshop: Contact Us
Pediatric Rehabilitation
Pediatric Pelvic Health: Dynamic Core for Kids Edition
Instructors: Julie W. Wiebe, PT, DPT and Shelley Mannell, PT, BSc, BHSc
Continence and constipation are challenges for many of the families encountered by pediatric PTs and OTs. However, few rehabilitation professionals feel confident to address these pediatric pelvic health needs, and lack relevant tools to address them in the context of their clinical setting. Standard pelvic floor-centered, behavioral and environmental interventions may not be suitable for the needs of neurodiverse children (and many neurotypical kids). A new model of trauma-informed pediatric pelvic health is needed.
This hybrid course (Day One online, Day Two in-person) introduces pediatric and pelvic health rehab professionals to a dynamic systems framework for assessment and intervention for pediatric pelvic health challenges. This whole child perspective offers tangible tools and intervention strategies that harness the interconnection of postural control, neuromuscular, movement, and pressure systems to support continence and bowel regularity in children. In addition, interconnections between the neural networks involved in sensory processing, emotional regulation, and continence systems in both neurotypical and neurodiverse populations will be discussed to deepen provider understanding of a global approach.
Day One (Online): Concepts basic to the Dynamic Core for Kids approach will be applied to harness breath mechanics as a gateway into the intertwined central control, neural, and continence systems. Relevant strategies will be introduced that complement therapists’ existing skill set, along with tangible tools to share with families. Clinicians will be introduced to outcome measures, parent intake, and assessment form suggestions that support building a robust client profile to guide treatment priorities and integrate pelvic health into their plan of care. Participants will be equipped to address pediatric pelvic health in conjunction with other treatment priorities while honoring the unique circumstances of families and children with developmental, motor, and sensory differences.
Day Two (In-Person): Participants will have the opportunity to synthesize Day-One content via case study discussions and hands-on practice of intervention strategies. Intake, assessment, and outcome measures introduced in Day-One will provide a guiding framework to engage in case studies of children with a variety of neuromotor and sensory processing needs. In addition, attendees will explore movement-based and functional strategies to assess global contributors to paediatric pelvic health. External, hands-on assessment of diaphragm and pelvic floor function are offered for application in appropriate cases. Participants will be introduced to the potential impact of developmental Diastasis Recti Abdominis (dDRA) on continence, movement efficiency, and balance, with suggested treatment options and progressions.
Ample opportunity to ask questions and interact with instructors and colleagues will help equip providers with the clinical reasoning and confidence to enter into conversations, screening, and support for pediatric pelvic health needs in the populations they serve. (Attendance on Day One is REQUIRED to attend Day Two.)
Audience: This course is designed for both experienced and newer clinicians who are new to pediatric pelvic health, providing foundational knowledge, assessment, and intervention skills appropriate for the pediatric setting.
Day One Objectives
- Discuss the prevalence of continence issues in 3 different pediatric populations.
- Reflect on the application of trauma informed care in how you speak, assess, intervene and gain consent from neurodiverse children and their families.
- Compare neurotypical and neurodivergent development of the anticipatory postural control system (aka “deep core”) inclusive of relationships between the diaphragm, transverse abdominis, pelvic floor, and intra-abdominal pressure systems.
- Develop breath mechanics strategies to link the anticipatory postural control and continence control systems as a foundation for three therapeutic activities.
- List 4 modifiable lifestyle factors that can have an impact on continence in both neurotypical and neurodivergent children.
- Develop 3 constipation intervention strategies for parents to help prevent nighttime accidents.
- Describe the interconnections between neurophysiologic, sensory processing, and emotional regulation systems as they relate to daytime and nighttime continence control.
- Gain intake and assessment tools that reveal a clinical profile that reflects the status of multiple systems that have a role in pediatric pelvic health concerns
Day Two Objectives
- Demonstrate a basic level of skill in assessment of components of the central control system – Diaphragm, Transversus Abdominis, and Pelvic Floor (including external palpation).
- Create a client profile from parent intake, assessment, and outcome measures to guide treatment planning.
- Identify functional and movement pattern differences that demonstrate central control and continence system challenges.
- Devise 2 external, movement based intervention strategies that simultaneously address neuromotor, sensory, and pelvic health needs.
- Demonstrate a basic level of skill in assessment of developmental Diastasis Recti Abdominis (dDRA).
- Develop 2 intervention strategies that manage dDRA for those with different neuromotor and/or sensory abilities.
- Create a plan of care that offers families pelvic health support alongside other treatment priorities.
Contact Us to inquire about hosting a workshop: Contact Us
Dynamic Core for Kids Part One: Stability in Action
Instructors: Shelley Mannell, Julie Wiebe
This two-day course is designed to equip pediatric rehabilitation professionals with the knowledge, clinical reasoning, and tools to apply a systems based, neuromuscular central control framework to the specific needs of a variety of neurodiverse children: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Cerebral Palsy (CP), Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), hypotonia, and more.
Primary course content is divided into 2 days.
