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Having the opportunity to discuss the role of the hypothalamus and integrated thalamic function as they relate to autonomic patterned respiration, physiology, posture and central nervous system compensation, was an enduring dream of mine. I could finally, deliver a course that describes how our autonomic and central nervous systems operate with and from  biased cerebral and cerebellum lateralization, hemispheric specialization, and oscillatory compression and decompression.

Over two decades of literature review, clinical application, multi-disciplinary experience and evidence based outcome methodology, built with the help of an Institute I started for these course objectives, fulfilled me in ways that are very difficult to express. I trusted an idiosyncratic educational process that challenged me as a pre-dentistry student. A clairvoyant process that required collegiate patience, faith in humanity and belief in our holistic, biological and neurological system. I appreciated the 41 course ambassadors who also trusted this process. I hope they came away with a sense of how we patterned humans resolve to make sense of what we don’t sense through pattern compensation of air flow, fluid movement, and cavity fluctuation as it relates to ischial and occipital (sacral and cranial) rhythm and thus autonomic processing. 

This course was strengthened by the input and participation from too many people to list here, but I especially appreciated the support from Erin Coomer DPT,OCS, Laurie Gribschaw PT,DPT,ATC,AT/L,PRC,  Janine Peacock DPT,OCS, Paige Raffo MPT,OCS and Kelly Martin PT.  I could not have asked for a better audience and support group.   There were many reasons I wanted to give this first course in Seattle but three of those reasons are Christopher Murphy DPT,OCS,PRC,  Jeremiah Ferguson DPT,OCS,PRC, and Eli Zygmuntowicz DPT,OCS,PRC. These three men are absolutely the embodiment of family. I will always be grateful for their warmth, charismatic charm and pedagogical approach. I had so much fun and look forward to the next opportunity to talk about pendular parasympathetic process. 

Jen and I had the pleasure of returning to the APTA Combined Sections Meeting this year in Washington, D.C. Years past have provided us great discussions with both Physical Therapists and Physical Therapy Assistants as well as Students who are seeking these professions. This year once again proved the value of our attendance and allowed us to inform many individuals interested in the science of Postural Restoration. It is so re-assuring and invigorating to be able to discuss our science with those who may not have been exposed prior to attending.

The Combination of both PT students and seasoned Physical Therapist’s provided a myriad of conversations and allowed us to connect with both sides of the spectrum. Many faculty members from various institutions and organizations asked passionately about our science and wanted to be better at introducing it to their students. Many students asked passionately about finding a PRI Clinician in their area for mentorship and clinical experience as they complete schooling. Interests in specialization areas continues to grow and we were excited to discuss our Affiliate programs in Pediatrics, Geriatrics and all others with those who find interest in these populations.

Shortly after a discussion regarding our PRI Integration for Fitness and Movement course we were surprised to see a familiar face come across our booth! Little did we know Julie Blandin was in attendance and literally ran into us amongst the crowd. What a great surprise!

Although running into a PRI faculty member was unplanned, we were lucky to have several PRC’s and PRT’s reach out to us as they learned of our stay in the area. On day 2 of the conference we received another surprise as our dear friend and PRT Navin Hettiarachchi sent us a text. “I don’t know how but I have found 3 tickets for you to tonight’s game!”, we had discussed possibly meeting up with Navin but due to the Golden State Warriors coming to town we all thought it would be difficult to find tickets. Although we loved our first NBA experience it was perhaps more fun to see Navin in action with the team. He is a true gift to any organization, as his smile is infectious and his care for his players is unmatched. They are lucky to have him and we are lucky to call him our friend and have him in our PRI Family.

We were also able to meet up with PRC Heather Carr, who has been part of the PRI Family for many years. It was great to see her and to meet her husband Jan, as they provided us with local recommendations and things to see. Heather continues to introduce PRI to many others and we are so grateful for her support. Our last evening included a dinner reservation with PRI Faculty Louise Kelly and her husband Bruce and it was such a great way to finish our weekend. Bruce and Louise met in graduate school and it was a true pleasure to take a walk down memory lane with both of them. Although the food was great the conversations shared and laughs that were had truly made our last night in DC special.

Thank you to all everyone who made this conference a success. The science of PRI continues to grow and each conference we attend makes it apparent that word of mouth is still one of the best ways to connect and share our passions with others. Thank you in particular to Navin, Heather, Julie and Louise for going out of your way to spend time with us. PRI has a way of connecting people and it was great re-connecting with each of you!

