Course description
Primitive reflexes (PR) are brain stem-mediated, complex automatic movement patterns that commence in utero. If PR persist beyond their average lifespan they may begin to interfere with motor control and normal rehabilitation.
They present in a variety of conditions relevant to you such as: MSK pain, concussion, atypical handedness / birth, early-late walking.
During this course we will cover the assessment and rehabilitation of primitive reflexes in detail. Strategies for treatment in the clinic and home exercise will be discussed. Specific examples will be used to show how primitive reflex inhibition can immediately improve movement and motor control.
PR can be used to:
• reduce individual muscle tone in chronically short muscles (e.g. hamstrings, gastrocnemius)
• increase range of motion (e.g. upper cervical flexion, glenohumeral joint medial rotation)
• improve specific motor control (e.g. abdominal hollowing, scapular positioning)
• improve general coordination (e.g. clumsiness, proprioception, postural stability)
• target specific problems (e.g. toe walkers, some torticollis)
• facilitate pelvic floor rehab (e.g. pelvic floor asymmetry)
• normalize muscle tone (e.g. stroke)
Course Objectives:
The participant will be equipped to:
• Use primitive reflex inhibition strategies to improve movement & motor control
• Apply clinical reasoning strategies for the clinical use of primitive reflex inhibition
• Take a subjective history related to primitive reflexes and Mild Neurological Dysfunction
What will you get from this course that you may not already have?
Simple
Primitive reflex inhibition are very gentle and easy to use strategies that can be applied right away in the clinic.
A rehab option for “Motor Morons”. Neurodevelopmental rehab works for these patients
Improve Muscle Tone & Motor Control
Learn how to use PR to reduce tone and muscle tightness, improve movement and coordination.
Stop Wasting Time: quickly rule out the people who have poor motor skill learning
Pediatrics, Neuro, Vestibular, Pelvic Floor Physios
The same primitive reflex inhibition techniques can be used very effectively with these groups
Email for a course registration form
Details
Sean Gibbons BSc. (Hons) P.T., MSc. Ergonomics, PhD (c), MCPA
Friday Oct 4: 2:00 – 6:30
Saturday Oct 5: 8:30 – 4:30
Sunday Oct 6: 8:30 – 4:30