Day 1: Clinicians will be introduced to a neuromuscular, systems approach to central control (Core Strategy) that is distinct from traditional concepts of core strength. This integrative model uses the diaphragm and breathing mechanics as an access point for central control (aka core stability). This attainable and relevant starting point for pediatric populations impacts multiple intertwined systems including postural control, balance, sensory processing and emotional regulation as well as functional gross and fine motor skills. The development of and challenges to central control in neurotypical and neurodiverse populations are discussed. A specific assessment model of the elements of the central control system (diaphragm, abdominal wall, pelvic floor, and pressure system) is provided. An intertwined understanding of the influence of alignment and external support to optimize availability of the elements of this system is demonstrated.
Day 2: Participants will learn to integrate Core Strategy into treatment, movement, and functional activities that have immediate application to a variety of clinical settings (direct treatment, school, and home programs). Case presentations and small group learning will promote concept synthesis and clinical reasoning to implement Core Strategy in clients of differing ages (preschoolers age 2+, school age and teens) and diagnoses. Participants will also discuss how to integrate Core Strategy Techniques with Neuro-Developmental Treatment handling skills and sensory processing intervention to support a greater range of clients.
Course Objectives:
- Describe the difference between a neuromuscular, systems approach to dynamic central control (‘Core Strategy’) and the traditional musculoskeletal, strength-based concept of ‘core stability’.
- Articulate the differences in the development of Core Strategy between neurotypical and neurodiverse children.
- Identify the contribution of efficient and effective core strategy to the development of emotional regulation.
- Evaluate the behavior and function of the diaphragm, transversus abdominis, pelvic floor, and intra-abdominal pressure system, both as individual components and collectively as an interconnected deep central control system.
- Develop a well reasoned thought process to individualize a treatment strategy that balances and encourages teamwork for elements of the deep central control system.
- Provide alignment cueing and external support options to optimize availability of the elements of the deep central control system.
- Utilize breath mechanics strategies as a pediatric-friendly entry point to access and encourage teamwork in the deep central control system and support movement and function.
- Implement clinical strategies that integrate a deep to superficial framework of neuromuscular system integration as an underpinning for function, balance, gross and fine motor skills.
- Synthesize assessment findings to develop a well-reasoned treatment plan for a variety of neurodiverse populations exhibiting challenges with core strategy in movement, balance, emotional regulation, sensory organization, functional motor skills and activities of daily living.
Course Schedule (subject to change):
Day 1
8:00 am Registration
8:30 Introductions and pre-work
8:45 Foundational concepts
10:00 Neurotypical and neurodiverse development
11:15 Alignment concepts
12:30 pm Lunch
1:30 Integrated systems – diaphragm
3:00 break
3:15 Integrated systems – pelvic floor
4:30 End
Day 2
8:30 am Q & A, recap
9:00 Children with neuromotor needs: Posterior Oblique Synergist
10:30 Break
10:45 Children with neuromotor needs: Anterior oblique synergist
Noon Lunch
1:00 pm Children with increased motor capabilities
1:15 Balancing anti-gravity flexion and extension
1:30 Small group learning and discussion
2:00 Creating rotation
2:30 break
2:45 Clinical applications,
3:00 Treatment planning: small group learning
4:00 Additional populations
4:15 Q & A
4:30 End
Contact Us to inquire about hosting a workshop: Contact Us
Dynamic Core for Kids Goes to School
There are many issues that underlie a child’s readiness to learn. Teaching staff face many challenges in the classroom (and parents at home) with posture, attention, difficulty sitting still, impulse control, clumsiness and more. Physical Therapists Shelley Mannell and Julie Wiebe present down-to-earth, practical explanations and tools for teachers and staff to help children optimize their physical, emotional and sensory foundation to support their learning.
Topics of discussion for the day include the relationship of breathing and core stability to alignment, toileting, emotional self-regulation, sensory processing and attention. Discussion of the need for the brain and body to move and the role of breathing creates a practical approach to supporting the whole child at school and at home.
A combination of lecture, videos and practical experiences facilitate an engaging day of learning that will equip teachers and parents with the know-how and practical skills to use in their classrooms and families on Monday morning.
Contact Us to inquire about hosting a workshop: Contact Us
Dynamic Core for Kids Part Two: Problem Solving
Instructors: Shelley Mannell, Julie Wiebe
In Dynamic Core for Kids therapists were introduced to the assessment of the Core and intervention strategies for children with motor challenges. Dynamic Core for Kids 2 provides the opportunity to gain an increased level of mastery with assessment and treatment planning for children with a variety of motor challenges. Day 1 will begin with review of the important concepts in treatment of the Core and update therapists on the current research literature. Opportunities for assessment and treatment planning will occur for the rest of Day 1 and Day 2 through video clips and problem solving. Therapists are invited to bring a video clip of one of their clients to share with the group. If you are interested in gaining an advanced level of skill with Dynamic Core for Kids, join us for an exciting 2 day learning experience. Participants for this course need to have completed the Dynamic Core for Kids 1 (previously Core Restoration for Kids with Motor Challenges course).
Contact Us to inquire about hosting a workshop: Contact Us