An Outline of DNS Courses
DNS Clinical Courses
The DNS Clinical Series is for Clinicians are based on neurophysiology, neuroanatomy, muscle physiology, and kinesiology, with an emphasis on diagnostics. These courses are limited to licensed health professionals (MD, DO, PT, DC, OT, ATC, massage therapists).
All clinical courses are 3-day, 18-hour courses.
DNS A introduces the fundamentals of developmental kinesiology and ontogenesis with a heavy emphasis on defining, assessing, and restoring optimal sagittal stabilization through the non-differentiated developmental positions. This course is often an eye-opener for participants, who will walk away with unparalleled knowledge and skills in restoring optimal sagittal stabilization and a new lens to assess human movement.
Course Objectives:
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Improve understanding of the basic principles of developmental kinesiology with an emphasis on development during the first year of life
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Identify and describe key milestones in human development
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Introduce the three level of sensorimotor control in functional assessment and treatment
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Demonstrate the relationship between development during the first year of life and pathology of the locomotor system in adulthood
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•Introduce new terminology pertinent to rehabilitation such as functional joint centration, punctum fixum, punctum mobile and the integrated stabilizing system of the spine
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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
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Identify common stereotypes of faulty postural stabilization (“open scissors syndrome”, forward drown posture, backward drown posture, “hour glass syndrome”)
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Explain and demonstrate biomechanics of undifferentiated, ipsilateral and contralateral postural-locomotion patterns; closed and opened kinematic chains, stepping forward and supporting function
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Evaluate and correct poor respiratory patterns
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Demonstrate the correlation between poor respiration patterns and functional pathology of the locomotor system
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Assess the integrated stabilizing system of the spine both visually and utilizing dynamic functional tests
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Integrate corrective exercises based on the DNS functional tests and developmental positions: exercise in undifferentiated static positions; position transfer during locomotor function; exercise progression using unstable surfaces; increased difficulty of the exercises utilizing resistance, dual tasking and other challenges
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Clarify how DNS corrective exercises can integrate with other exercise strategies
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Cover the basics of application of DNS concept in sport training
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Provide basic clinical management explanations for clinicians to better integrate the DNS approach in their regular practice, including patient education
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Optimally prepare students for the next level of training (Course “B”)
In DNS B we take the foundation of sagittal stabilization and apply it to differentiated patterns. We complete the developmental sequence and place our major emphasis on rehabilitating and training the ipsilateral and contralateral patterns.
Students will gain a deeper understanding of the developmental sequence and the neurophysiological aspects of ontogenesis.
Course Objectives:
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Demonstrate an understanding of developmental kinesiology and its relationship with pathology of the locomotor system: review theory covered in the A course and introduce more advanced theory, namely the verticalization process
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Describe the basis for primitive reflexes and postural reactions and their roles in developmental kinesiology
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Introduce basic information about reflex locomotion according to Vojta
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Perform demonstration of assessments of babies: attendees will be able to recognize ideal and disturbed locomotor patterns and determine the developmental age of the babies
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Demonstrate and teach proper handling of infants
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Demonstration application of DNS assessment and treatment in adult patients with pain and dysfunction within the locomotor system – stabilization assessment and treatment strategy
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Postural analysis & testing of integrated spinal stabilization system – review of Course A tests and introduction to additional, advanced tests
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Integration of corrective exercises based on newly taught DNS functional tests
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Exercise in differentiated ipsilateral and contralateral static positions, position transfer during locomotor function, exercise progression using unstable surface, resistance against “planned movement”, dual tasking and other challenges both in ipsi and contralateral patterns, transition between ipsilateral and contralateral patterns, training of isolated segmental movement
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Introduction to cortical functioning – body scheme, quality of relaxation, isolated segmental movements
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Provide more complex clinical management explanations for clinicians to better integrate more advanced DNS protocols into clinical practice
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Optimally prepare students for the next level of training (Course “C”)
After students have been taught the full developmental sequence and had a chance to hone their DNS application and skills, in DNS C we dive into advanced skills training, including region and injury-specific applications. This course goes beyond fundamentals and aims to build, solidify, and refine advanced applications.
