Having the opportunity to reflect on some of our PRI Non-Manual techniques that originally were put together back in 2003, with the understanding, consent and support of my gracious patients is always a privilege. A proud one. These photos of patients that have now become engrained and etched in our minds were taken more than 25 years ago, and not with a cell phone. As grainy as some are, and as imperfect as some now appear, they will always be the photos the Institute will use with the respective non-manual technique they are paired with; because they are related to stories, to people with behavioral and biologic history, and to individuals with hope as they struggle to understand and appreciate the steps and desired outcome associated with the technique that they will forever be infamous for. A few weeks ago Josh Olinick PT, PRC who works in Cary, North Carolina saw a patient that came to his clinic for a PRI re-assessment and intervention program. She was seen in 2004 by myself and agreed to have her photo taken for one of the PRI techniques I designed for her and this Institute. Josh, looked at her, and said, “Don’t I know you?” After further discussion, he realized who she was and what technique she was associated with. He sent us an updated picture of her performing the same technique she has been unassumingly known for. It was terrific that she found Josh, and more terrific that he could communicate and approach her the same way that she was treated when I assessed her 15 years ago.
The other person I reflect on every time I have given this workshop (this was the third time), and every time I will give it in the future, is Bobbie Ninneman, oops I mean Rappl. She was my “Patient Program Coordinator” back in 2003, before she became the Institute’s Clinical Education Coordinator and now our Director of Clinical Development and Public Relations. Her oversight and insight is as important today, as it was then; no matter how many children she and her husband Mark raise. Her ‘children’ and my ‘children’ are also these people and these associated techniques and wording that tie them together. They are stories, events, chapters, accounts, and initiatives that change other people’s lives and processes. These techniques will remain consistent and constant, no matter, who and how many try to change the pictures, wording or association with other activity. Evolution depends on recognition of what started the journey and these techniques make me sentimental and grateful. I am grateful for Bobbie and all the “Bobbies” of my life that preceded anyone’s use of their guidance, consistent content and hope they offer.
Dan Houglum, who knew me before I started the Institute, and is now a faculty member teaching Myokinematic Restoration, summed up his weekend like this…
"The actual activity selected is not as big of an issue as I had originally thought. The real issue is can I reference the activity properly for them so they can sense what the need to sense in that activity. It was so great to be sitting next to Dave because he pointed out that every activity has so many potential ‘referents’ and ‘references’ in them, that you can use the same activity for two different patients, but use and reference the activity completely differently for each person to achieve the necessary outcome for that individual."
A few other testimonials shared by course attendees this past weekend…
"This course should be a requirement for people who use PRI Non-Manual techniques. This course changed how I will practice a lot. Awesome course. Thank you so much!"
"What an amazing course! Every PRI-minded person must take this. I had no idea how some of the techniques were meant/executed. Thank you very much!"
"The reference/referents discussion will completely change my patients’ experiences with the non-manual techniques.
If you are interested in learning more about the many ‘referents’ and ‘references’, and how to integrate them with the PRI Non-Manual Techniques, then I would highly recommend attending this workshop! It will be offered twice again in 2020 (both times in Lincoln, NE), so that I can have my side-kick, Jen Platt assisting me. Jen and I are already looking forward to it, and we hope you will consider joining us!
