Course description
Learning Objectives:
– Improve understanding of the basic principles of developmental kinesiology with an emphasis on development during the first year of life
– Identify and describe key milestones in human development
– Introduce the three level of sensorimotor control in functional assessment and treatment
– Demonstrate the relationship between development during the first year of life and pathology of the locomotor system in adulthood
– Introduce new terminology pertinent to rehabilitation such as functional joint centration, punctum fixum, punctum mobile and the integrated stabilizing system of the spine
– Define ideal postural stabilization from a developmental perspective: intra-abdominal pressure regulation, dual role of the diaphragm in stabilization and respiration, stabilization via co-contraction
– Identify common stereotypes of faulty postural stabilization (“open scissors syndrome”, forward drown posture, backward drown posture, “hour glass syndrome”)
– Explain and demonstrate biomechanics of homologous, ipsilateral and contralateral postural-locomotion patterns; closed and opened kinematic chains, stepping forward and supporting function
– Evaluate and correct poor respiratory patterns
– Demonstrate the correlation between poor respiration patterns and functional pathology of the locomotor system
– Assess the integrated stabilizing system of the spine both visually and utilizing dynamic functional tests
Integrate corrective exercises based on the DNS functional tests and developmental positions: exercise in homologous static positions; position transfer during locomotor function; exercise progression using unstable surfaces; increased difficulty of the exercises utilizing resistance, dual tasking and other challenges
– Clarify how DNS corrective exercises can integrate with other exercise strategies
– Cover the basics of application of DNS concept in sport training
– Provide basic clinical management explanation for clinicians to better integrate the DNS approach in their regular practice, including patient education
Details
Date: November 14-16, 2025
Instructor: Michael Maxwell, BHK, DC, FR, FRC, DNS Instrutor, NDS Instructor
Michael’s mission is to provide MSK education that is backed by research, rooted in reason, and highly applicable,
Michael is a Certified Instructor for Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization according to Pavel Kolar, and is Canada’s only Certified Instructor for Michael Shacklock’s Clinical Neurodynamics. Michael has presented at post graduate continuing education courses and conferences throughout North America and Internationally.
Michael started his career as a Personal Trainer in 1998, and followed by acquiring certifications and experience as a Medical Exercise Specialist, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and Kinesiologist. Since 2007 he has practiced as a Chiropractor with an emphasis on integrating movement-based manual therapy and exercise interventions.
Michael has pursued education and excellence with a passion since his early days as a Personal Trainer. In 2003, Dr. Maxwell has organized well over 300 continuing education courses throughout Canada featuring industry leaders such as Lorimer Moseley, Donald Murphy, Jack Miller with Mulligan, Jeremy Lewis, Stuart McGill, Pavel Kolar, and the outstanding Prague School Physio’s, Clayton Skaggs, Brett Winchester, Michael Shacklock, Dale Buchberger, Clare Frank, Robert Lardner, Mark Finch, Charlie Weingroff, and many more!
Through his consistent and exceptional exposure to some of the world’s most recognized clinicians and educators, 20 years in the trenches helping clients and patients reach their goals, and his dedication to providing exceptional and comprehensive care in clinical practice, Dr. Maxwell is well-positioned to provide outstanding clinical continuing education.
