Athletics

After a nearly 18-month hiatus, it was a thrill to present Postural Respiration to my fellow clinicians in the very place the science originated. The combination of live and zoom attendees -- PTs, PTAs, ATCs, Massage Therapists, Chiropractors, Students, Strength and Conditioning Specialists, a Pilates Instructor, and a Kinesiologist -- hailed from the US, Canada, Germany, and Ireland.

The weekend was devoted to the asymmetrical, patterned thoracic diaphragm and its influence on the autonomic nervous system, patterned movement, and the brain’s sense of itself in space. We learned that our asymmetrical body is a necessary design for survival and is kept “in check” when we engage in varied activities throughout our lives. However, most of our patients-clients fail to do so, which kick starts pain, pathology, and injury.

As the Olympics come to their conclusion, it seems apt to compare PRI’s treatment approach to a track relay:
Leading off and exploding out of the blocks are the abdominals (internal obliques and transverse abdominus), which enable full lung expulsion of air and establish the (left hemi-) diaphragm ZOA.
The second leg, the diaphragm itself, now pulls air in with an adequate ZOA and hands off the baton to the third leg…
…the rib cage, whose external rotation and internal rotation properties are restored, particularly in the left posterior mediastinum and right apical and lateral chest wall regions.
Finally, our anchor leg, the lungs, bring the baton home. They now have the space to expand into and out of regions that were previously closed off, for the health of the many vital vessels that travel in, around, and through the thorax.  Moreover, the restoration of alternating, reciprocal lung compression-expansion produces alternating, reciprocal movement, both simple and complex.

More HERE

Ample lab time was devoted to assessment of the patterned body so that each attendee had confidence come Monday morning with replicating the tests on their patient-client. Instruction in manual rib cage techniques was also heavily emphasized, so that attendees had both observational and tactile sense of patterned air flow. Finally, many non-manual techniques were discussed and performed, including when and why you choose them and how to coach your patient-client through them.

Thank you to all of those who asked questions. You enhanced the course experience for all. Thank you to our avatars Brett Dougherty, PT, Matt Mandich, SCCC, CSCCA,  Joshua Werk, ATC, CSCS, and Tammi Zimmerman, LMT for allowing us to bring the tests and techniques to life.     

Thank you to Justin Pastoor, MS, CSCS, for your clear verbal instruction while tests and techniques were demonstrated.  

I now fully understand what Ron means when he says he couldn’t have presented the material with the same easy flow and energy without the assistance of Jen Platt. Thank you for ensuring there were no technology glitches, deftly navigating the camera angles, monitoring questions, and keeping this instructor and live attendees well-hydrated and fed.

Looking forward to seeing many of you again as you continue your PRI journey!

Posted August 18, 2021 at 3:40PM

NEXT LEVEL PT IS HIRING A PHYSICAL THERAPIST

Next Level Physical Therapy, a PRI-focused clinic in Hamilton, New Jersey, is looking to hire a PHYSICAL THERAPIST.

This opportunity is perfect for any PT looking for an ideal treatment environment working nearly exclusively with athletes and active people. For the right PT, this is truly a special work environment:

Amazing Patients:  Our patient population consists primarily of highly motivated athletes (high school/college/professional) and active adults (ages 35-55). We are an out-of-network/cash-based clinic, meaning our patients understand the importance of investing in their health.

One-on-One Sessions:  Our PTs see no more than 6-8 patients/day. All sessions are one-on-one (the average session is one-on-one for an hour).

Work With Other Passionate, Like-Minded PTs:  Collectively, our clinical staff has taken well over 30 PRI courses. We all share similar beliefs and principles when it comes to treatment, and we are always working to improve. We have dedicated time blocked each week for clinical training.

Integrated Strength & Conditioning:  Our clinic features an open area concept with a wide variety of fitness equipment that supports our integration of strength & conditioning principles into the rehab process. All of our PTs have backgrounds as strength coaches.

Multi-Disciplinary Integration:  We have established relationships with a dentist, orthodontist, and optometrist who we refer to and collaborate with regularly for complex cases. We also accompany appropriate patients to a local running store to assist in shoe fittings, and regularly use Dr. Paul Coffin for PRI custom orthotics. 

**For more information about Next Level, visit www.mynextlvl.com

If you would like more information about the opportunity, or think that you may be a good fit, please send a short intro email with your resume to hiring@mynextlvl.com.