Santa Barbara is one of California’s beautiful towns and would be considered one of our seaside gems. Prevail Conditioning and Performance Center was the location of Postural Respiration this past weekend. Owner and operator, Peter Blumert, provided a superior training facility for this weekend which followed his hosting Myokinematic Restoration last November. This weekend was a first for PRI! We introduced our latest revision of Postural Respiration. This course is packed with new material including a new test for posterior mediastinum inhibition called the posterior mediastinum reach test. There have been new documents added to support PRI concepts with loads of references for this course. In addition, case studies have been added and were a big hit with our students!

This was a course loaded with professionals in not only physical therapy, athletic training and sports performance but included an osteopath as well. Postural Respiration really describes how the diaphragm affects every system in the body. This course connects pelvis position to the ribcage and illustrates that breathing can be viewed as the gait cycle allowing ribcages to actually walk! That seems like such a far-fetched concept to those new to PRI on day one of the course and seems like such a bold statement. By the end of the weekend, every student could see that breathing is walking and the diaphragm and ribcage position and posture is key to tri-planer, dynamic, balanced gait.

We also had a chance to introduce the effects of the diaphragm and the ribcage to the cervical spine and jaw as well. The connection with Postural Respiration and the neck and jaw was experienced by a student when testing HGIR, or internal rotation of a Humerus in a glenoid fossa. She experienced jaw pain during HGIR testing and learned there was a connection of the Omohyoid with shoulder blade, neck and jaw. This was reinforced when the manual technique to release her subclavius muscle was demonstrated. Not only did this technique make her tests neutral but her jaw pain was gone. She also understood that with any manual technique, a non-manual technique and progression via treatment guidelines will be needed. Needless to say she was enthusiastic about continuing her PRI journey! Thank you to Aimee Miyazawa, ATC, PRT for being a seasoned veteran of PRI and a wonderful lab assistant. Thanks again to Peter Blumert for hosting this course as he welcomes Pelvis Restoration later this year.

We are excited to announce the addition of Sage Jensen to our team! Sage started working in our office last week, as the Digital and Media Coordinator. She graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration – Marketing. She is an Institute of Integrative Nutrition certified Health Coach and is passionate about helping others improve their lives through health and fitness. Sage’s background in web development, photography, social media marketing, and wellness provided a foundation on which she hopes to grow at PRI. Outside of work, Sage enjoys spending her time reading, coaching others, downhill skiing, and spending time with loved ones.

We look forward to having you meet Sage at your next course in Lincoln! She can be reached at jensen.sage@posturalrestoration.com.

Hello PRI Nation!

Returned from Florida this week after a great first PRI course in Bradenton where we hosted some great clinicians from the greater Tampa Bay area and beyond. Many thanks to John Walz, and the team at Request Physical Therapy who provided an inviting, high positive energy environment in which to learn the science of Pelvis Restoration. Our local hub and this weekend’s lab assistant was my friend Megan Bollinger from the PRC class of 2012, whose passion for this science is both admirable and contagious. Can’t say enough about how much I appreciate Megan’s unassuming, caring demeanor during courses and as a fantastic host.

This interdisciplinary group of movement pros, from Hiroki Yoshimoto, ATC to Heidi Goldman, LMT, Sharon Yadven OTR/L to the “Traveling Timlers,” PT’s Megan and Paul was particularly interested in clinical application of PRI pubo-sacral dynamics of the ‘how and when’ to utilize the principles of this course material. We explored anatomy, neurologic application, arthrokinematics and osteokinematics of positioning human systems in ways to optimize pelvis content and surroundings including how to integrate said systems into dynamic living machines with synchronized pelvic and thoracic diaphragms. Our multiple lab times focused on discussing and feeling tests and treatment techniques aimed at achieving tri-planar control of a pelvic as well as its mirror ipsilateral thoracic diaphragm and designing a program to do so. This instructor enjoyed the lively class participation from front row Jessika McNeil and Brianna Nelson all the way to back row light crew Nick Dwyer. We were especially thankful to have both Megan Bollinger, PT, PRC and Karen Hoyt, PT PRC who both practiced and assisted during lab time, allowing us to cover lab with depth sometimes not allowed.

During lab times, thank you Sharon Yadven, John Walz, Megan Timler, Paul Timler, Nick Dwyer, Hilary Arichego and many others for your contribution to the class as we learned together for demonstration time of techniques. And, thank you all for a great learning environment and experience in Western Florida. What a blast!

