Sue DuPont – Advances in Treating Spinal Instability: The Kinetic Chain Impact

Description

Handouts

Outline

INTRODUCTION

BACK PAIN: WHY IT’S A PROBLEM

• Biotensegrity: The Anti-Gravity Model
• Role of the “Core” stiffness or movement?
• Myofascial connections and their role in stabilization and function

LAB #1 — MYOFASCIAL MOBILIZATIONS

BACK PAIN: ARE WE CHASING THE PAIN?

• Structural vs. functional pathology
• Effects of sustained postures and forces
• Effects of chronic pain and dysfunction on movement

WHAT IS SPINAL INSTABILITY?

• Ambiguity of term spinal instability
• Disconnect between medical diagnosis and clinical signs and symptoms
• Historical perspective of spinal instability
• Muscle dysfunction and lumbar spinal instability
• Functional vs. pathological muscle imbalances
• Rehab goal for muscle imbalances

KINETIC CHAIN REHAB FOR FUNCTIONAL MOVEMENT

• Kinetic chain rehab principles
• Functional coupling between muscles and fascia
• Components for optimal functional movement
• Myofascial slings and common dysfunctions
• Biomechanical link between lower kinetic chain and spinal instability

IS SPINAL INSTABILITY JUST ABOUT STIFFNESS?

• Static vs. dynamic spinal instability
• Synergist, agonist, and antagonist effects of muscles and force vectors

WHERE ARE WE NOW?

• Motor control vs. general exercise
• Clinical prediction rules for back pain
• Influence of posture and body type
• Muscle sling dysfunctions – “Gluteal Amnesia,” Quadratus Lumborum Syndrome, etc.
• Importance of dynamic functional movement analysis

LAB #2 – POSTURE, ROM, & MUSCLE LENGTH

SPINAL INSTABILITY: CLINICAL PRESENTATION & OBSERVATIONS

• Patient case studies
• Finding myofascial imbalances and compensatory patterns
• Best clinical tests for spinal instability
• Clinical “pearls” for determining weak quadrant

LAB #3 — DYNAMIC FUNCTIONAL MOVEMENT OBSERVATIONS & CLINICAL ANALYSIS

CORRECTIVE EXERCISE PROGRESSIONS FOR SPINAL INSTABILITY

• Motor control of local stabilizers
• Adding tri-planar stabilization
• Turning on the gluteal muscles
• Progression of Spinal Stabilization Exercises
  • EMG evidence-guided progressions
  • Adding equipment and unlevel surfaces
  • 5 functional tasks to ALWAYS include

LAB #4 — PRACTICE CORRECTIVE EXERCISE PROGRESSIONS LIVE CASE STUDY

• Identify and develop a treatment plan
• Myofascial sling dysfunction and spinal instability

RESOLUTION

Faculty

Sue DuPont, MS, MBA, PT, ATC Related seminars and products: 6

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Sue DuPont, MS, MBA, PT, ATC, is an expert in the field of orthopedics and sports medicine, with over 30 years of experience treating patients and athletes of all ages and activity levels. She holds multiple degrees including a B.S. in Exercise Science/Athletic Training, an M.S. in Biology specializing in Biomechanics, a post-baccalaureate degree in Physical Therapy, and an MBA in Healthcare Management. Ms. DuPont was on the Medical Staff at the 1996 Summer Olympic Games and awarded a 1-year fellowship at the U.S. Olympic Training Center. She has worked with various professional and elite athletes, from WTA pro tennis to World Cup Figure Skating. While working with the U.S.O.C. Biomechanics Division, Ms. DuPont researched and developed a Clinical Plyometrics protocol and presented the findings at the APTA National Conference.

Ms. DuPont has taught courses specifically for seniors on healthy aging and wellness. She is a veteran ACE Certified Fitness Instructor, teaching Pilates, kickboxing, and many other fitness courses for over 20 years. Ms. DuPont has performed extensive research on the spine, aging, balance, and fitness. In her clinical practice, she utilizes advanced clinical techniques in manual therapy, taping/strapping, active stabilization, and soft tissue release to improve functional movement patterns. Currently, Ms. DuPont teaches continuing education courses nationwide. When home in Florida, she treats patients/clients for physical therapy and wellness and sits on the Advisory Board for Southwest Florida University’s PTA program.

Speaker Disclosures:

Financial: Sue DuPont has an employment relationship with Joint Implant Surgeons of Florida. She receives a speaking honorarium from PESI, Inc.

Non-financial: Sue DuPont has no relevant non-financial relationship to disclose.