Pain Syndromes & Conditions

Arthritis is a chronic and, for many, debilitating disease caused by inflammation of one or more joints. It results in joint swelling, stiffness, pain and limited range of motion. There are over 100 different forms of arthritis, with osteoarthritis being the most common. While focused primarily on osteoarthritis, this course, equips you to deal with most types of arthritis. You learn a broad range of exercises appropriate to every stage of the disease.

Learning objectives

• Gain an understanding of osteoarthritis and related types of arthritis
• Learn to identify the difference between osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis
• Practise safe and effective exercises for osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis
• Learn how to develop safe and effective classes for people with arthritis

CECs: 6
Tuition: $275
Questions:  [email protected]

Breast cancer is one of the most survivable cancers. Nine out of 10 women live at least five years post-diagnosis. However, the treatment is almost always invasive. It leaves individuals fatigued and with physical problems like lymphedema, reduced shoulder range of motion, pain and stiffness in affected joints, and muscular weakness. In this course, we look at several biomechanical protocols to improve functional movement as well as somatic education principles. The goal is to make movement meaningful and beneficial for breast cancer survivors.

Learning objectives

• Gain knowledge about breast cancer and its implications in the context of daily movement
• Explore ways to specifically address the movement impairments associated with breast cancer
• Learn how to build an effective program for survivors to ensure positive outcomes and a balance between strength and flexibility

CECs: 6
Tuition: $275
Questions: [email protected]

This course covers the characteristics of handedness and scoliosis patterns and how they affect posture and muscle activation throughout the body. You also learn how to apply this knowledge to choosing effective exercise protocols. You leave with fresh observation skills and a new paradigm of understanding spinal mechanics and their influence on both structure and function.

Learning objectives

• Learn to assess handedness patterns and their effect on human movement
• Learn to assess scoliotic patterns and their effect on human movement
• Apply anterior/posterior balancing and asymmetrical conditioning to address muscular imbalances

CECs: 6
Tuition: $275
Questions:  [email protected]

Hip replacement is the most common orthopaedic operation nowadays, and with an aging population this trend is certain to continue. As movement educators we can play an integral role in both the prehab and rehab phases of the hip replacement process. Open to teachers of all levels, this course clarifies what a hip replacement is, when it is recommended, and the issues associated with hip replacement surgery. We also look at a variety of highly recommended exercises and movement techniques for people in the prehab and rehab stages of hip replacement.

Learning objectives

• Gain an understanding of hip replacements: who qualifies for the operation, what the surgery entails, and the projected outcomes
• Discover how to intervene in the prehab stage of a hip replacement surgery
• Explore ways to help in recovery
• Learn how to help restore function post-surgery

CECs: 3
Tuition: $140
Questions: [email protected]

“Experts estimate that up to 10% of the general population may have some degree of hypermobility, with women affected about three times more often than men. Most hypermobile people do not develop any problems from their loose joints, but some suffer chronic pain and other symptoms.” (A. Pocinki, MD, Joint Hypermobility and Joint Hypermobility Syndrome, 2010)

In this course, we start by investigating what hypermobility is, its causes and who is affected. We also review clinical assessments used to determine joint hypermobility, joint hypermobility syndrome and more. We then turn to the symptoms and the dos and don’ts of helping someone manage the condition with safe and effective physical conditioning best practices.

Learning objectives

• Discover what hypermobility is, its causes and who is affected
• Review clinical assessments used to determine the condition
• Learn the dos and don’ts when working with a hypermobile client

CECs: 3
Tuition: $140
Questions: [email protected]

Auto-immune disease is a condition whereby the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys its own healthy body tissue(s). There are more than 80 different types of auto-immune disorders. One or many of the following characteristics are typical of all auto-immune disorders: destruction of one or more types of healthy body tissue, abnormal growth of an organ, changes in organ function, inflammation. This course focuses mainly on auto-immune disorders with inflammation leading to limitations in normal movement and function as the main characteristic. Examples of disorders covered are lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjorgen Syndrome and multiple sclerosis.

Learning objectives

• Learn what inflammatory and auto-immune disorders are
• Find out how these disorders limit movement and function
• Practise strategies and exercises appropriate for clients with these types of conditions

CECs: 6
Tuition: $275
Questions: [email protected]

Our nervous system is vital to our daily movement and function and yet it remains one of the most elusive and least understood systems. This course is based on the latest research on the brain and how it can adapt and change its structure in response to information. You gain an understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the nervous system, as well as the system pathways responsible for perceiving and moving within our environment. You leave with ability to fine-tune your cueing so you draw the responses you want in your clients. You also learn how to design exercises that better access the nervous system for improved motor control and awareness.