Course Objectives:
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Introduce advanced assessment methods – the integrated stabilizing system, locomotor stereotypes, respiratory stereotype
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Describe the kinesiology of muscle chains involved in locomotion: stepping forward and supporting function
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Discuss and workshop assessment and treatment of the pelvic girdle and hip joint: phylogenetic and ontogenetic aspects, anatomical parameters from a developmental perspective, the most common pathological conditions – femoroacetabular impingement syndrome, arthritis, DNS assessment, and treatment procedures
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Discuss and workshop assessment and treatment of the shoulder girdle: phylogenetic and ontogenetic aspects, anatomical parameters from a developmental perspective, DNS assessment and treatment in shoulder girdle disorders - hemiplegic shoulder, frozen shoulder, impingement syndrome, SLAP lesion
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Discuss and workshop assessment and treatment of scoliosis: definition and classification, ontogenetic aspects leading to scoliotic development, risk factors, spine control in motor development, assessment of infants and adults with scoliosis and body asymmetry, bracing and DNS treatment positions and strategies
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Discuss and workshop assessment and treatment of pelvic floor issues and women’s health: pelvic floor muscle function from developmental perspective; associated kinesiology between the diaphragm and pelvic floor; typical postural disturbances, functional trigger point chains, joint dysfunction and hypersensitive zones in gynecological diagnoses; DNS assessment and rehabilitation for stress incontinence, anorectal dysfunction, amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea, functional sterility, pelvic organ prolapse, and pelvic pain syndromes, vertebral-visceral relationships; rehabilitation for pregnant females
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Cover general DNS self-treatment advanced techniques
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Provide more complex clinical management explanation for clinicians to better integrate more advanced DNS protocols into regular practice.
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Establish individual goals (DNS understanding & skills) for students to be optimally prepared for the next level of training (Course “D” in Prague)
The final course in the clinical series, DNS D is a 6-day course offered in Prague, where the Prague School of Rehabilitation can immerse you in a variety of DNS lectures and workshops featuring the entire Prague School team, including Pavel Kolar.
Eligibility requirements for the DNS Course D include:
Eligible participants will be recommended by DNS instructors to the Admissions Committee for consideration. Approved applicants will then be invited to apply and must meet the following criteria for participation in Course D:
- Completion of A-C courses and at least two additional DNS workshops. The additional DNS workshops may include repeated A-C courses, DNS skills review sessions, DNS special workshops e.g sports performance, neurological disorders, pediatrics, etc.
- Receipt of Certificates of Achievement in Courses A, B & C
- Application for Course D must take place no earlier than three years and no later than seven years, following completion of Course A.
- Demonstrate adequate handling skills that are evaluated by the respective instructors during workshop practice sessions.
Course Objectives:
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Discus details pertaining to DNS: advanced topics presented by Pavel Kolar, utilization of DNS within various medical fields (musculoskeletal, orthopedic, neurological, pediatric, internal medicine, gynecology, etc.), ideal motor functions; advanced case assessment & treatment demonstration, with follow-up discussion with Pavel Kolar and then the physiotherapists regarding findings and rationale for techniques he used
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Review of developmental position, kinesiology content, transition movements, assessment in dynamic tests
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Kinesiology of reflex locomotion and spontaneous anticipatory movements during DNS exercise, modifications of DNS positions and integration with reflex locomotion principles (side-lying, kneeling, prone, supine, higher position – bear, squat, tripod, high kneeling) – workshops in small groups under the supervision of Prague DNS instructors
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Mobilization techniques based on developmental kinesiology principles (C,T,L spine and rib’s mobilization)
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Focus on some particular types of diagnosis – scoliosis, radicular pain syndromes, headache, vertigo, shoulder, hip, foot problems
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Pediatric topics: demonstration of infant and children with developmental issues, functional assessment, treatment strategies, handling, parent’s education; live pediatric patient’s demonstrations
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Assessment & treatment/therapy plan of real patients utilizing DNS; i.e. attendees assess, establish treatment plans, provide treatment & appropriate exercises, frequency of care & prognosis
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Viscero-vertebral and vertebro-visceral patterns: practical aspects in assessment and treatment
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Workshop DNS-based yoga techniques
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Lecture on how DNS can provide performance enhancement in the athletic population. Contra and ipsilateral patterns in athletic performance
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Refine DNS manual skills - workshop in small groups; practicum with physios with and without patients
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Practical examination of participants
DNS Exercise Courses
DNS Exercise courses are designed with the exercise professional in mind, and open to clinicians, strength and conditioning professionals, kinesiologists, trainers, bodywork therapists, and exercise physiologists.
DNS Exercise 1 is basically a slimmed-down less nerdy version of DNS A. DNS Exercise 2 is a slimmed-down less nerdy version of DNS B. There's comparably less theory taught in the exercise courses, but most of the same assessments and exercises.
DNS Exercise courses are designed to introduce the neurodevelopmental approach to postural stabilization and movement.
Attendees are advised how to start the training of ideal postural-stabilization function in basic, i.e. the easiest, positions and how to progress with the exercise by using more challenging positions, applying resistance, and/or by adding limb movement to meet clients specific requirements and sports goals.