Posted February 5, 2020 at 7:54PM
Categories: Athletics Clinicians

Jen and I recently returned to the NATA National Convention in Las Vegas for their 70th Annual Meeting! This year we were joined by Hruska Clinic Physical Therapist and PRC, Jason Masek as he presented and contributed to a break out session on the first day of this Conference. We are always humbled by the unique interest voiced by the Athletic Training community and this year in particular, Universities throughout the country. As more and more Student Athletic Trainers, Graduate Assistants, Administrators and Professional Athletic Trainers introduce Postural Restoration concepts to their athletes, the desire to learn more continues to grow within these populations. Many attendees looked forward to taking further course work through the Institute or hosting courses themselves within their programs. Our PRI Japan Faculty was continuously mentioned by the Japanese Athletic Trainers in attendance and the impact that Kenny, Sy, and Takashi had on their peers not only during their time here in the States throughout their foundational years, but also through their Faculty roles as they currently grow PRI Japan, was voiced with high praise.

Jason intorduced our science through the "Prevention of Movement Patterned Conditions Beyond Competitive Years: Asymmetrical Movement Pattern Considerations". He and Jen fielded many questions by those who attended this talk, and led these individuals through a break out session of performing several PRI objective tests and Non-Manual Technique interventions addressing these findings. A special thank you to Mark Cairns, ATC, PRT and Jessica Tidswell, PT, ATC, PRT for their contribution in helping to guide and assist these techniques during this session. This introduction led even more traffic to our booth and many of those who received these concepts for the first time were eager to attend their first course. 

For those of you who were unable to attend but are interested in viewing the concepts Jason presented, his full Handout can be VIEWED HERE. We look forward to the continued growth of #PRINATION within the Athletic Training community and would love to answer any questions you may have!

This past weekend, the Affiliate program got presented in the southern hemisphere as the PRI  integration for Fitness and Movement was hosted in Sydney, Australia!!  I traveled over 10,220 miles (or over 16,447 km) and the very long plane ride across the south pacific was well worth it! Sydney was such a fun city, and it was a pleasure to spend some time with the PRI Australia group.

PRI Integration for Fitness & Movement - NSW Australia

 I am beyond grateful to have had the opportunity to share the PRI science with this area of the world.  It is exciting for me to watch attendees connect to a deeper dimension of PRI because I believe it’s in those deeper dimensions of PRI that the magic happens and gaps are bridged.  Attendees from Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Georgia and various parts of Australia were all represented. Chiropractors, Osteopaths, Physiotherapists, Pilates, Yoga, and Exercise Specialists were all in attendance, with the class being about half and half. Half being exposed to PRI before and the other half were brand new to the science. Needless to say it was a diverse group --- yet all united to learn more about the diaphragm and its influence on posture.

PRI Integration for Fitness & Movement - Postural Respiration

Regardless of credentials and training, this course is enlightening to help us all remember how to program Respiration and Alternating Reciprocal Activity to enhance Tri-Planar performance patterns (i.e “Functional Fitness”)

 We hit the ZOA hard and discussed it’s role in managing hyperactivity and unnecessary muscle tension. The exercises I introduced focused on shaping the ZOA three dimensionally with respiratory abdominals, along with promoting  expansion, movement and flexibility of the ribcage.  I then emphasized the 5 steps of programming for shaping adaptation and better integration for symmetrical compound lifts.

SYMBA Ribcage PRI Integration for Fitness, NSW Australia

  The 5 steps in this course are presented to help create a framework for programming and organizing how exercises are presented to clients and patients. The 5 steps also help in organizing core stability and symmetry from the diaphragm level outward.

PRI Integration for Fitness & Movement - Postural Restoration

PRI Integration for Fitness & Movement - Postural Restoration Institute

I loved seeing the passion and ah-ha moments as attendees connected with the material and got new resources and insights to help progress their clients and patients. I think we will see PRI quickly continuing to grow in this area of the world. Thank you to Mark Obrien and Jason Thomson for hosting. Special thanks to Mark for the hospitality and opening up his brand new facility for us to use. Fit Plus Well is such great hidden gem just south of Sydney. And Jason, thank you for sharing your passion, your insights (nuts, I will always remember your nuts cue) and helping with much of the logistics of the weekend! 

