Postural Restoration Certified (PRC)

We are excited to announce and congratulate the Postural Restoration Certified™ (PRC) Class of 2023! This was a special week for us as we conducted PRC credentialing for our 20th year! From the first class in 2004 to this most recent group of clinicians, we have had 250 clinicians complete PRC credententialing, spanning 38 states and 7 countries. You can search PRI credentialed providers on our Find a Provider map

PRC credentialing is the result of completing multiple advanced PRI courses, demonstrating a thorough understanding of the science through completion of the PRC application, and successfully participating in practical and analytical testing. Earlier this week, 7 clinicians earned the designation of Postural Restoration Certified (PRC) under the direction of Ron Hruska, Louise Kelley, Skip George, and Jennifer Platt.

The Postural Restoration Institute® established this certification process in 2004 as a way to recognize and identify those individuals with advanced training, extraordinary interest and devotion to the science of postural adaptations, asymmetrical patterns and the influence of polyarticular chains of muscles on the human body as defined by the Postural Restoration Institute. The PRC credentialing program is available to physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, occupational therapists, and chiropractors who have attended PRI courses, demonstrated a thorough understanding of the science through completion of the PRC application, and successfully participate in both clinical and analytical testing. 

CLICK HERE to view the photo album. 

Back Row (L to R): Skip George, Alan Lee, Timas Peteraitis, Justin Baird, Brandon Le Burkien
Front Row (L to R): Louise Kelley, Greer Mackie, Diana Lee, Steven Blair, Ron Hruska, Jennifer Platt

Posted December 13, 2023 at 5:10PM

Each year, this image pops up on my Facebook Memories towards the end of July, when I was working on my PRC application back in 2011. I was a full time PT at the Hruska Clinic at the time, and just two years out of PT school. I began taking courses when I was still in PT school, had an awesome clinical instructor Lori Thomsen for one of my final clinical rotations, and landed my dream job after graduation at the Hruska Clinic. I was surrounded by the best mentors ever, yet I must admit that I was a little scared at the thought of completing the PRC application and testing. However, having been on both sides (a scared and nervous applicant, now 12 years ago, and today the Director of Education and Credentialing running the show), here are some tips to hopefully ease your anxiety about the process.

Unsure about taking the next step towards PRI Credentialing? Check out what others have said about their PRC credentialing experience and PRT credentialing experience!

My Top 3 tips for preparing your PRC or PRT application:

1. Set aside larger chunks of time to work on your application.
When I first started my application, I was working on it for a couple hours at a time in the evening, or when I had a patient cancellation during the day. But, I found that by the time I would get my stuff out (all of my course binders, my case study patient charts, stacks of research articles, etc), and I mentally prepared myself to get started, I didn't have much time to get actual work done on my application. Therefore, I found my groove when I set aside a full Saturday (which is what this picture is representing from 12 years ago). I set up a table to work, had all of my course manuals accessible and I got major work done! I did this a couple more days over the next couple months and finished the application. It isn't too late to start on your application for this year, if you are able to dedicate a couple weekends to the process.

2. The review committee isn't looking for perfection.

The application review is a peer-reviewed process (PRCs and PRTs). Each application is reviewed by two members of the review committee for which you are applying (either PRC or PRT), and their recommendations are provided for review by Ron and myself. Based on their feedback, we then determine if the applicant is prepared for testing, and the applicant then receives the reviewer's feedback. None of us are perfect in what we do, and thus the review committee is not looking for perfection. Rather, they want to see your 'thought process' and 'decision-making' with the PRI concepts from the four pre-requisite courses displayed on paper throughout your application. Therefore, I would recommend that even if you look back at a case study or client program that you put together and think "wow, I would have totally not selected that technique now that I know more...." (that is fine), you can still use that case study, and at the end of your case study discussion, reflect on what you would do different now (and why....knowing what you know now, that you didn't know then).

3. The application in itself is an educational experience.

I hear this often when people are here for PRC and PRT testing, and I felt the same way myself. I learned SO much when I was preparing my application. It forced me to review content from the courses and find answers to questions that I still had myself. I vividly remember that I didn't fully understand the Superior T4 Syndrome until this day 12 years ago, when I went back and studied my manual, watched the home study course again and reviewed the manual techniques. I had an 'ah-ha' moment in preparing my application that day. The application made me reflect on my decision making process, consider what I might do different now, identify favorite techniques (which is difficult when there are so many), and it allowed me to realize how much I did know (even though there was still a lot I didn't know). This last one is important. Preparing your application is not an easy task, and it takes a lot of time, but it should give you a little boost of confidence (you are studying for the exam while you prepare your application), and that is the hidden gem. Last but not least, the feedback from the reviewer's is so incredibly helpful!

