Structural Integration and Wellness

Materials

• Text - 256 pages
• Multiple-choice test
• Certificate upon completion

Description

Providing an advanced introduction to the field of structural bodywork, this valuable program provides extensive information on the theory of structural bodywork related to human anatomy and clinical presentations. Focusing on issues related to dysfunctions of structure, posture and gait, this reader-friendly, illustrated and photgraphic course text also discusses the background of structural bodywork, how it has developed, and how it is understood today.

In this course, you will learn:

• visible and hidden signs of structural dysfunction
• key principles in Hellerwork, postural integration and Zen bodywork
• Maitland's three paradigms of practice and the main characteristics of structural bodywork
• the somatic perspective of complementary therapy
• therapy techniques and practice levels within the somatic discipline
• elements of the embryogenetic systems that relate to structural bodywork and models for understanding human structure
• tissue layers of the body and their roles
• three main levels of muscle organization
• types and functions of connective tissue
• types of cells found within connective tissue
• the mechanical characteristics of fascia
• differences between tonic and phasic muscles
• reasons for musculature injuries or disorders that may lead to structural adaptation and/or structural dysfunction
• postural-structural dysfunctions that are related specifically to the organization of the axial skeleton
• numerous techniques and models for a variety of musculoskeletal problems
• key elements of standing, palpatory and gait assessment
• rules for strategizing structural bodywork sessions
• protocols for addressing imbalances
• review theories of Rolf and Feldenkrais

Course Objectives

1. List at least two visible and two hidden signs of structural dysfunction.
2. Identify the key principles in Hellerwork, Postural Integration and Zen Bodywork.
3. Recognize Maitland's three paradigms of practice and list the main characteristics of structural bodywork.
4. Describe the somatic perspective of complementary therapy and compare therapy techniques and practice levels within the somatic discipline.
5. List at least three elements of the embryogenetic systems that relate to structural bodywork and recognize at least three models for understanding human structure.
6. Correctly identify each of the following:
• The tissue layers of the body and the roles of each
• The three main levels of muscle organization
• At least two potential spaces in the body
• The types and functions of connective tissue
• The main types of cells found within connective tissue
• The mechanical characteristics of fascia
7. Compare and contrast tonic and phasic muscles.
8. Identify reasons for musculature injuries or disorders that may lead to structural adaptation and/or structural dysfunction.
9. Recognize at least three postural-structural dysfunctions that are related specifically to the organization of the axial skeleton; define “inspiration fix” and “expiration fix,” and list the consequences of leg length discrepancy.
10. Recognize the key elements of at least five of the following models:
• Internal-external model
• Janda's approach
• Feldenkrais
• Hanna's extension of Feldenkrais
• Schleip's extension of Hanna's ideas
• Myer's Anatomy Train concept
11. Compare the key elements of each of the following: standing, palpatory, and gait assessment and identify the rules for strategizing structural bodywork sessions.
12. Identify general protocols for addressing imbalances in at least four areas of the sagittal plane.
13. List the areas of the lateral line and the medial leg line of the frontal plane and identify the general protocols for addressing asymmetries in the frontal and traverse planes.

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Instructors

Sharon Burch, MSN, RN, NCTMB

Sharon Burch holds a Masters Degree in Nursing and has been practicing as a nurse since 1974. She is currently a Registered Nurse in the state of Arkansas. Additionally, Ms. Burch studied under many of today's leaders in massage therapy and bodywork during the 1980s, became Nationally Certified through the NCBTMB in 1993 and holds a professional membership with the AMTA.

As founder of Health Positive!, Ms. Burch has created over 60 home study nursing and massage continuing education programs, performed over 65 public, live educational presentations, has written two published books, served as a member on the NCBTMB Continuing Education committee and was a founding member of the National Association of Nurse Massage Therapists.

Sharon is an instructor on many of the Institute's programs and has authored and co-authored various ethics courses and additional titles such as Touch for the Seriously Ill, Stress Reduction Through Bodywork, Staying Well – Naturally, Cardiopulmonary Health and Illness, Chronic Pain Management, Marketing Massage in Four Easy Steps, Preventing Medical Errors, HIV Update for Massage Therapists and Bodyworkers, Understanding HIV, Massage for Edema and more.