This skill specific introduction to the somatic SmartSpine technique gives the therapist practical tools to instruct and teach the patient; tools that allow the therapist to be creative and effective while introducing the feel of the exercise, not just the exercise. This approach imparts a lasting impression that the patient takes home. It motivates them to further practice and integrate into normal daily functions.

The SmartSpine tools for the therapist become a third hand; while improving efficiency, they are also tools that encourage a “whole body” approach vs. compartmentalization. The SmartSpine approach restores mobility and encourages transformation by learning to connect using all of the senses.

This workshop is taught in a noncompetitive supportive environment where each student will experience the work hands-on and will practice the teaching and cueing in one format.

Principals of Learning

• Respiratory Diaphragm, Pelvic Diaphragm and Hip Joint:
• A collaborative foundation for wellness and vitality
• Dynamic Biomechanical Connections to Hip Joint Stability
• Pelvic Floor and Hip Joint Connection
• Relating the Foot to the Pelvic Floor

Course Objectives

• Introducing an integrated and multidisciplinary approach to “Core Up-training”
• “Feeling is Knowing”:
• The practical application of somatic/sensory learning through the SmartSpine system
• Optimization of tactile and verbal cuing into whole body awareness of the patient

Agenda

8:30 - 9:00 Registration
9:00 - 9:30 Introduction - Supported Neutral, Key to Somatic Learning
9:30 - 11:00 Opening the Back Body
11:00 - 11:15 Break
11:15 - 12:00 Down-train to Up-train
12:00 - 1:00 Lunch (On Your Own)
1:00 - 2:00 Neck and Shoulders:
2:00 - 2:15 Re-instating Sacral Support of the Spinal Structure (column) and Head
2:15 - 3:00 Learning to Connect
3:00 - 3:15 Break
3:15 - 4:15 “Deeper” Meaning of the Psoas, or Bringing the Hip Joint Home
4:15 - 4:45 Working From the Pelvic Floor
4:45 - 5:30 From the Foot to the Pelvic Floor
5:30 - 6:00 Q & A

CEUs/PDUs/Contact Hours

A certificate of attendance will be presented to each participant for 7.5 contact hours. The Physical Therapy Board of California recognizes California Education Connection as an Approval Agency to Approve Providers of Continuing Competency Courses in California. This course is approved for 0.75 CEUs for PTs and PTAs licensed in California.

California Education Connection is recognized by the Board of Certification, Inc. to provide continuing education for CERTIFIED ATHLETIC TRAINERS. Our BOC approved provider number is P2959 and this course is approved for 7.5 CEUs.

California Education Connection is an AOTA Approved Provider of continuing education.This course is eligible for 0.75 CEUs from the AOTA. The AOTA does not endorse specific course content, products, or clinical procedures. This course will also count toward the PDU requirement for OTRs / COTAs in the State of California.

ACE, NASM and NSCA approval pending.

Speaker

Marie-José Blom specializes in deep core strengthening, pelvic work, and work for the spine. She is widely known for her work in Conditioning Techniques for dance and dance injuries, and is the founder and director of Long Beach Dance Conditioning in Long Beach, CA, and Angel City Body Kinetics in Marina del Rey, CA (the home for PILATES & GYROTONIC®).

Marie-José conducts and directs the Advances in Pilates Technique, an internationally acclaimed professional teacher's training program established in 1991. As a faculty member at Southern CA Loyola Marymount University, she taught anatomy/kinesiology and physiology for the Department of Dance for which she received the 2006 spotlight award.

Marie-José has established programs at various facilities internationally and is in great demand for lectures and presentations, both locally and internationally for institutes, physical therapists and movement educators. She is a regular presenter for Balanced Body University, California Education Connection, and Pilates Method Alliance.

Early Registration Deadline

The Early Registration deadline for all courses is three weeks prior to the start of the course. All registrations must be postmarked or received three weeks prior to the course date, if received after the registration deadline, a $25.00 Late Fee will be applied to the registration fee.

Group Discounts

For every 5 people that sign up for the same seminar, we will give that group one complimentary spot.

How Do We Sign-Up and Qualify for the Free Spot?

In order to qualify for this discount, we must receive all six completed registration forms with the appropriate payment for the five spots. If you want to mail in the completed forms, you must mail all six forms in the same envelope. If you want to fax in the forms, you must fax all six forms at the same time.

Please note that there will be no exceptions granted. We must receive everything at once in order to process these registration forms under the group discount policy.

Refund and Cancellation Policies

California Education Connection reserves the right to cancel this seminar due to an insufficient number of registrants. Under these circumstances, a full refund in the form of a check will be addressed and mailed to the registered participant. Please note that California Education Connection is not responsible for any hotel, airline or other expenses incurred.

All cancellations by registered participant must be dated and submitted in writing. For cancellations received 14 days or more before the seminar date, the registration fee will be returned less a $50.00 administrative fee. A refund in the form of a check will be mailed to the registered participant.

Within 14 days of the seminar, no refunds will be made. California Education Connection reserves the right to change a course date, location or instructor. If the seminar is either interrupted or canceled by an act of nature, war, or any issue beyond the control of California Education Connection, no refund will be issued.