It was a refreshing weekend in Albuquerque, NM, for several reasons. Since I had to use my snow blower three times before I left, it was great to see the sun and feel 60 degree weather again. More importantly, it was very refreshing to have the opportunity to explore human patterning and performance with so many individuals new to the science of PRI.

The introduction of the concepts of neutrality and asymmetry started our weekend. And those concepts were followed by why and how does the L AIC pattern develop and become the dominant neuromechanical pattern in our body. And that lead us into our conversation of normal mechanics vs. normal compensatory mechanics vs. pathological mechanics due to this dominant L AIC pattern.

As we moved into myokinematic behavior as a result of the L AIC pattern, Karen Bexfield, PT, asked a great question: why is our focus on the frontal plane? That question helped focus our conversation around the necessity to get out of system extension, either unilaterally or bilaterally. And helped drive our conversation around the idea that if the frontal plane isn't intact, then transverse plane motion will occur in the incorrect location and manner, causing further compensatory patterns, some of which will result in more pathology. When it's time to be "Batman," be "Batman." But when it's time to be "Bruce Wayne," be "Bruce Wayne." And we need to be "Bruce Wayne" much more often on both sides than we currently are.

We were fortunate to have a lot of lab time to focus on the value and application of the Hruska Abduction and Hruska Adduction Lift Tests. We were also very fortunate to be able to spend a lot of time in lab so we could experience several of the non-manual PRI techniques ourselves. The hamstring is the gate keeper of the gait cycle! My thanks to Nathanael Smith, ATC, CSCS, for being a great host and allowing us to use his awesome facility. New Mexico is just starting to gain traction in PRI, and it's exciting to see a facility like Nathanael's adopting PRI concepts. Meeting Nancy Allen , PT, was a real treat for me. She's been exposed to PRI for several years, and it turns out she grew up in South Dakota, not far from where I grew up! Small world!

My thanks to Nancy as well for bringing along her co-workers, Karen Bexfield and Andrea Deyloff, so they could get their first taste of PRI. My thanks to Pat Fraser, PT, for her great questions. Thank you to Alanna Phillips, a PT student, for making the trip for her first PRI exposure. Thanks to Karen Russo, PT, Lukasz Sokol, and Nathanael Smith for letting us use you as our demonstration models. Thank you to Sandra West and Emily Blair, DC, for their enthusiasm and great comments. And thanks to Maritza Castro, ATC, for making the trip all the way from the Dominican Republic for the course!

Hruska Clinic hosted visitors from Japan

Earlier this January we were blessed to host 2 gentlemen from Japan; Koichi YAMADA and Akira YOSHIMOTO; who came to Lincoln to see how our staff utilizes the science of Postural Restoration(R) in a clinical setting. They spent a day mentoring with us in the clinic as well as some time with the staff at PRI. Here is their testimonial in their best of English as well as some fun pictures from their time. Little do they know that we learned as much from them as we hope to have shared with them. We hope to continue to grow these types of relationships with passionate dedicated professionals wherever they are!

Read their comments here!

We recently received a copy of PRT Jessica Kisiel’s newly released book Winning The Injury Game – Alignment Strategies for Healing and Performance, and wanted to share the news with PRI Nation. Below are a few words from Jessica about her story and inspiration for writing the book.

“I was diagnosed with severe hip osteoarthritis (OA) at the peak of my professional mountain biking career. The devastating pain in my hip and back made it impossible for me to cycle comfortably. Upon receiving an orthopedic surgeon’s advice to prolong a hip replacement as long as possible, I set out to find an alternative path to healing. Winning the Injury Game tells the story of my journey from pain and desperation back to hope and competitive athletics. This book shares the lessons I learned as a patient and coach, providing a mix of personal and client experiences with professional knowledge. I am happy to say that I have not had that hip replacement, and I still enjoy playing a variety of sports. The aim of Winning the Injury Game is to help you to do the same. You can overcome your injury—and you can confidently return to pain-free activity for the long-term!”

Do you have patients or clients who want to learn more about their pain and the process of recovery from someone who has experienced what they are going through, and has an understanding of the importance of alignment, balance, wellness, and performance? If so, you should check out this personal and inspiring book, which includes many references to Postural Restoration®.

Jessica is offering a 10% discount to PRI providers, which can be purchased on her website The Pain Free Athlete, using the code PRI10 . PRI does not sell or benefit from the sale of this book.

We are excited to announce and congratulate our Postural Restoration Trained (PRT) Class of 2018! 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.

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 50 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.

View and download the photos here.

Congratulations!

Pictured below from left to right: (Back Row) Ron Hruska, Neil Rampe, Eric Menchi, Yoshi Mitsuyama,  (Front Row) Jessica Tidswell, Stephen DiLustro, Jennifer Platt