News

Ron Hruska is excited to be presenting at the International Association of Orofacial Myology (IAOM) Convention next month in Charlotte, NC!

His 3 hour presentation is titled "Orofacial Myological Disorders (OMD) Relationship to Postural Asymmetry". The interdisciplinary convention is October 5-7th at the Embassy Suites Charlotte Uptown.

To learn more about this year’s IAOM Convention, Ron’s presentation and the other interdisciplinary speakers, CLICK HERE!

Providence, RI, one of the oldest cities in the U.S., is home to University Orthopedics. This PT clinic is GOAT, with large windows and water views on three sides, providing a parasympathetic balance to the focused attention on the impact of human asymmetry. It was wonderful to have professionals from different backgrounds (PT, PTA, ATC, CSCS, LMT) and skill sets come together to consider the profound impact of the diaphragm and rib cage on our movement. Following the discussion on the differences between optimal and sub-optimal breathing patterns, one attendee revealed that this was the first time in her life that she was able to inflate a balloon😊. The smaller-than-typical group size allowed for more one-on-one time in lab, ensuring attendees’ proficiency at carrying out objective tests and non-manual and manual techniques. Thank you to our models (Daniel Anthony, ATC; Kerri-Lynn Francis, LMT; Landa Pappas, PTA; Damion Perry, BS, CSCS; Joseph Robinson, ATC; and Maurice Sicard, ATC) and our reader, Stacey Brennan, MT, PTA – you greatly enhanced our understanding of course concepts. A huge thank you to our hosts at University Orthopedics (Dan Bien, PT, OCS, CSCS; Stacy Faiola, PT, CSCS; Kevin Mahoney, DPT, ATC; Dave Pezzullo, MS, PT, SCS, ATC; and Ed Wojciechowski, PT) for all of the work you put forth to provide a fantastic learning environment!

A huge shout out to Amy Goddard from Goddard Orthopedic and Sports Therapy for hosting Pelvis Restoration this past weekend in Dallas, TX. You are simply awesome. Thank you for everything from room set-up, food, organizing a dinner out Saturday, lab assisting, and your passion for PRI. Half of the class was attending their first PRI course and the attendees varied from Physical Therapists, Chiropractors, Athletic Trainers and Personal Trainers. The intellect in this group was amazing from seasoned PRI practitioners collaborating with their peers to assist them on their journey with PRI. This course "goes into the weeds" with AFIR/AFER tri-planar positioning of the pelvic inlet and outlet. If patients don’t have correct facilitation and inhibition on the left and right sides for gait, they will struggle with FAIR/FAER and trunk rotation with compensation thru the neck and ankle. It was a great weekend with colleagues who have a desire to learn and are open minded to the complexities of the human body. Thank you to this class for a wonderful weekend. On a personal note, mixing my passion to teach with a quick trip to Waco, TX with my sister to take in the Magnolia Market from the show Fixer Upper. It was a great trip to Texas!!!

Just returned from a trip to the beautiful bay area in Oakland, with gracious hosts Tim Appleford and Naomi Schambelan at Lafayette Physical Therapy. Thank you so much Tim, Naomi and your team for working through unpredictable variables to allow what turned out to be a tremendous course!

From the start, this crowd of diverse movement scientists from a variety of professions proved they were dialed into the science of PRI and Pelvis Restoration. We had a series of great discussions regarding the theory, science and rationale for why frontal plane control of the inlet and outlet of the pelvis is important for integrating a triplanar system together and developing patterns to oppose one of three categories of patterns that often lead clients to us in our varied settings.

Our lab demonstration and interactive discussion about eight special tests to assess pelvis position and specific need for intervention was a joy for this instructor and for our ace lab assistant, Taylor Lewis. Sam Eisenberg, George Cuevas, Naomi Schambelan, Drew Yoder, Shuan Buchanan and Sura Choi among others were champs, helping with lab demonstrations of special tests and with demonstrations of how and when to utilize PRI techniques in designing individualized programs. I appreciated John Ursone, Marisa Gulizia and others for your on-point questions about PRI the science, particularly with regard to application. Thank you Robert “Luceeeente,” Crystal Palmer and really the whole gang for your senses of humor and keeping the positive flow throughout the course.

Thanks again Lafayette crew. This weekend was a celebration of learners and functional movement science—what a blast!

Diversity is a wonderful thing. So is variability. And we were blessed to have both in abundance last weekend in Norman, OK. We had a very diverse group of movement and rehab specialists, with expertise ranging from working with professional athletes to dancers to pelvic floor specialists.

Variability was in abundance as we discussed getting out of patterned neuromechanical behavior. In order to get out of the performance rut that the L AIC pattern puts some of us in, we need to have variability. As we delved into how to recognize normal mechanics, normal compensatory mechanics, and pathological compensatory mechanics as a result of the L AIC pattern, the need for variability started to become clear. Then we progressed into our muscular patterned behavior conversation as a result of the dominant L AIC pattern. Additionally, we discussed the muscular performance consequence of the L AIC pattern.

