Purpose

CoreFirst® Strategies presents a methodical and unique functional assessment and treatment program for patients with dysfunctions of the spine. The CFS approach, originated and developed by Vicky Saliba Johnson, PT, FFFMT, FAAOMPT, trains the therapist to directly correlate an evaluation of the patient’s base of support, alignment, and Lumbar Protective Mechanism to the patient’s motor activation and strength response. Building on this assessment, the participant is trained in five principles to enhance efficient posture, movement, and the automatic-not volitional-activation of the core stabilizers. These principles serve as a kinesthetic checklist for patients during ADL such as sitting and lifting. To complete this dynamic approach to active functional rehabilitation, the therapist is trained in a progressive functional exercise program which addresses flexibility, coordination, strength, stability, and functional movement patterns. The course includes an extensive manual with over 200 photos of posture, movement, and exercise.

Audience

PT, PTA, OT. OTAs may attend with a supervising PT or OT. Each student is expected to complete required reading and video reviews prior to the classroom instruction and attend all hours of classroom instruction to receive a certificate of completion. Any exceptions to this policy must be pre-approved in writing by the Directors.

Prerequisite

None

Required Equipment

Please bring a Swiss Ball AND a 36" x 6" Foam Roll to the course on Saturday and Sunday to ensure full participation in exercise sessions.

The size of the Swiss Ball should allow you to sit on the ball with a 100+ (but not more than 110) degree hip-trunk angle. If you do not own a Swiss Ball or cannot use one from your facility, call Ball Dynamics at 800-752-2255 to order one. Please have a credit card number and shipping address available. If you are unable to bring your ball inflated, please arrive early to have this done. A pump will be available at the course.

Foam Rolls may be ordered from a number of providers including: OPTP at 888-819-0121 or www.optp.com and Perform Better at 888-556-7464 or www.performbetter.com.

Required Course Preparation

Prior to the classroom portion of this course, all students must complete required course preparation.  The preparation for CFS includes videos, quizzes, and articles.  Plan to spend approximately 2 ½ hours learning this important information.  Once enrolled in a course, required course preparation can be found by logging on to your IPA account and selecting "My Upcoming Courses."  If you have any trouble accessing the required course preparation please call our office at 970-870-9521 for assistance. Note: Mobile devices using an Apple operating system may not be compatible with our Pre-Course tests. Also, please note that approved CEUs may vary depending on individual states' treatment of Online vs. Classroom Instruction.

It is required that each participant reviews the Bibliography and read any article they are unfamiliar with prior to the course. All Course Bibliographies

Objectives

• Become proficient in three IPA Functional Tests which provide immediate objective data to the therapist and the patient as to the efficiency of the patient’s alignment related to function and pain.
• Learn principles of acute care, positioning, and CoreFirst® principles of posture and movement which empower a patient to be independent in ADL.
• Acquire the understanding and knowledge to design an appropriate and challenging exercise program that meets the individual needs of each patient for activation of the core, strength, endurance, and motor control.

Schedule

Schedule may necessitate changes due to travel restrictions of the instructor. The instructor will discuss any changes in the schedule at the beginning of the course if applicable.

Hours

2.5 Days, 20-22 Hours.  

Approved CEUs vary by state. CFS requires students to complete online videos before attending the classroom instruction. Approved CEUs for this course may vary depending on individual states' treatment of Online vs. Classroom Instruction. Before registering for a course you should verify approved CEUs with your state licensing board or association. State rules are subject to change. IPA courses are approved for the state in which the course is held.

Breaks

Break food will be provided during the first break on Friday evening.  The break food is intended to be a snack, not dinner.  No other food will be provided. We suggest you bring a water bottle and your own snacks if desired.

Lab Clothing 

Each participant's body must be accessible for observation. Please refrain from wearing large or sharp jewelry. Also, be aware that Saturday afternoon and Sunday labs require athletic or work shoes. NO JEANS. 

• Women: Sports top or close fitting T-shirts, and shorts or sweats. 
• Men: Shorts or sweats and T-shirts.
• All: Warm-up suits or other clothing worn over the above described attire is advised to ensure comfort between demonstrations, as temperatures may vary in the room.

Course Preparation

This 2 1/2 day workshop is quite demanding and intense.  Please come prepared and rested.  Review the basic anatomy and philosophy of muscle function.  This knowledge will serve as an important foundation for the principles and procedures taught. Be sure to complete the required course preparation listed above.

Instructors

Amy Holcombe PT, DPT, CFMT, FFMT, RYT

Amy Holcombe completed CFMT in 2000 after spending two years in Steamboat Springs. During those two years, she was able to train with Gregg and Vicky Johnson. Amy completed the first Fellowship with Johnson and Johnson Physical Therapy in August of 2000. She has been on the faculty since 2001. Amy works for a private practice in Charlotte NC - Architech Sports and Physical Therapy. She enjoys working with patients to improve overall function and ability. In addition, she has been guest lecturer for residents of physiatry and active with community development. Amy lives in Charlotte, NC with her husband, year old twins and 2 dogs and 3 horses. She spends much of her free time in the mountains of North Carolina.

Megumi Sawanoi DPT, OCS, COMT, CFMT, FAAOMPT

The instructors advertised for the course are the intended instructors. The final number of instructors will be determined by course enrollment. Every effort is made to hold the course with the scheduled instructors. Course refunds or transfers will not be granted based on a change of instructors. Multiple instructors are scheduled for each course. However, the actual number of instructors at a course will be determined by final enrollment.

Recommended Reading

Therapeutic Exercises for Spinal Segmental Stabilization in Low Back Pain, 2nd Edition 2004, Richardson, Carolyn; Hodges, Paul; Hides, Julie.

Questions

The Institute of Physical Art, Inc.
43449 Elk Run
Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
970 870-9521
info@instituteofphysicalart.com