We are excited to introduce and congratulate our Postural Restoration Trained (PRT) Class of 2019! PRT is the result of completing multiple advanced PRI courses, demonstrating a thorough understanding of the science through completion of the PRT application, and successfully participating in practical and analytical testing. This past weekend, four professionals earned the designation of Postural Restoration Trained (PRT) under the direction of Ron Hruska, Neil Rampe and Jennifer Platt.

Pictured above, (from left to right)

Back Row: Neil Rampe, Nathanael Smith, Peter Nelson, Ron Hruska

Front Row: Jennifer Platt, Lesley Moser, Takashi Mita

The Postural Restoration Institute® established this credentialing process in 2011 as a way to recognize and identify individuals with advanced training, extraordinary interest and devotion to the science of postural adaptations, asymmetrical patterns and the influence of polyarticular chains of muscles on the human body as defined by the Postural Restoration Institute®.  The PRT credential is available to Certified Athletic Trainers, Certified Athletic Therapists, Exercise Physiologists and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists who have completed the course requirements, application and testing process. With the addition of this class, there are now 54 PRT professionals throughout the U.S and Internationally.

PRT credentialed athletic trainers, strength and conditioning coaches and exercise physiologists offer a unique approach to physical medicine and fitness called Postural Restoration®. This approach addresses underlying biomechanics which can often lead to symptoms of pain and dysfunction. All mechanical influences on the body that restrict movement and contribute to improper joint and muscle position are considered, examined, and assessed. Techniques are utilized to restore proper alignment of the body while proper respiratory dynamics are considered. Management encompasses prevention and lifetime integration for long-term successful outcomes.

To view or download all the photos click HERE.

Congratulations to the PRT Class of 2019!

Every year the first week in December marks the beginning of the end. The start to our four day Advanced Integration course is much anticipated throughout the year as we prepare and look forward to welcoming our PRI Family “home” for the Holidays. For all of us at the Institute it is truly a time of gratitude and renewal as we host course attendees from all over the world here for the last course of the year.

This year we were thrilled to have 15 of our 18 faculty members here, laying the stage for one of the best years yet. We also welcomed attendees from Australia, Denmark, Germany, Japan, Malaysia and 23 other states. Many of you may know by this point that attending the same course twice may lead to two very different experiences. This years Advanced Integration was unlike any previous renditions due to the constant dialogue between the Presenters and the many Faculty members in the audience. Every year the Primary Concepts are integrated, expanded on and projected in a new way to reflect the current state of the culture around us.

Many of us will spend time with family over the upcoming holidays and all of us will join these conversations with different biases, dispositions and attachments. In order to remain loved and continue to love our family members we must sense our own physical and emotional constraints while at the same time appreciating theirs and inhibiting any negative outcomes that otherwise may occur.

Similarly, if our anatomical families do not work together and appreciate what each group can bring to the table, neutrality may be lost. Advanced Integration continually reminds us to appreciate each of our family members and the role they play in balancing our autonomic function. Myokinematic, Postural and Pelvic concepts were solidified through four days of appreciation for each presenter, practitioner, and person in attendance.

Thank you to all of our PRI Family for making the trip to Lincoln. Although December is typically the coldest time to visit, we are grateful to end each year with all of you. Not only does this course solidify all of your integration throughout the year, but we hope it also lays the foundation for a successful start to the next.

Wishing you and your Families a very Merry Holiday Season and start to the New Year!

CLICK HERE to see all Advanced Integration 2018 photos!

We are excited to announce and congratulate the Postural Restoration Certified (PRC) Class of 2018! PRC credentialing is the result of completing multiple advanced PRI courses, demonstrating a thorough understanding of the science through completion of the PRC application, and successfully participating in practical and analytical testing. Ten Physical Therapists and two Physical Therapist Assistants earned the designation of Postural Restoration Certified (PRC) under the direction of Ron Hruska, Lori Thomsen, Jennifer Poulin, and Jennifer Platt earlier this week.

The Postural Restoration Institute established a certification process in 2004 as a way to recognize and identify those individuals with advanced training, extraordinary interest and devotion to the science of postural adaptations, asymmetrical patterns and the influence of polyarticular chains of muscles on the human body as defined by the Postural Restoration Institute. The PRC credentialing program is available to physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, occupational therapists, and chiropractors who have attended PRI courses, demonstrated a thorough understanding of the science through completion of the PRC application, and successfully participate in both clinical and analytical testing. To date, 201 professionals have earned the designation of Postural Restoration Certified (PRC).

