Courses available for professionals:

Dynamic Core Restoration:

Moving Rehab and Fitness beyond TA and Kegels

Physical Therapy literature has clearly defined the inner Core unit as the respiratory diaphragm, transversus abdominis (TA), pelvic floor (PF) and multifidus. Neurological input integrates the action of these four muscles to act as the center piece of anticipatory postural control. Yet most “Core exercises” focus only on a continuous static hold of the TA incorporated into repeated trunk activities. This typically taught Core pattern does not utilize the other powerful Core components, train the neurological input for timing inner Core activation or create a dynamic stabilization system that is effective in daily movement patterns or fitness programs.

Core Restoration is an innovative neuromuscular approach that distinguishes itself from typical “Core exercise” by incorporating a unique inner Core recruitment system in correct alignment. Through accessing the powerful relationship between the diaphragm and pelvic floor first, not the abs, Core Restoration creates a dynamic postural stabilization system from the inside-out. The Diaphragm/Pelvic Floor team is recruited first to secure a stable center, then postural muscle synergists activate through specific exercise patterns. This promotes correct postural alignment, prepares the body for efficient movement patterns, prevents the muscular compensations that contribute to injury, and quickly returns clients to high-level fitness programs.

Core Restoration will present practical evidence-based assessment and intervention strategies to teach sports med, orthopedic and fitness professionals how to:

  • Evaluate and cue each element of the Core, including simple external evaluation and dynamic recruitment of the pelvic floor (more than a Kegel)
  • Synchronize anticipatory activation of Diaphragm and Pelvic Floor in Core optimizing alignment
  • Build Core programs that work from the inside-out, reconnecting the anticipatory inner Core contraction with larger postural muscle groups
  • Create a dynamic Core stabilization system for movement patterns, fitness and sport activities

Ample practical time will be provided to correlate concepts with practical exercise strategies for a variety of populations.

Contact us to inquire about hosting a workshop.

Core Restoration in Kids With Motor Challenges

Instructors: Shelley Mannell, Julie Wiebe

Therapists experience abundant challenges when addressing Core muscle weakness in their clients with a variety of diagnosis: ASD, CP, DCD, hypotonia.  Join us for a dynamic 2 day workshop that presents a new concept in Core muscle development and strengthening.  Core Restoration integrates neurological and sensory system activation as a central component of its effectiveness.  In this workshop participants will broaden their understanding of how Core Restoration is linked to effective self-regulation, and how it impacts the development of respiration, balance and functional gross and fine motor skills.  Combining lecture, lab and video case presentations, therapists will enhance their evaluation and intervention skills in clients of different ages (preschool, school age and teens) and diagnoses.  Participants will leave the course with practical treatment techniques that can be utilized in the clinic immediately to build increased core stability in clients 2 years and older.  Finally, discussions regarding integrating Core Restoration techniques with Neuro-Developmental Treatment handling skills and sensory processing intervention will allow therapists to support a wide range of clients in their practice.

On completion of this course, the therapists will be able to:
1. Describe the anatomy, physiology and neurological connections of the Core musculature.
2. Describe the typical development of Core strategy in children.
3. Describe how the development of Core strategy directly contributes to the development of self-regulation.
4. Identify Core strategy deficits and compensations in children with different diagnoses and the implications for multiple systems functioning.
5. Demonstrate practical techniques to address Core Restoration for a variety of clients.

Click here to inquire about hosting a workshop.

Core Restoration in Kids with Motor Challenges 2

Instructors: Shelley Mannell, Julie Wiebe

In Core Restoration for Kids with Motor Challenges therapists were introduced to the assessment of the Core and intervention strategies for children with motor challenges. Core Restoration for Kids with Motor Challenges 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 Core Restoration for children, join us for an exciting 2 day learning experience. Participants for this course need to have completed the Core Restoration for Kids with Motor Challenges course (previously Creating Core Connections).

On completion of this course the therapist will be able to:

1. Confidently assess a child and identify their present level of Core function

2. Identify a child’s primary postural control compensation strategies

3. Develop a treatment plan for a child’s present function using Core Restoration strategies

4. Develop treatment progressions using Core Restoration strategies