Educational Objectives: Discuss the normal function of soft tissues for support and movement to relate soft tissue injuries to postural anomalies. Utilize the evaluation of the feet as a foundation for full body postural adaptations. Relate normal biomechanics of the foot, ankle, knee, hip, pelvis, spine, TMJ and upper extremities to normal posture and movement. Apply findings of injured soft tissues of the foot, ankle, knee, hip, pelvis, spine, TMJ and upper extremities to evaluation of normal and abnormal postural distortions. Discuss dynamic muscle stabilizers in the pelvis and abdominal core in relation to normal movement and fixations in the hip and pelvis. Relate the thoracic spine and rib cage to dynamic movement and postural adaptations in the spine, upper and lower extremities. Evaluate cervical joint dynamics in relation to compensations from the thoracic spine and rib cage, upper extremity and TMJ. Discern impact of TMJ function on cervical spine posture and head tilt. Relate abnormal scapular, glenohumeral joint and rotator cuff function to specific spinal and upper extremity postural distortions. Educate the patient in normal standing, seated, computer ergonomic, reclined, recumbent positions and normal gait to discern and recognize postural abnormalities. Relate functional dynamics during Acceleration/Deceleration Impact to soft tissue injury and postural adaptations to those injuries. Define causative factors for Scoliosis and relate muscle disparities of the multifidus to spinal, pelvic, rib cage and shoulder postural distortions for treatment protocol. Educate on causes of shoulder rounding, shoulder elevation; and backpack, throwing, tennis, golf, swimming, overhead sports injuries and their effects on spinal posture for rehabilitation. Understand and apply soft tissue treatment methods for the three posture types of Somatic Technique Theory: Red Light, Green Light and Dark Vise. Use Strain/Counterstrain, Friction Massage and Postisometric Relaxation as an effective tool for soft tissue damage contributing to postural distortion. Apply soft tissue treatment methods, modalities and rehabilitation to Pelvic Crossed Syndrome and Shoulder Crossed Syndrome. Apply Yoga for full body and regional postural corrections. Understand and explain proper postures for dance, martial arts, running, cycling, baseball, golf, tennis, standing, walking, sitting, computer ergonomics and sleeping.
