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A dynamic approach to the treatment and management of a locked back.

Treating an acute, subacute or a chronic locked back can be very challenging. We now understand the pathomechanics of why this occurs. It is imperative that the patient overcomes their fear to move from Day 1. Research has demonstrated that a passive approach to treatment does not achieve this. This course will provide you with the essential clinical skills to use a dynamic approach to treatment to assess and treat a locked back. All topics and techniques covered are based on the current research on muscle inhibition and the neuroscience of pain.

You will also be introduced to how to integrate neurofitness and cognitive skills and drills into all your programs. These are suitable for all ages and levels of fitness, and fun to do.

Topics covered:

  • Understanding the pathomechanics of an unstable lumbar segment
  • MRI findings correlating with clinical findings of segmental multifidus inhibition and atrophy
  • Quick tips for screening for red and yellow flags
  • Is the locking local or being driven by a prior injury distal to the lower back?
  • Three essential neural tests and dynamic exercises to allow your patient to move from day 1.
  • How the patient can relax, release or stretch the overprotective phasic muscles including the hip flexors and erector spinae
  • An introduction to Neuro Athletics and how this can be used in all your exercise programming.

You will learn:

  • Exercises and techniques to get your patient presenting with a locked back, moving functionally from day 1
  • How to use neural testing to identify upper and lower limb influences on an unstable segment
  • How to refine your clinical assessment to identify if your patient is hyper or hypomobile
  • How to modify your exercise programming for a hyper or hypomobile patient
  • How to relax upper abdominals by altering breathing patterns
  • Exercises to downtrain or stretch compensating phasic muscles to automate recruitment of stability muscles
  • Segmental multifidus recruitment
  • Using perturbation to relax erector spinae
  • Self-help exercises for the patient to do for recurrent locked back
  • How to teach your patient to recover more quickly if their back instability returns using the latest research on the neuroscience of pain
  • Basic assessment of TA/PF using RTUS to identify if you are using the correct cues to recruit these muscles
  • When to tape or brace
  • Exercise progressions using basic equipment your patient can use at home

This course if particularly suitable for graduates with 1-8 years experience but practitioners of all levels of experience are welcome. 

What our students say:

“Very good. Well structured and informative. Good balance of theory and practice.” – Caleb G (Clovelly Road Physio)

“Very educating!! + also fun/involving (didn’t once feel it was a chore to be there).” – Maddie L (Clovelly Road Physio)

Pre Reading and Helpful Clips will be sent to you two weeks prior so that the focus in the course is on the Practical Sessions.

ADDITIONAL BONUS: you will receive a copy of Francine’s most recent release: The Back Pain Handbook E-book, as part of enrolling in this Course.

A dynamic approach to the treatment and management of a locked back; how to get your client moving functionally from Day 1.

New Course Dates: New Date TBC

Course Dates: July 6th & 7th – Fully Booked

Saturday 1pm-6pm, Sunday 9.30am-5pm

Course Fee: $850

Here’s what our students have to say…

“Couldn’t be better. Well organised. Good balance of theory and practice. Most valuable segment of the course was identifying PCF / SCF’s, Acute Strategies, RTUS Practical, Exercises. Reminded me of the importance of sequential mobilisation and “muscle accretion” – Mark L (Physiotherapy Focus)

“Very good. Well structured and informative. Yes, good balance of theory and practice. Most valuable segment of the course was RTUS Practical, Exercises” – Caleb G (Clovelly Road Physio)

“Very educating!! + also fun/involving (didn’t once feel it was a chore to be there). Great balance of theory and practice. Most valuable segment of the course was Anatomy Review, Identifying PCF / SCF’s, Exercises. I thought the course was great” – Maddie L (Clovelly Road Physio)

“Highly knowledgeable and practical approach. Good bringing of info altogether from a neural perspective. Yes, It was highly effective to go into detailed anatomy before practical. Most valuable part of the course was Anatomy Review, RTUS Practical.”

“Loved the anatomy, all the pre-set strategies very helpful. Need to start saving for a RTUS!! Good balance of practical part and theory. Can’t decide what the best part was!” – Cheryl D

“Very practical and Hands on approach! Good balance of theory and practice. Most valuable segment of the course was Acute Strategies, Exercises. All good.” – Thomas K (Physiotherapy Focus)

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