Learning objectives

• Learn basic neurophysiology and how to link it to teaching movement
• Discover how movement works in the body according to its neurological underpinnings
• Find out how the brain functions and how it can adapt and change in response to information

Note: This course lays the groundwork for Neurophysiology 201, where specific conditions are addressed.

CECs: 12
Tuition: $550
Questions:  [email protected]

This course builds on the groundwork laid out in the Neurophysiology 101 course, which covers how the nervous system works and the role in plays in movement. In Neurophysiology 201, we apply that knowledge to the populations who suffer from spinal cord injury, stroke, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis. We look at what happens to the nervous system when things go wrong and how this affects movement. You leave able to design exercise programs that help these special populations enhance their movement potential.

Learning objectives

• Gain a basic understanding of neurophysiology with respect to neurological impairments, such as spinal cord injury, stroke, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis
• Learn verbal and non-verbal cueing techniques to promote change in the movement patterns for individuals with neurological impairments
• Find out how to design exercise programs for individuals with neurological impairments

CECs: 6
Tuition: $275
Questions:  [email protected]

Today osteoporosis is reaching epidemic levels. This presents a challenge from a movement, strength and flexibility perspective. As movement and exercise professionals we need to choose appropriate exercises that keep people safe and reduce risk factors associated with osteopenia and osteoporosis. This course is packed with current information and analysis of these conditions. It also offers a detailed map of how to ensure the exercises you teach are bone safe and effective for building bone density. You leave equipped with tools to work proactively with the specialized needs of people with osteopenia and osteoporosis.

Learning objectives

• Understand the risks associated with osteopenia and osteoporosis
• Learn safety protocols when working with clients who have osteopenia and osteoporosis
• Learn how to make educated exercise choices for bone safety and health
• Experience appropriate exercises to promote bone health and safe movement

CECs: 6
Tuition: $275
Questions:  [email protected]

Chronic pain is challenging and complex, and is a common reason why clients try Pilates. This course focuses on the key role the nervous system plays in pain. Understanding of neuroplasticity and the “brain in pain” guide our discussion about strategies for working with clients who have pain.

Learning objectives

• Learn new considerations in the continuum of the pain cycle
• Determine how movement and exercise affect pain
• Find out how to assess your movement and exercise choices for clients living with pain

CECs: 3
Tuition: $140
Questions:  [email protected]

Post-natal core training is not only about regaining a flat tummy for appearance sake. The process is often complicated by diastasis recti—thinning of the tissue between the right and left sides of the rectus abdominis muscle—a condition that often contributes to lower back, shoulder and pelvic floor issues, both during and after pregnancy. The good news is that we can help restore the integrity of the rectus abdominis through specialized exercise-based intervention. This course combines the latest research on diastasis recti and exercise. The focus is on the causes and how to restore the core with a Pilates-based conditioning program, modified to the needs of post-natal women with diastasis recti. You will leave with a clear understanding of what the condition is, how to identify it, and how to help clients work with and recover from it.

Starting with a review of the anatomy of the hip and knee plus all the muscles that wind around the pelvis, thigh and hip, we move on to examine which muscles are local and global and how to apply this information to movement. From there we consider subjective and objective evaluations of all the compartments of the lower limb. A major focus is two main functions of the lower limb: sit to stand and gait—how to assess these key functions and what to do to improve their execution. We also spend time on functional movement in general and common conditions of the lower limb—pelvis, hip and knee—as well as Sahrmann’s 11 movement impairments of the pelvis and hips. We conclude with a plan of action to restore optimal function and movement.

Learning objectives

• Gain a systematic and in-depth understanding of the lower limb
• Learn both methodical and creative ways to approach movement impairments in the pelvis, hip and knee
• Explore a variety of exercises that go beyond the Pilates repertoire, and push the envelope in terms of restoring optimal function and movement

This course is part of a series of post-rehab protocol courses for the spine, hip and knee and shoulder complex. The curriculum includes functional anatomy, assessment, critical reflection, and a step-by-step program design with innovative exercises using mat, small props and Pilates machines. The series is key for any teacher searching for new ways to observe movement patterns and offer targeted exercises. The three courses in the series can be taken individually or in any sequence.

CECs: 12
Tuition: $550
Materials: $40
Questions: [email protected]

A detailed review of the anatomy of the shoulder girdle sets the stage for understanding dynamic stability of the upper limb and torso. We look at each joint and muscle in the shoulder blade, collar bone and arm bone and their contribution to scapulohumeral rhythm, the coordinated movement of all three parts of the shoulder complex. We then apply this information to movement impairments of the scapula and humerus as well as common conditions of the shoulder complex and conclude with a plan of action using Pilates-based exercises and more to restore optimal function and movement.