If you are considering applying for PRC or PRT, and you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me! The PRC application deadline (for testing in December) is September 15th and the PRT application deadline (for testing in January) is October 15th. 

I also recorded some videos a few years back, which I hope you will find helpful as you prepare your application. These videos can be found on the PRC page and PRT page of our website. 

We are excited to announce and congratulate the Postural Restoration Certified (PRC) Class of 2022! PRC credentialing is the result of completing multiple advanced PRI courses, demonstrating a thorough understanding of the science through completion of the PRC application, and successfully participating in practical and analytical testing. Earlier this week, 10 clinicians earned the designation of Postural Restoration Certified (PRC) under the direction of Ron Hruska, Louise Kelley, Dan Houglum, and Jennifer Platt.

The Postural Restoration Institute established this certification process in 2004 as a way to recognize and identify those individuals with advanced training, extraordinary interest and devotion to the science of postural adaptations, asymmetrical patterns and the influence of polyarticular chains of muscles on the human body as defined by the Postural Restoration Institute. The PRC credentialing program is available to physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, occupational therapists, and chiropractors who have attended PRI courses, demonstrated a thorough understanding of the science through completion of the PRC application, and successfully participate in both clinical and analytical testing. To date, 243 professionals have earned the designation of Postural Restoration Certified (PRC).

To view/download the photos click here.

Postural Restoration Certified

Back Row: Dan Houglum, Michael Pedersen, Aaron Barnard, Betty Wheeler, Hayley Kava, and Chad Ross
Front Row: Ron Hruska, Louise Kelley, Courtney Stearn, Nadja Himmelseher, Amy Morris, Taylor Boryca, Erin Fiedler, and Jennifer Platt

Posted December 15, 2022 at 4:41PM

The PRI Credentialing Scholarship application deadline is just a few days away. If you are interested in applying, please make sure your essay is emailed to Jennifer Platt by June 15th!

This $2000 full scholarship is available to candidates who may otherwise be dissuaded from applying for PRC or PRT credentialing solely by their current financial circumstances. To apply, please submit a scholarship essay sharing your story of how you got to where you are (i.e. how you became interested in PRI, do you have any mentors or colleagues supporting you on this education journey, etc.), your current professional and financial situation, what PRI credentialing means to you, and why you feel you are deserving of the scholarship.

All essays will be reviewed by the PRI Board of Directors, and the scholarship recipient will be notified by July 15th. If the recipient of the $2000 full scholarship does not accept the scholarship and complete the credentialing application and testing within the year, the scholarship will be awarded to an alternate. Depending on the number of applications each year, the Board of Directors may choose to select more than one scholarship recipient.

If you have any questions with the PRI Credentialing Scholarship, or any questions with the PRC or PRT credentialing process in general, please contact me!

Last week, at our Annual Interdisciplinary Integration Symposium, we presented the PRI Director’s Dedication Award to two very deserving individuals who have had such a positive impact on our Institute; Joan Hanson and Robert "Skip" George. Although they were unable to join us in-person for the symposium this year, we knew we didn't want to wait to present them with this award, and so we did so virtually, with 40 in-person attendees and approximately 90 others watching on the live stream feed. The PRI Director’s Dedication Award was established by the Board of Directors (Ron Hruska, Janie Ebmeier, Jennifer Platt and Bobbie Rappl) in 2012 to recognize individuals’ ongoing dedication to their advancement in PRI. To date, we have presented this award to 18 individuals and an award recognition plaque, which is pictured above, is displayed at the Postural Restoration Institute® in Lincoln, Nebraska, recognizing each of the PRI Directors Dedication Award recipients.

Joan Hanson is a Physical Therapist in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Joan began her PRI journey 22 years ago, with a Protonics course, and since then has taken 32 PRI courses. She completed PRC credentialing in 2005, as part of the 2nd class to complete PRC credentialing. Joan owned an outpatient clinic, Physical Therapy Solutions in Sioux Falls, prior to merging with Sanford Health; now operating as Sanford Physical Therapy Solutions. Joan continues to make her presence felt in the PRI community, by attending courses in Lincoln on a regular basis, contributing questions and responses to peers in the PRI Google group, mentoring the colleagues at her clinic, and being an avid PRIVY fan, who regularly asks questions that prompt further PRIVY discussions. I have no doubt that Joan has watched every PRIVY, and many of them more than once. Joan is a life-long learner, and that includes merging other approaches with PRI for the best patient outcomes. She recently completed a week long Schroth training, and looks forward to integrating this approach within her practice. We feel like this award is long overdue, and we were so honored to present the PRI Directors Award to Joan Hanson.

