Building Better Balance
Course Description
This course is a practical and evidence-based approach to balance dysfunction for the adult population. Course material includes an overview of how the sensory systems (somatosensory, vestibular, visual, and auditory) and contributing elements of the central nervous system relate to balance dysfunction. Clinicians will develop an understanding of the way sensory input is coordinated and implemented to achieve and maintain postural control. This course will allow participants to utilize relevant information from each system to apply effective manual therapy techniques and choose relevant therapeutic exercise to create a comprehensive balance training program for their patients.
Please visit our Resource Center to check for course approval in your state.
Balance Schedule
Course Objectives
At the completion of this seminar, the participant will be able to:
- Correctly perform 12 relevant manual therapy techniques which may improve postural control or address impairments associated with balance dysfunction
- Verbally identify signs and symptoms of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
- Correctly perform the Dix Hallpike test and the Canlith Repositioning Maneuver to address posterior/anterior semicircular canal dysfunction
- Correctly perform the Supine-Roll test and the Appiani Treatment to address horizontal semicircular canal dysfunction
- Correctly perform five tai chi forms or exercises
- Correctly perform at least 20 exercises which may promote the development of strength, power, flexibility, and balance
- Develop a comprehensive balance rehabilitation regimen
Course Instructors
Brian Owens
PT, DPT, CIMT
Brian earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Exercise Science at Ithaca College in 2002 and later received a Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2007 at Arcadia University in Glenside, PA. He began his career within the Acute Care setting, but has dedicated several years to clinical practice within an outpatient orthopedics environment. In 2011, Brian earned distinction as a Certified Integrated Manual Therapist (CIMT) with Great Lakes Seminars. His treatment strategy employs a diverse approach to manual therapy and therapeutic exercise in patients of all ages. He enjoys linking the rehabilitation efforts of his patients to functional performance and is passionate about providing exceptional clinical care. Brian joined Great Lakes Seminars in 2012 to assist with the Advanced Dynamic Anatomy, Sacroiliac, Lumbar, Cervical-Thoracic and Functional Strength courses. He currently resides in Northern New Jersey with his wife and children.
Course Outline
Saturday
Continental Breakfast, pre-test
Lecture: Postural control overview, anatomy and physiology of balance systems
Lecture: BPPV
Lab: Muscle strength / power training, Tai-Chi
Lunch (on your own)
Lab: BPPV treatment and nystagmus overview (oculomotor exam, Hallpike-Dix, Canalith Repositioning Maneuver, Supine Roll Test, Appiani Treatment
Lab: Joint mobilization (AA, OA, rib cage)
Lab: Lower extremity joint mobilization - Hip (extension / neutral)
Lab: Lower extremity joint mobilization - Knee (patellofemoral joint, tibiofemoral joint)
Lab: Review and speed mobilization
Lab: Review of Evidence Based Literature
Adjourn
Sunday
Continental Breakfast
Lab: Review and speed mobilizations (suboccipital group, trunk - anterior cervical/thorax)
Lab: Lower extremity joint mobilization (ankle - distal tibiofibular joint, talocrural joint)
Lab: MFR (pectoralis major, knee - articularis genu, lower leg - gastrocnemius and soleus
Tai Chi
Lunch (on your own)
Lab: Tai Chi sequence / group instruction
Lab: Balance basics
Lab: Strength / Power Training
Case Presentation, independent thinking and facilitated group review
Lab: Question/answer session, post test, course evaluation
Adjourn