PRI Integration for Fitness & Movement - Postural Restoration Institute - Jason Thomson

My visit to Australia was fun and I hope to get to come back one day! I could definitely live in Sydney - beaches, city and mountains were all right there. Beautiful coastline. Thank you to all who helped organize the event! Cheers!!

We were excited to see a newly published article this past week titled "Effects of Two Different Recovery Postures during High-Intensity Interval Training". This study was performed at Western Washington University, and includes PRC therapist Wren McLaughlin as one of the authors. While on faculty at Western Washington University, Wren was instrumental in sharing some PRI concepts with her colleagues and students. This study examined the effects of two different recovery postures, hands on head (HH) and hands on knees (HK) as a form of immediate recovery from high-intensity interval training. The researchers wanted to explore the effects of maximizing a diaphragmatic zone of apposition (ZOA) through a flexed spinal posture (hands on knees) rather than an extended posture (hands on head), during recovery breathing.

The results of their study indicated that the hands on knee posture significantly improved HR recovery, tidal volume, and carbon dioxide elimination in comparison with the hands on head posture. Thank you Joana, Lorrie, David, Wren and Dylan for your work on this study, and for publishing these results for the world to see. You have provided such valuable data that will hopefully result in a new recovery position (and a deeper understanding of its benefits) for clinicians, coaches, athletic trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, personal trainers, and athletes around the world!

Posted February 26, 2019 at 11:01PM
Categories: Athletics

Mizzou Therapy Services located at the Missouri Orthopaedic Institute hosted it's first PRI course, Postural Respiration, this past weekend in a beautiful state-of-the-art facility. What made this weekend significant was that nearly two thirds of the attendees were from Mizzou Therapy Services or new to PRI. This holds the promise of a great opportunity for these therapists to collaborate, practice and potentially master the manual and non-manual PRI techniques taught this weekend.

This is the first time this instructor has taught a course with so many participants from the same facility and the energy and enthusiasm from these talented therapists was inspirational! Since most of the class was new to PRI and attending their first course, PRI principles were broken down in detail to provide a solid foundation to a brand new paradigm. Many of the therapists immediately saw the value of Postural Respiration with working with their COPD patients, athletes from the University of Missouri as well as geriatric populations.

Postural Respiration has been updated and revised just this year and Posterior Mediastinum could be another name for this course. Patterns, position and posture of the diaphragm affecting every vital system in the body were defined and explored this weekend. Columbia, MO is a great college town and has tradition at their sports games from their fans. On one side of a group of fans they will shout " M-I-Z" followed by the other group answering "Z-O-U!" for MIZZOU! This weekend the therapists at Mizzou Therapy Services have a new chant which is "M-I-Z" ---"Z-O-A!" for the new awareness of "Zone of Apposition" as described in Postural Respiration!

Many thanks to Joe Pope, PT, PRC for driving in from Eldon, MO to assist. His expertise and skill at describing and expanding on PRI principles and his lab assistance was invaluable. Joe is thoughtful and articulate with his responses and patience. Thank you to all of the staff at MTS including Lindsey, Laura, Mackinzie, Barbie, Katie and all others that helped to organize and clean up at the end of the day. Your energy and assistance with providing such a great facility was much appreciated.

Posted February 8, 2019 at 7:06PM

We are excited to introduce and congratulate our Postural Restoration Trained (PRT) Class of 2019! PRT is the result of completing multiple advanced PRI courses, demonstrating a thorough understanding of the science through completion of the PRT application, and successfully participating in practical and analytical testing. This past weekend, four professionals earned the designation of Postural Restoration Trained (PRT) under the direction of Ron Hruska, Neil Rampe and Jennifer Platt.

Pictured above, (from left to right)

Back Row: Neil Rampe, Nathanael Smith, Peter Nelson, Ron Hruska

Front Row: Jennifer Platt, Lesley Moser, Takashi Mita

The Postural Restoration Institute® established this credentialing process in 2011 as a way to recognize and identify 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 PRT credential is available to Certified Athletic Trainers, Certified Athletic Therapists, Exercise Physiologists and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists who have completed the course requirements, application and testing process. With the addition of this class, there are now 54 PRT professionals throughout the U.S and Internationally.