Robert "Skip" George is a Chiropractor, who now resides in Logan, Utah. However, Skip spent much of his life and career in La Jolla, California, before moving to Utah this past year. He traded in surfing for weekly skiing or hiking, depending on the season in Utah. Skip took his first PRI course in 2012 and he completed PRC credentialing in 2014, becoming the first chiropractor to complete PRC credentialing. Skip was invited to begin training to teach on the PRI faculty, shortly after he completed PRC credentialing. He began teaching Postural Respiration in 2016, and Cervical Revolution in 2020. Skip is passionate about growing the science of Postural Restoration in his profession, and he has presented at numerous national, state and even international chiropractic conferences, including the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians annual conference, the American Chiropractic Association Rehab Council, the American Chiropractic Association, and the German Sports Chiropractic Association, among other state conferences. Skip is presenting next month at the California Chiropractic Sports Symposium on the “Two Roles of the Diaphragm for Chiropractic Care, Rehab and Sports Performance”. Skip is a vibrant member of our faculty, who is constantly wanting to learn more, and has become a wonderful mentor as he assists others in their training to teach PRI courses. We were incredibly honored to present the PRI Directors Dedication Award to Skip George.

Congratulations to both Joan and Skip! We are so honored, humbled, and proud to have you as friends, colleagues and PRC providers representing this Institute!

Pro-Active Physical Therapy in beautiful Fort Collins, CO hosted Cervical Revolution this past weekend. This was a unique gathering of not only first timers to Cervical Revolution but seasoned veterans of PRI including a total of four faculty members and four PRC/PRT's. Included in the group was a local dentist, Dr. Behar Esmaili, who brought an enthusiastic perspective on how occlusion affects the entire physiologic and postural system. The subject of a stomatognathic consideration to the cervical, cranial and occlusal system with the cervical spine as the primary driver of the system was reinforced this weekend.

Postural Restoration is an interdisciplinary institute and that was reflected in the backgrounds of the attendees. Cervical Revolution bridges a gap, as does PRI, with many professions with respiration sacred to physical therapists, the atlas/spine with chiropractors, the cranium with osteopaths and occlusion with dentists. Mix in ATC's and fitness professionals for performance and this course, as well as every other PRI course, has a wide appeal and utilization for many health care disciplines.

Having four faculty members in attendance is rare unless a course is given in Lincoln and the energy with vast clinical expertise of Louise Kelley, DPT, Jason Miller, DPT and Craig Deperschmidt, DPT was appreciated by all. Louise Kelley, DPT will soon be ready to teach Cervical Revolution and her ability to describe testing and non-manual techniques, especially the Standing Stomatognathic Squat, was a "bonus" contribution to the weekend and was also greatly appreciated. The discussion of the A/O articulation being highly neurologic/autonomic went from a theoretical consideration in opening remarks to real lab experience when several "extension driven" students, with PRI Cervical repositioning non-manual techniques, got to experience first hand what neutral feels like. Thanks to all of the Pro-Active Staff for hosting this past weekend and this entire group of professionals that took time out of their schedules to "revolve" with us!

I honestly look forward to the Advanced Integration course every year. It offers a moment in time, at the end of the year to reflect and to resolve issues that arose in the time period between the last Advanced Integration course and the present one. It is a moment in my personal life where I can decide if I should move into areas of discussion built off of  platforms that were laid down in the recent past, or not. It is a brief period of time where I can review where we, as an Institute, are with respect to concepts that are better accepted and appreciated. This acceptance and appreciation will result in longer periods of time where application becomes a mainstream of future assessment and intervention, and more importantly, an expectation.  

Summarizing the same main concepts in 2004, at the first Advanced Integration course, offered me a moment to integrate neurological, biased, patterns of breathing with tri-planar movement and muscle through discussions on thoracic flexion and curvature of the spine, with 20 to 30 people. Who would have ever thought that there would be 80 plus people, from 8 different countries, attending a four day course with the same title, the same platforms, but advance application because of 17 other moments in time where this course, with the same title, in the same number of days, advanced the original moments in time, so exponentially.

Focusing on dextral orientation, thought processes the human uses for integrated  unilateral and contralateral anatomy and associated sense, two central diaphragm axis’s that regulate our spinal axis, and the importance of ‘left hand to right knee’ function, in today’s world of unlimited Artificial Intelligence (AI)  and limited Advanced Integration (AI), is a reflection of many, many moments in this Institute’s history, where planned periods of time, in this case 96 hours or 4 days, had a major impact on future AI.

