In this practical course human spinal biomechanics will be explored in common function and in some sports activities. The integrated nature of the body mechanics and its physiological components will inform an osteopathic approach to the evaluation and treatment of different conditions.
Starting with a review of relevant literature in the fields of fascial sciences and neurobiomechanics, the course will focus on the practical applications of this theoretical framework in everyday practice.
The biomechanical understanding of human movement is based on the concepts of Applied Functional Science® (Gray Institute, USA).
Summary of Osteopathic Practice Standards and other CPD elements covered
B) Knowledge, skills and performance - B1, B2, B3, B4
C) Safety and quality in practice - C1
Learning objectives
- Review of relevant spinal anatomy and osteokinematics
- Understand the neurophysiological principles of myofascial biomechanics and their application in clinical practice
- Understand the biomechanics of gait from a pelvis-to-shoulder girdles perspective
- Learn how to evaluate biomechanical patterns of function using functional testing
- Learn how to create specific functional contexts for the treatment of a range of dysfunctions
- Explore the functional physiology of non-pathological scoliotic curve in the adult and its biomechanical clinical correlations
- Learn how to assess non-pathological spinal curves from an applied biomechanical perspective and how to design appropriate exercises for its management
Timetable
Day 1
09:00 - 09:30 Registration
09:30 - 10:00 Introduction to applied biomechanics - Lecture
10:00 - 11:00 Osteokinematics- Lecture and practical session
11:00 - 11:15 Break
11:15 - 12:00 Osteokinematics of the lumbar spine- Lecture
12:00 - 12:30 Myofascial mechanics and functional loading- Lecture
12:30 - 13:30 Lunch break
13:30 - 14:00 Lumbar spine loading examples- Practice
14:00 - 15:00 Assessment strategies for the Lumbar spine - Lecture and practical session
15:00 - 15:30 Short break
15:30 - 17:30 Assessment techniques for the Lumbar spine- Practice
17:30 End of day 1
Day 2
09:30 - 10:30 Treatment techniques for the Lumbar spine - Practical session
10:30 - 10:45 Short break
10:45 - 11:15 Osteokinematics of the thoracic spine- Lecture
11:15 - 12:00 Assessment and treatment strategies for the Thoracic spine - Lecture and practical session
12:00 - 12:30 Assessment of non-pathological scoliotic curve in the adult - Lecture
12:30 - 13:30 Lunch break
13:30 - 14:30 Case-study based session: functional management of scoliotic spinal curves - Group session/ tutorial
14:30 - 15:00 Osteokinematics of the cervical spine- Lecture
15:00 - 15:15 Short break
15:15 - 16:30 Assessment and treatment strategies for the Cervical spine- Lecture and practical session
16:30 - 17:30 Q&A and open discussion - Group session
17:30 End of day 2
Course suitability
The course is suitable for osteopaths, physiotherapists, chiropractors and third and fourth year students.