These courses are designed for exercise and rehab professionals, trainers, and clinicians alike.
There are no pre-requisites for this course.
After DNS Exercise 1 you've mastered the art of applying the science of sagittal stabilization, and you understand how essential this is to injury prevention, rehabilitation, and performance. There's just one problem... you have learned how to turn yet! You're like Zoolander without a right turn. Worse yet, you can't even get down the runway 🤦♂️
DNS Exercise 2 transfers your foundational knowledge and skills for evaluating and restoring optimal postural stabilization in non-differentiated patterns and progresses into the ipsilateral and contralateral patterns.
Prerequisite: DNS Exercise 1 or DNS A
Course Objectives:
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Review of developmental kinesiology in the context of adult optimal posture, sports performance, and global motor patterns to enhance outcomes in sport and human movement.
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Demonstrate exercises in higher developmental positions – tripod, bear, squat, lunge, step up and its modifications & training of body awareness.
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Demonstrate exercises utilizing the principles of developmental kinesiology with elastic bands, barbells, weights, and gym ball
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Discuss & demonstrate DNS exercises for specific sport techniques: throwing, jumping, stroke, skating, etc.
After students have been taught the full developmental sequence and had a chance to hone their DNS application and skills, in DNS Exercise 3 we dive into advanced skills training, including region and injury-specific applications. This course goes beyond fundamentals and aims to build, solidify, and refine advanced applications.
Prerequisite: DNS Exercise 2 or DNS B
Course Objectives:
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Review the physiological framework for the DNS principles
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Detailed definition of optimal postural stabilization, stepping forward (reaching, grasping, kicking), and supporting (taking off) function
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Case studies
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Examples of the most common sports and how to apply DNS principles for specific sport techniques: throwing, jumping, stroke, skating, running/sprinting, throwing sports (Baseball, Tennis, Basketball, Shot Put, etc), kicking/soccer, swimming, cycling, golf.
DNS Movement Flow is a skills-based course whereby our focus is refining the practice of developmental positions, with a focus on developmental sequences and transitions.
Participants will walk away from this course with the knowledge and skills to practice and teach a developmental flow.
Prerequisite: DNS Exercise 2 or DNS B
DNS Strength Training 1 is a 3-day course that starts with DNS Exercise 1 (2 days - see DNS Exercise 1 description) and finishes with a full day immersion of application to strength training.
DNS Strength Training 1 focuses on the application of DNS to non-differentiated patterns, i.e. the squat, hinge/deadlift, push up, pull/chin up, bench press, overhead press, hanging.
Prerequisite: None
DNS Strength Training 2 is a 3-day course that starts with DNS Exercise 2 (2 days) and finishes with a full day immersion of application to strength training specific to differentiated patterns, which includes variations of lunges, single-arm, and single-leg presses and pulls.
DNS ST2 applies sagittal plane strength to differentiated patterns, teaching participants how to train, restore and control rotations/turning, load-transfers, and locomotion.
Prerequisite: DNS Strength Training 1
DNS Pediatric Courses
These DNS Pediatric Courses are similar to DNS Clinical Courses with a more pure and heavy emphasis on pediatrics. DNS Pediatric Courses based on neurophysiology, neuroanatomy, muscle physiology, and kinesiology with an emphasis on diagnostics. These courses are limited to licensed health professionals (MD, DO, PT, DC, OT).
This is a 4 days course for attendees who works primarily with pediatric clients.
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Demonstrate an understanding of developmental kinesiology in-depth with an emphasis on development during the first year of life. Basic sagittal stabilization, postural-locomotion function, stepping forward, and supporting extremity function.
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Describe the basis for primitive reflexes and postural reactions and their roles in developmental kinesiology.
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Red flags in the development during the first year of life.
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Assessment of baby’s developmental age. Developmental and chronological age correlation (baby demonstration)
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Describe the relationship between development during the first year of life and pathology of the locomotor system in adulthood.
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Assess the integrated stabilizing system of the spine both visually and utilizing dynamic functional DNS tests in children.
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Clarify how DNS corrective exercises can integrate with other exercise strategies
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Evaluate and correct poor respiratory patterns.
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DNS principles for baby handling in positions that corresponds to developmental positions of the baby age 0-7m. Devices used for carrying babies, yes or no, how and why?
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Child with asymmetry (oblique neck, oblique pelvis, plagiocephaly and their consequences to the development)
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Demonstrations of baby assessment and treatment based on DNS principles.
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Toddlers and preschool children exercise according to DNS, easy positions without differentiation
After the DNS Pediatric 1 course, participants should be able to assess the spontaneous locomotor function of a child and distinguish between physiological and pathological movement patterns. The emphasis is put on the assessment of the quality of a movement and assessment of the basic primitive reflexes.