Learning objectives

• Gain a systematic and in-depth understanding of the upper limb system
• Learn both methodical and creative ways to approach movement impairments in the shoulder complex
• Explore a variety of exercises that go beyond the Pilates repertoire and push the envelope in terms of restoring optimal function and movement

This course is part of a series of post-rehab protocol courses for the spine, hip and knee and shoulder complex. The curriculum includes functional anatomy, assessment, critical reflection, and a step-by-step program design with innovative exercises using mat, small props and Pilates machines. The series is key for any teacher searching for new ways to observe movement patterns and offer targeted exercises. The three courses in the series can be taken individually or in any sequence.

CECs: 12
Tuition: $550
Materials: $40
Questions: [email protected]

In this workshop we take an in-depth look at the structure of the spine and all the muscles that segmentally support, control and move the different spinal regions. We focus on functional movement in the spine as well as the role and contribution of the local and global muscle systems throughout the body. We explore 12 features of imbalanced activity in the local and global systems and what to do in a movement context to restore balance between the systems. We conclude by applying all this information to common spinal dysfunction and pain and posture patterns and creating a plan of action to move toward optimal function and movement.

Learning objectives

• Gain a systematic and in-depth understanding of the spine
• Learn both methodical and creative ways to approach movement impairments in the spine
• Explore a variety of exercises that go beyond the Pilates repertoire, and push the envelope in terms of restoring optimal function and movement

This course is part of a series of post-rehab protocol courses for the spine, hip and knee and shoulder complex. The curriculum includes functional anatomy, assessment, critical reflection, and a step-by-step program design with innovative exercises using mat, small props and Pilates machines. The series is key for any teacher searching for new ways to observe movement patterns and offer targeted exercises. The three courses in the series can be taken individually or in any sequence.

CECs: 12
Tuition: $550
Materials: $40
Questions: [email protected]

Knee surgeries are commonplace for young, older, active and deconditioned populations. The numbers are exploding and candidates need help prior to and after surgery. In this course you review the knee anatomy and biomechanics as they relate to the context of common knee surgeries. You explore total knee replacement—what it is, when it is recommended, and what to expect in recovery. You will also learn about anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction—mechanisms of knee ligament injury, what surgery involves and expected outcomes. You leave equipped with exercises for the pre-hab and post-rehab stages, as well as simple movement techniques for knee injury prevention.

Learning objectives

• Gain knowledge of knee replacements and ACL reconstruction—what those surgeries involve and expected outcomes
• Learn exercises and protocols for the pre- and post-rehab stages
• Explore ways to prevent knee injury for active clients

CECs: 3
Tuition: $140
Questions: [email protected]

When it comes to movement, exercise, movement impairments and helping people evolve their patterns to feel and be well, many factors contribute to successful outcomes. In this course, we delve into rehabilitative exercise principles, theory, and processes to figure out how best to help a person maintain and improve their tissue tolerance to load (e.g., from carrying objects to swinging a golf club with full force). Why is this important? So people can get back to the things they need and want to do.

Learning objectives

• Review the physical stress theory, the definition of load, as well as the five physiological responses to it
• Discuss key steps in a well-rounded rehabilitative exercise plan
• Determine how to assess and teach motor skills, how to work along the mobility-stability continuum, and how to deal proactively and empathically with people’s response to pain

CECs: 3
Tuition: $140
Questions: [email protected]

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is central to basic functions like talking and chewing. Increased stress can lead to clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth, which often lead to TMJ problems. In this two-hour course, you will explore the relationship between TMJ dysfunction, neck posture, and headaches. You will also learn techniques to aid common issues like jaw tension and clicking.

Learning objectives

• Explore the unique anatomy and mechanics of the TMJ
• Gain an understanding of the interrelationship of TMJ dysfunction, craniocervical posture, and jaw, neck, and head pain
• Learn self-care strategies to help with jaw pain, clenching, and clicking
• Practice exercises to optimize TMJ movement and function

CECs: 2
Tuition: $95
Questions: [email protected]

In this course we investigate key considerations for seniors and exercise: types of conditions that affect musculoskeletal health with age, issues related to dexterity, and, certainly, balance training. You leave with actual class plans that are engaging, fun, safe and well-rounded.

Learning objectives

• Develop a clear framework of what seniors need and expect from exercise
• Discover the do’s and don’ts when it comes to exercise protocols for seniors
• Learn functional exercises and innovative ways to plan classes that meet the needs of people as they age

CECs: 6
Tuition: $275
Questions: [email protected]