As we further discussed testing and repositioning, it became more and more clear that variability in position is the key. We were very fortunate to have a lot of lab time; as much or more lab time as any other course I’ve taught. It afforded us the opportunity to feel the effect our human asymmetry has on our position, as well as our muscular performance. As a result, our ability to be variable in our movement patterns became our clear goal.

Many thanks to Alicia Oberholzer and Dustin Rhoades for allowing us to use them as our models for demonstration purposes. It was a great pleasure to have everyone ask so many great questions. Stuart Nichols, Kim Callahan, Deb Clark, and Kathy Bonar were particularly helpful in keeping us on track, re-stating, and offering their insight into our deep dive into the necessity of movement variability and how to achieve it. As always, we need more "Bruce Wayne" and less "Batman" in our lives, and make sure you have the "Good Boy Band" working for you!

We are excited to introduce SYMBA! (Synchronized Movement of Bilateral Asymmetry) As many of you may be familiar with the Pelvis Models that are frequently utilized within the PRI community, you may also begin to see the use of our newest collaboration with the team at SAWBONES. This articulated Ribcage is fully functional in providing visual feedback to your patients or clients and allows many PRI concepts to be demonstrated. We have been working over the past several months to develop this model which allows movement in all three planes!

The photos Included below show some of the many prototypes that were created between our staff here at the Institute and the team of engineers at SAWBONES in Vashon, WA.

This image shows the initial prototype (Left) which quickly progressed to the smaller size.

Sizing and designing of this model required creating a new mold to achieve the desired dimensions which was made from a newly created resin that allows the model to bend and rotate. Initially the spinal column was in a solid state and a new mold and material was again designed to allow flexion and extension of the spine to occur. The team at SAWBONES is top notch and although many of these requirements were difficult to achieve they never gave up and continued designing until these outcomes were met.

SYMBA, is available now!

For more Information CLICK HERE.

To see all available Tri-Planar Models CLICK HERE

Engaging into discussions regarding right lateral superior and posterior inferior chest wall expansion is so rewarding when the engagers truly want to understand the reasoning behind the intent and the outcomes purpose.  Regardless how we feel about internal physiologic or physical movement of our anatomy, we all stay alive through compression and decompression.  This course reviews the neuro-mechanical patterns of basic diaphragmatic decompression, i.e. expansion, and corresponding direction of compressive forces, i.e. abdominals and body position.  Having 50 engaged class participants from seven different areas of study, allowed all of us to compress and decompress not only in the lab setting, but during questions and answer sessions, that were as valuable, in my opinion as the material in the power point and in the manual.    Joseph Turic DPT, Aleena Kanner ATC, NASM, Beth Lewis and many others in the lab setting were so helpful in expanding minds, behavior and concepts.  Navin Hettiarachchi ATC, Dip MT, MCMT, ATC, PRT, CSCS and Sean Light MS, RSCC, LMT, CS, PRT, as lab assistants,  expand anyone or everyone that gets close to them with their smiles alone.   It was so wonderful to have Gail Wetzler DPT, EDO, BI-D, a very prominent Barral Institute instructor,  in attendance.  I am so grateful for the opportunity to get to know her better.  We were scheduled last year to present in Puerto Rico at the AAPMD conference, before Maria hit.   Please read my tweet on how people like her expand my moral compass.

Finally, I want to thank all the wonderful people at Finish Line Physical Therapy.

They not only allow us to expand PRI in the New York City region, again,  but actually took part in expanding this course by reviewing their lab discoveries, and by expanding my stomach through feeding me the peanut butter filled pretzels!  These have become a Finish Line staple of expansion. Thank you.  

Ron 

The Impingement and Instability PRI Course is one of my favorite courses to relate PRI concepts with actual course attendee’s multiple interests and perspectives. It is also a wonderful course to establish relationships through similar mindsets and settings. The University of Arizona host site is a perfect place for this type of activity to take place. There were a number of people with different perspectives, interests and mindsets to make this course so beneficial for everyone in attendance, as well as, to appreciate reference integration reasoning from different pre- designed perspectives and pre-established relationships. 

Brittany Cline PT, DPT,ATC , Bruce Johnston ATC and the other University of Arizona host site attendees were and are so hospitable.

I enjoyed having Brittany’s 3 month old son, Jackson, in the course.  He attended both days and is sensing his right lateral chest and demonstrating to the class how to sense and use this reference center in one of the attached pictures. I am quite sure Jackson is the youngest course attendee I have ever had, and for the most part was all smiles both days.