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Review of developmental kinesiology covered in DNS Pediatric course part 1, review of red flags in development, distinguish physiological and pathological development (cases)
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Development of children between 2-6 years of age
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Demonstration of babies: Be able to recognize ideal and disturbed locomotor patterns and determine the developmental age of the babies.
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Baby handling – review of the principles described in pediatric course part I (0-7m). Handling II age older 7m; demonstration focusing on key body segments – head and neck, hip, shoulder. Handling of physiological and abnormally developing babies.
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Postural analysis & testing of integrated spinal stabilization system– review of tests presented in Pediatric course 1
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Exercise toddler and preschool children in higher differentiated positions
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Tests in pediatric clients – how to assess children of different ages, modalities (MABC, PDMS, TUG, 6MWT etc.)
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Child with DCD (developmental coordination disorder), dyspraxia
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DNS assessment and treatment approach in children with lower extremity problems in all three anatomical planes ( anteverted hip, tiptoeing, in-toeing, genu valga and vara, flat foot)
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DNS assessment and treatment approach in children with poor posture and scoliosis
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Patient’s & parent’s education
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Cerebral palsy: development, classification CP forms, kinesiology aspects, way of treatment
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Peripheral paresis – Obstetrical brachial plexus paresis, meningomyelocele;
assessment and treatment approach according to DNS
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Premature baby, developmental consequences
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The child with muscle tone disturbance (SMA, CMT, hypotonic child, myopathy)
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Young school-age and sport load, growing problems, etc
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Older school-age and sport load
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Live patient’s demonstration, cases
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Video analysis
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Hands-on workshops to refine manual skills, work in small groups
For the final course in the pediatric series, participants join with the DNS D clinical course participants for a 6-day course offered in Prague, where the Prague School of Rehabilitation can immerse you in a variety of DNS lectures and workshops featuring the entire Prague School team, including Pavel Kolar. This is an invite-only course that is eligible for participants who have taken DNS A-C plus two additional Advanced Skills courses.
DNS Advanced Skills Courses
DNS foot-ankle and gait courses review the anatomy, biomechanics, and kinesiology of the foot and ankle complex as it relates to human locomotion (gait). Participants will learn how to evaluate and rehabilitate common gait-related injuries using the neurodevelopmental approach.
Prerequisites: DNS Exercise 2 or DNS B
DNS Shoulder and Hip courses review the anatomy, bio/pathomechanics, physiology, and neurophysiology of common shoulder and hip injuries, and approach their assessment and rehabilitation using DNS - neurodevelopmental principles.
Prerequisites: DNS Exercise 2 or DNS B
DNS Running is a course aimed at improving the foundational competencies of human locomotion to restore optimum function and rehabilitate clients/patients from running-related injuries.
Prerequisites: DNS Exercise 2 or DNS B
DNS Scoliosis reviews the current literature as to the pathology and cause of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis and spinal curvature. In this course participants will learn:
- DNS functional tests to assess individuals with scoliosis and body asymmetry.
- Hands-on workshop to refine manual skills when working with patients with asymmetry.
- Mobilization techniques for the rib cage and thoracic spine
- Soft tissue techniques
- Corrective exercise for individuals with scoliosis based on DNS and reflex locomotion.
- Training of body awareness.
Prerequisite: DNS A and DNS B
DNS has a deep appreciation for the coordinated function of the intrinsic stabilization system, which includes the diaphragm, abdominal wall, and pelvic floor. DNS Women's Health is a course that describes the anatomy, kinesiology, and neurophysiology of common syndromes unique to women, including peri and postpartum low back and pelvic pain and dysfunction.
Prerequisite: DNS A
It's DNS. And Throwing.
Throwing is an ipsilateral pattern. Therefore, the neurophysiological framework for throwing resides within both subcortical and cortical processes that heavily influence the outcome (of the throw). This course aims to describe the anatomy and kinesiology of throwing to gain a deeper appreciation for its evaluation and optimization using the neurodevelopmental principles of DNS.
Prerequisite: DNS Exercise 2 or DNS B
DNS Integrative Assessment is a clinical course developed by Robert Lardner and co-instructed with Dr. William Tortorellio. It has at its foundation a deep appreciation for DNS principles and the neurodevelopmental approach, and layers in influences from the Postural Rehabilitation Institute, Applied Kinesiology, Janda, and Lewit.
DNS Integrative Assessment is a two-part series.
Part 1 - Integrative Assessment: Axial Skeleton
Part 2 - Integrative Assessment: Global Strategies
Prerequisite: DNS A and DNS B