PNF: Functional Neuromuscular and Motor Control Training

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PNF: Functional Neuromuscular and Motor Control Training
The Functional Link For Manual Therapists

Prerequisites: None

Required Course Preparation 
Prior to the classroom portion of this course, all students must complete required course preparation.  The preparation for PNF includes videos, quizzes, and articles.  Plan to spend approximately 4 hours learning this important information.  Once enrolled in a course, required course preparation can be found by logging on to your IPA account and selecting "My Upcoming Courses."  If you have any trouble accessing the required course preparation please call our office at 970-870-9521 for assistance. Please note that approved CEUs may vary depending on individual states' treatment of Online vs. Classroom Instruction.

Required Equipment 
A printed copy of the course manual.  1 pillow and 2 pillow cases.

Recommended Reading and Viewing 
It is recommended that each participant reviews the Bibliography and read any article they are unfamiliar with prior to the course. All Course Bibliographies
 

Any current literature on motor training.

MNM Clinical Reasoning Intro video


Purpose
To effectively treat as a Functional Manual Therapist®, one must address the interrelationship between the neuromuscular, soft tissue, and articular systems. PNF offers a dynamic and functional evaluation and treatment approach to this interrelationship based on specific analysis of motor recruitment patterns and Characteristics of Neuromuscular Function. This course progresses from specific shoulder girdle, pelvic girdle, and trunk patterns to weight bearing postures and movements. Content emphasizes the establishment of efficient motor recruitment patterns for rehabilitation of neurological and orthopedic patients and post manipulative techniques. The material in this course is directly related to current neurophysiology of muscle function and motor control. 

Objectives
The participant will develop an understanding of the:
~ normal growth and development principles on which PNF is founded.
~ neurophysiology behind the PNF principles
~ FMT paradigm of mechanical capacity, neuromuscular function, and motor control.
~ application of the FMT paradigm to the practice of PNF.
~ FMT operational definition of Functional Efficiency and how it applies to the practice of PNF.
~ attributes and differences between tonic vs phasic contractions and isometric vs maintained isotonic contractions.

The participant will develop the:
~  clinical skills to determine a patient’s neuromuscular ability to initiate functional movements with a proper feed forward mechanism, and if necessary, select the proper PNF technique to facilitate a CoreFirst contraction.
~ manual skills to assess the mechanical capacity of the joint and soft tissues associated with PNF patterns and functional positions of hook lying, on-elbows, sitting, and gait.
~  observation skills to identify inefficiencies in the scapula and pelvic patterns as they relate to functional activities
~  skills to identify the presence or absence of CoreFirst® strategies in various functional movements and postures and demonstrate the necessary clinical reasoning to determine the proper PNF intervention if a dysfunctional motor strategy is identified.
~ clinical reasoning necessary to implement a plan of care related to the restoration of efficient mechanical capacity, neuromuscular function, and motor control through the utilization of appropriate principles and techniques of PNF based on the objective and subjective findings related to a patient’s presenting symptoms.

The participant will demonstrate in supervised lab practice sessions the clinical reasoning necessary to understand when and how to utilize PNF throughout the plan of care for both evaluation and intervention.

Instructor Note
The instructor advertised for the course is the intended primary instructor. Every effort is made to hold the course with the scheduled instructor. Course refunds or transfers will not be granted based on a change of instructor. Please note there may be a change of instructor(s) without prior notice. 

Multiple instructors are scheduled for each course. However, the actual number of instructors at a course will be determined by final enrollment.

Hours
3 Days, 24-28 Hours (Approved CEUs vary by state.

CEUs: 
PNF requires attendees to complete online course preparation before attending the classroom instruction. Approved CEUs for this course may vary depending on individual states' treatment of Online vs. Classroom Instruction. Before registering for a course you should verify approved CEUs with your state licensing board or association. State rules are subject to change. IPA courses are approved for PTs for the state in which the course is held.  OTs and PTAs should check with their approving body to determine if the PT approval will be accepted.

Breaks
No food will be provided during PNF courses. We suggest you bring a water bottle and feel free to bring your own snacks.

Audience
PT, PTA, OT, SPT 
Attendees agree to utilize all skills of evaluation, assessment and treatment learned in this course to the extent allowed under the regulations of their professional practice act. By registering you acknowledge that your attendance does not represent authorization by the IPA, or any of its officers, to utilize any of the material learned which may lie outside of the strict interpretation of your practice act.

Attendance
Each attendee is expected to complete the required pre-course work before the course begins, and attend all hours of instruction to receive a certificate of completion. Any exceptions to this policy must be pre-approved in writing by the Directors.

Lab Clothing 
Wear comfortable clothing for lectures and sitting labs.  Participants' bodies must be accessible for observation and treatment. Please refrain from wearing large or sharp jewelry. Because there is a great deal of kneeling during this course, you may want to bring knee pads. Also, please bring proper shoes for Sundays' Gait lab.

Women: Sports top or loose fitting shirt so scapula is accessible, and shorts with loose waist.

Men: Shorts or swim trunks with loose waist.

ALL:  Warm-up suits or other clothing worn over the above described attire is advised to ensure comfort between demonstrations as temperatures in the room may vary.

Course Preparation
This 3 day workshop is quite demanding and intense.  Please come prepared and rested.  Review the basic anatomy of the scapula and pelvis muscles and joints.  This knowledge will serve as an important foundation for the principles and procedures taught. Be sure to complete the required course preparation listed above.
It is suggested that each participant review the Bibliography and read any article they are unfamiliar with prior to attending the course.