Victoria Humphrey PT,  Samantha Yeoman ATC, and Nathanael Smith ATC, CSCS, thank you for being such willing class models. The weather was warm outside but everyone was so cool inside. I really enjoyed walking around this beautiful campus and hope that someday this host site will become a Postural Restoration Certified Center. I can understand how James Anderson MPT,PRC  loves these people, loves the facility and loves the food; even though Café Poca Cosa was closed for the summer. Jen, you can send me here anytime you want in the future. I also look forward to another great conversation on PRI Integration of I and I concepts with those who want to rest and relax with models of activity that include sleep, breathing, life enhancement programs and spirituality,  with Maria DelliVeneri ATC. Maria, it was so great to get to know you better. Thank all of you for your pursuit of PRI integration in your ‘musculoskeletal’ worlds.

Ron

Hey PRI People,

I am reaching out to the PRI community to inform all Dallas residents that I am starting a PRI peer mentor group. The intent is that we have monthly or bi-monthly in-person meetings to provide a quality opportunity for learning. If anyone is interested in joining the group, feel free to shoot me an email at john.hfap@gmail.com.

John Earls PT, DPT

The Sunshine State, and its urban gem, Miami, was the destination for the latest Postural Respiration course. Where else does one listen to Cuban salsa performed live outside the local grocery store? Thank you Cyndi Becker, MS, LAT,ATC, Lauren Reynolds, ATC, and Rodrigo Martinez, DAT, LAT, ATC for hosting at Florida International University, and giving this speaker a respite from the heat and humidity of DC (yes – Miami is more pleasant than DC in mid-July!).

For the majority of the class, this course was their first exposure to the paradigm-shifting tenets of PRI, supported by knowledge of human anatomy and by scientific literature that spans many decades and disciplines. We evaluated models from both the power point and in the flesh for evidence of sub-optimal breathing patterns and postural influences: thoracic flat backs, loss of apical expansion, belly and neck breathing, paradoxical breathing, and hyperventilation. We correlated these findings to our objective tests and patient-client complaints.

Participants learned the value of establishing and maintaining a left diaphragm ZOA, without which movement quality suffers and the ability to recover sufficiently is unlikely. Our discussion on non-manual techniques included their value in positively changing movement behavior through manipulating the nervous system and shifting the locus of control onto the individual. This group developed solid competency in performing and interpreting PRI objective tests, manual rib techniques, and effective cueing of non-manual techniques. You are ready to go forth and practice in a way that will be forever different than you used to!

Everyone facilitated the learning through their questions and comments. A special thank you to our models and readers: Amy Brown, DPT; Erik Kilstrup, CSCS; Rene LeBlanc, MPT, OCS; Rodrigo Martinez DAT, LAT, ATC; Julian Rivera, DPT, ATC, CSCS; Edwin Santiago, CPT, CES, PES, CS; Joseph Vuksanovic, LMT; and David Young, CSCS. A heartfelt “thank you” goes out to Megan Bollinger, DPT, PRC, for her thoughtful comments and great energy in lab. All of you Floridians have a superb mentor in your midst who would love to help you on your PRI journey.

The "Biggest Little City", Reno, NV at the University of Nevada, sponsored its first ever PRI course July 14-15 in the Nevada Physical Therapy Sports Medicine Complex. Attendees were not only local in number but traveled from Utah, Indiana, Washington State and Southern California to attend Postural Respiration. This weekend had a powerful combination of didactic class work balanced with lab every step of the way during the weekend. PRI concepts were discussed and demonstrated to bring experience to what assessment and treatment of tri-planer respiratory function looks and feels like when a person is "lateralized", "sagittalized" and then achieving neutrality with non-manual and manual techniques. One of the students who volunteered to be assessed and treated demonstrated to the class that some cases in clinic are more challenging than others. For example, non-manual techniques were not working to allow his femurs to adduct. He was a strongly patterned Superior T-4 with an athletic background. Then, manual techniques did not work including a two person infra-clavicular pump. A brief discussion on footwear, occlusion and vision followed with no progress on his femurs adducting or any other tests becoming neutral. After a break, a 90/90 hip lift with right arm reach and a balloon (without the stress of being a lab subject in front of the class and any performance pressure) provided immediate neutrality of his pelvis and improvement of BC testing. The big take away is to always stick with it and think outside the box of possibilities including a basic PRI non-manual technique that provided much needed inhibition to his neurologic/respiratory system. My mentor and friend James Anderson, P.T. said in my first PRI class, Postural Respiration, that your patients just want to relax! Sticking with your patients and not giving up plus practitioner and patient relaxing is a strong step towards effective clinical outcomes! Shout out to Jay Henke for doing all of the behind the scenes work to make this first ever PRI event at UNR! And shout out to all of the students for being such a solid class, helping each other out and adding this power tool to their clinical tool belt! The response from the locals at UNR is that they want more PRI courses to follow!