PRT credentialed athletic trainers, strength and conditioning coaches and exercise physiologists offer a unique approach to physical medicine and fitness called Postural Restoration®. This approach addresses underlying biomechanics which can often lead to symptoms of pain and dysfunction. All mechanical influences on the body that restrict movement and contribute to improper joint and muscle position are considered, examined, and assessed. Techniques are utilized to restore proper alignment of the body while proper respiratory dynamics are considered. Management encompasses prevention and lifetime integration for long-term successful outcomes.

To view or download all the photos click HERE.

Congratulations to the PRT Class of 2019!

Posted January 10, 2019 at 4:02PM

In the fall of 2017, Jen was contacted by Jessica Tidswell, PT, ATC, SCS, PRT, assistant professor for the Physical Therapy and Athletic Training programs at the University of Utah. We have requests for information, providers, course questions and many other inquires on a daily basis, but the request Jess had was different. She has the pleasure of working closely with the graduate athletic training students, and instructs several graduate courses while remaining clinically active through the University. She typically offers an Independent study as part of this course work and had a strong desire to somehow include PRI concepts as part of her 2017 fall semester. Jess has taken several PRI courses including all three primary courses as home studies, and after her conversation with Jen it was determined that our home study would be the perfect fit. Jess decided to focus the entire semester’s independent study on Pelvis Restoration. We were thrilled to have our course be the focus of a graduate level review and after a few more conversations with Jess, we had them up and running. Not only was this the first time the Home Study was used in this way, but she later decided to follow-up the fall semester this spring with the Myokinematic Restoration course for another semester long independent study. Jess is a pioneer in more ways than one. Receiving a Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2002, Jess was clinically active for several years before deciding something was missing. Her background and passion in Exercise Science and Athletic Training led her to return to school, as a student, seeking her second Bachelor’s degree in Athletic training. Jess recently completed her PRT credentialing and is the first DPT, ATC to be credentialed in our  Postural Restoration Trained™ (PRT) credentialing program. Highlights from several of the students who were a part of this Independent study can be read below, and an interview of PRT Jessica Tidswell can be read HERE.

Thank you to Jess, and the students from the University of Utah, who continue to seek a better understanding of our science, and make these semester reviews a success. If any educators are interested in setting up similar Independent Study courses, please feel free to contact me!

Student Reviews:

Upon signing up for this semester-long independent study Pelvis Restoration home study course, how much knowledge of Postural Restoration® did you have if any? If this was your first exposure to the science, what stood out the most to you about this novel way of looking at human asymmetry?

“This was my first exposure to Postural Restoration, and being able to look at postural muscles in a different way and how they affect the innominate bones changed the way I treat my athletes and improved my outcomes.” - Bryan Erspamer, ATC

“Prior to signing up for the independent study, I had previously taken the in-person postural respiration course. I was first exposed to PRI from an athletic trainer and mentor during my first job after graduating from undergrad. It immediately peaked my interests due to its holistic view of the human body. The concepts described by the institute on how our inherent asymmetries relate to dysfunction were initially hard to grasp as a young clinician. However, the more I asked questions and critically applied the science, the more that I knew this was going to be an essential part of my career. Initially, much of my treatment focus was on the location of the injury itself. The Postural Restoration Institute provided the big picture and not only altered how I care for my patients, but also totally revamped the way I view human anatomy.” - Chris Michaels, LAT, ATC

“The semester-long independent study of Pelvis Restoration was the first time I had been introduced to PRI. I appreciated how the PRI approach has a strong focus on the kinetic chain bilaterally. PRI showed a unique perspective to optimize total body function by addressing the inhibition and facilitation needs on each side of the body individually.” - Julia Villani, ATC

As you got closer to the end of the semester did the course material challenge your thinking, or way of looking at certain injuries or dysfunction, that you encounter as an Athletic Trainer? What are some of the ways that you plan on implementing this material, or how do you see this material being utilized in your setting in the future.