To view/download the photos click here.

Back Row (from L to R): Jennifer Poulin, Jill Maida, Jeremiah Ferguson, Eli Zygmuntowicz, Katie Piraino, Brian Benjamin, Tyler Tanaka, Ron Hruska

Front Row (from L to R): Cheryl Chase, Christopher Murphy, Bridget Anderson, Sarah Ratti, Ken Smith, Jim Wittekind, Lori Thomsen, Jennifer Platt

Jason Masek presented at the 2018 National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Coach’s Conference.  His presentation: "Push, Pull, and Propulsion: the 10-20-30-40 Concept" is now available online. Check out our blog for more information.

We are sad to announce that Matt is leaving our office at the first of the year, and heading back to school full-time. Thus, we are seeking a Digital and Media Coordinator to support our successful team. The ideal candidate serves as a positive first point of contact for incoming calls, a true team player who communicates clearly and effectively in our fast-paced office. The perfect fit would be someone who knows who we are, and what we do, and therefore we are reaching out to #PRINation to see if you know of anyone who might be qualified and interested in this full-time position. An added bonus (but not a requirement) would be someone who has taken PRI courses, and would be able to assist with some of the clinical/practical application roles in our office, as well as the roles outlined below.

Qualifications & Responsibilities:

• Knowledge of how to build/manage Wordpress and other CMS platforms, as well as basic knowledge of Wordpress plugins to maintain day-to-day operations with www.posturalrestoration.com; www.privideoforyou.com; and www.prihomestudy.com. 
• General photo/video shooting and editing knowledge (use of programs similar to Lightroom, iMovie, Premiere).
• Graphic design experience.
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, Power Point, and Access, with excellent trouble-shooting abilities.
• Provide excellent customer service in person, by phone and via email.
• Accept and appropriately direct incoming calls and email inquiries.
• Provide assistance with processing PRI product orders, course registrations and home studies.
• Ability to prioritize directives from multiple individuals while effectively managing several projects.
• Clinical/practical experience with Postural Restoration® is a plus!

If you or someone you know might be interested in this opportunity, please contact Jen. If are unsure whether you fit the qualifications, don’t hesitate to reach out, as we are generally interested in learning more and finding a great fit for our growing office.

One 2 One Physical Therapy is Hiring!

Do you want to be a part of a professional family, with the potential to earn partnership, that cares about, supports, as well as challenges its members to co-evolve?  

We are looking for someone to join our family to co-create a one-of-a kind physical, mental, emotional and energetic healing space that will allow us and our patients to thrive.

Please go to One 2 One Physical Therapy for more information… thank you!

Last weekend I enjoyed teaching Pelvis Restoration up in the Motor City. The class was hosted by the Detroit Medical Center and their staff were very accommodating and made me feel right at home. This class was a nice mix of rehab and strength and conditioning professionals. There were only 4 newbies and the rest of the class had taken PRI coursework. This always makes for a fun class with lots of integration between the respiratory and pelvic diaphragms as it relates to gait and breathing. On Sunday, we mixed it up a bit, as it was my last class of 2018. The group widely understood my L AIC “Mustang Sally” analogy. It was quite fitting as I awoke to some snow on Sunday! Brrr… it was cold up North this past weekend. My VT Yankee blood has definitely thinned! We discussed how our patients and athletes are born into a LAIC pattern and compensate with their backs to override the pattern. This led to my PEC snowstorm on the Mustang Sally asymmetrical pattern.

We began our treatment algorithms discussing the Patho PEC pattern management and related that compensation to a Winter Snow storm on top of our Mustang Sally. We reviewed the 3 signs of pathology and how these patients will maximize end range and stabilize on their joints vs. good muscle control. A lot of time and discussion was spent on the importance of securing inlet extension with IOs and TAs and inhibiting back extensors before moving into L AIC clinical efforts. Once we brushed off the compensations of the Patho PEC and PEC, we got down to business to review the RAIC treatment plan. This switch in presenting the material was appreciated as a lot of our Pelvis patients are in a PEC pattern and lack frontal plane control.

Craig Stasio, PT from Simio Physical Therapy, assisted me. Thanks to Nick Jensen ATC from the Atlanta Braves for enduring my Right Iliacus emphasis and Mary Ann’s early question regarding respiration and the Pelvic Diaphragm. I look forward to taking a little break over Thanksgiving and seeing everyone in Lincoln for Advanced Integration in December!