Thank you Locatelli Rao DPT, OCS, PRC, Greer Mackie PT, DPT, OCS, Donald Ryan Hodge CSCS, LMT, and Beth Lewis for your help with live demonstration and discussion. We were so grateful. Thank you Taylor Boryca, PTA, for your Kolaches (Czech and Polish fruit pastry that I was raised on) that you served us. And most importantly, thank you Louise Kelley, DPT, PRC, Lori Thomsen, MPT, PRC, Dan Houglum, MSPT, ATC/L,PRC, Jean Masse, PT,OCS, ATC, PRC, and Lisa Mangino, PT, DPT, PCS, C/NDT, PRC for your integrative presentations and ongoing interaction. It was one of my favorite Advanced Integration courses that I have ever been a part of, or have given. Hopefully, if you haven’t been to one of these in recent years, you will consider coming in the next few.  Reach out and talk to someone who has attended this year’s AI course; and I believe you will be encouraged to attend or re-attend, regardless where you are in your PRI moments of time.

Click below to view full photo album,

ADVANCED INTEGRATION 2021 

Posted December 20, 2021 at 8:58PM

We are excited to announce and congratulate the Postural Restoration Certified (PRC) Class of 2021! PRC credentialing is the result of completing multiple advanced PRI courses, demonstrating a thorough understanding of the science through completion of the PRC application, and successfully participating in practical and analytical testing. This week, 7 clinicians earned the designation of Postural Restoration Certified (PRC) under the direction of Ron Hruska, Louise Kelley, Dan Houglum, and Jennifer Platt earlier this week.

The Postural Restoration Institute established this certification process in 2004 as a way to recognize and identify those individuals with advanced training, extraordinary interest and devotion to the science of postural adaptations, asymmetrical patterns and the influence of polyarticular chains of muscles on the human body as defined by the Postural Restoration Institute. The PRC credentialing program is available to physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, occupational therapists, and chiropractors who have attended PRI courses, demonstrated a thorough understanding of the science through completion of the PRC application, and successfully participate in both clinical and analytical testing. To date, 233 professionals have earned the designation of Postural Restoration Certified (PRC).

To view/download the photos click here.

Back Row: Lousie Kelley, Ron Hruska, Brad Yotty, Beth Quinn, Locatelli Rao, Dan Houglum

Front Row: Jamie McMurtrey, Derya Anderson, Cody Gillis, Rie Takakura, Jennifer Platt

Posted December 17, 2021 at 5:58PM

Thank you to Impact Physical Medicine and Aquatic Center for hosting Pelvis Restoration this past weekend. It was a wonderful weekend of integration and learning with fellow colleagues as we dissected the pelvic inlet and outlet. Our goals were to Reposition (inhibit), Re-train (facilitate) and Restore (alternate, oscillate, resonate, vibrate).  Participants were energized with open minds with 7 new course attendees to PRI, 3 PRC’s, and the rest attending another PRI course with various backgrounds. I feel the attendees gained a better understanding with the Pelvic Ascension Drop Test (frontal plane stance phase) and Passive Abduction Raise Test (frontal plane swing phase) with application of the Hruska Abduction Lift test to assist with the pelvic inlet or outlet restoration. From Shirley’s purple highlighted hair reminding of us of internal rotation/inhalation, to Lindsey’s awesome questions, to Mylan’s “light bulb” moments—it gave me energy and found me grateful. Mike, Mara and Christie (PRC’s and lab assistancts) thank you for supporting the Institute and for your passion for the science of PRI.

I recently had the pleasure of joining Tassie Cantrell and some of the accommodating Cantrell Center staff for a course in Myokinematic Restoration course in Warner Robins, Georgia.

An energetic group of learners ranging in PRI experience from PRC’s Samantha Anderson, Jamie Lochner and Cindy Rice, to anticipatory new learners like Kaitlin “not Katie” Blankenship and Sunshine Walton took to the task of learning PRI introductory concepts, theory, rationale, special tests and treatment algorithms. This group flourished during lab demonstrations with tests and according lab practice on various techniques designed to treat specific special test findings.

Myokinematic Restoration, Postural Restoration Institute, Primary Course

Myokinematic Restoration, Postural Restoration Institute, PRI, Primary Course

This instructor especially appreciated the attention to detailed questions about designing treatments to oppose FA and AF compensatory movement strategies inherent in human movement as well as the effort of all students during lab applications. One of my favorite things is watching clinicians bring the science of PRI to life during labs and case studies when applying didactic concepts, and this group excelled!

Thank you each for joining me in Georgia to perpetuate the science of PRI Myokinematic Restoration, I thoroughly enjoyed my time teaching this course!

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