“PRI changed the way I treated my athletes, I went from using a lot of muscle energy techniques for short term relief, to putting athletes on PRI programs to actually resolve the underlying issues. Working with hockey players, I see a lot of chronic hip and low back pain. Due to the mechanics of skating hockey players are prone to being in a PEC pattern, so I see myself using PRI on a broader scale in the future, implementing these techniques team wide.” - Bryan Erspamer, ATC

“The course material throughout the semester was both challenging and eye opening. Learning about the intricacies of pelvic motion, how pelvic position relates to asymmetry and dysfunction, and how I can use the Postural Restoration® science to make a long term impact on my patients was career altering. I work with college softball players and often times they complain of shoulder pain, but after taking a more extensive history, I learn that they also suffer from chronic low back and/or knee pain. While doing exercises on the lower extremity as part of an upper extremity rehabilitation program can often seem strange to my athletes, after taking the pelvis course, I know that this approach is essential for long term, total body health. In the future, I hope to implement PRI as a part of my pre-participation physical examinations to screen my athletes and get them started on a Postural Restoration® program prior to competition.” - Chris Michaels, LAT, ATC

“Absolutely, my view of overuse injuries and dysfunctional movement has changed. Now, I not only address the chief compliant but I take a much more detailed look at the pelvis and how it may be influencing the issue. I plan on incorporating PRI techniques in most of, if not all of my overuse injuries and dysfunctional movements. I have yet to find an athlete that would not benefit from some level of PRI exercise.” - Julia Villani, ATC

Overall would you recommend an independent study PRI home study course to other graduate students? How did your view of the science of Postural Restoration® change from the beginning of the semester, once you had completed the course? (Any additional feedback or comments are welcomed below)

“I would absolutely recommend a directed independent study focused on PRI to any graduate level AT. I feel that this was the best way to be introduced to PRI as we had Jess directing us and always willing to answer any questions we might have had. The environment also allowed us to work together as graduate students and better understand the language, the science, and the implementation of PRI. As the semester progressed and I got more of a grasp on the concepts and science behind PRI, I was able to start implementing PRI programs in the clinic. In the independent study set up, I was always able to address any questions or problems I might have had with Dr. Tidswell.” - Bryan Erspamer, ATC

I would strongly recommend the independent study PRI home study course to other graduate students. Taking this course alongside my classmates has created a collaborative learning experience that extends beyond the classroom. Throughout the semester, my classmates and I would meet in the clinic to either talk through questions we had from the course, or practice the special tests and exercises we learned during class time. I think the best part of taking this course as an independent study was that even once the class ended, a sort of PRI culture was created amongst the students who took the class. We all still make a point to check in with one another to discuss how we are applying the material and how we might be able to improve the way we utilize the concepts with our patients. We also have an online group where we share research, videos, and other useful material related to PRI. The independent study PRI home study course has fostered an environment of continuous learning and has changed the way we treat our patients.” - Chris Michaels, LAT, ATC

“I have no hesitation recommending a home study course to other graduate students. In my experience, newly certified athletic trainers have a limited number of tools in their toolbox to address overuse injuries and dysfunctional movement. This course not only helped me deepen my knowledge of pelvic anatomy, but also how imbalances in the core and pelvis reflect through the kinetic chain.” - Julia Villani, ATC

"Femoroacetabular impingement: Mechanisms, diagnosis and treatment options using Postural Restoration. Part 2" written by Jason Masek, PT, ATC, CSCS, PRC has been published in SportEx. For more information or to purchase a copy of the article, please visit www.sportex.net. To receive 20% off your purchase of the article, you can use the coupon code: 20AUTHOR. Part 3 of this three part series will likely be published in October.

Posted July 14, 2015 at 2:18PM

Two weeks ago, we travelled to St. Louis, MO for the 66th Annual NATA Clinical Symposia & Expo. Matt and I had a great time meeting nearly 600 Athletic Trainers at our PRI booth. There is a lot of excitement for PRI in the Athletic Training field, especially having Evidence Based Practice (EBP) CEUs for Myokinematic Restoration, and more courses to come!

I also had the opportunity to present at this conference for the first time. The topic of my presentation, "The Influence of Pelvis Position on Hamstring Injuries: To Stretch or To Strengthen" drew around 450 people into the room, with standing room only. For those who were unable to get into my presentation, they will have the opportunity to listen to it on the NATA Online CEU Center in the near future. I have also attached my presentation handouts HERE!

Dan Houglum, MSPT, ATC/L, PRC also presented at this year's conference. The title of Dan's presentation was "Asymmetrical Posture and Common Pain Related Syndromes". He also had a nearly full room, with Athletic Trainer's eager to learn more about PRI. Dan is also willing to share his presentation handouts, which I have attached HERE!

Posted July 9, 2015 at 7:59PM
Categories: Athletics Science
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