WILLEM FOURIE UNDERSTANDING OUR CONNECTIVE TISSUE

WAY FORWARD»

With Host

Understanding our Connective Tissue System

Complaints after breast cancer treatment

(Level 1)

Willem Fourie – Nat. Dip. Physiotherapy, Pretoria

WHEN AND WHERE?

9am – 5pm

Thursday 9th – Saturday 11th October 2014

The Bond Company

180-182 Fazeley Street, Digbeth

Birmingham, West Midlands B5 5SE

COURSE FEE

£380 (Non-refundable deposit – £140)

For booking form contact: Pauline Miller – CPD Co-ordinator Tel: 07805092328

Email: pauline@simplyholistictherapies.co.uk

Background of level of evidence on which the course is based:

This course is based on detailed dissections and study of the functional and integrated fascial anatomy of the shoulder girdle. Various manual therapy techniques, fascial, viscerofascial and myofascial release techniques were used and modified to accommodate the new understanding of applied anatomy and the role played by connective tissue in function. The clinical approach has largely evolved from integrating work from Francine St George (Australia), Stuart Robertson (United Kingdom), Tom Myers (United States) and Luigi and Carla Stecco (Italy).

Course objectives:

This workshop is to introduce the participant to the connective tissue and fascial systems and its role in normal function. A further aim is sharing how dysfunction and pathology may develop by interference within this system. By understanding how various systems interlink to determine function, integrated treatment strategies are introduced. Participants will develop skills for evaluating and treating of individual patients using an integrated approach.

Elements and subjects to be covered during the course:

1. Body design:

All structures are involved in movement quality. Seeing the body as a pre-stressed “biotensegrity” for musculoskeletal function is described. This expands the view of linear biomechanics to explain movement into a more realistic view of the body functioning as a non-linear system where small changes can produce a disproportionately large output.

2. Connective tissue:

It is further aimed at bringing connective tissue and fascia as a microscopic subject into the macroscopic domain. The fascial system as a living tissue constituting our “organ of form” that can be assessed, moved and manipulated. Aspects covered in the workshop:

a) The structure and classification of connective tissue

b) Vessels and nerves of connective tissue where its roles in fluid transfer, proprioception and sensation are highlighted

c) Connective tissue architecture. Design differences on a macroscopic level in different parts of the body with special reference to function and movement quality

d) Different fascial layers encountered therapeutically i.e. skin/epidermis, superficial fascia/hypodermis, deep fascial and myofascial are explained and evaluated

e) Functions and roles of connective tissue and fascia

f) Physiological changes due to injury, immobilization and scarring

g) Wound healing and how tissue responds to manual therapy during all stages of healing

3. Contributors to dysfunction:

How a “local” tissue dysfunction (loss of tissue mobility) can contribute to a “global” body response (changed movement patterns) is looked at.

4. Manual assessment and treatment of the connective tissue:

The principles of fascial assessment and treatment are explained, demonstrated and practiced. A grading classification of the depth of touch and palpation of tissue is introduced.

The palpation for tissue mobility, flexibility and glide are carefully demonstrated and practiced within the group. The participants learn to identify the extent, quality direction and depth of compromised tissue mobility.

5. Complaints after Breast Cancer Treatment:

Dysfunction (lymphoedema, restricted movements and weakness) as well as pain syndromes after the treatment for primary breast cancer are fully explained. Details of surgical and reconstructive procedures are given and demonstrated. The detailed post breast cancer knowledge is then used to formulate an individualised assessment and treatment plan for every patient and stage of recovery.

After this workshop, participants should have a clearer understanding of:

The functional anatomy and biomechanics of the upper quarter.
The structure of connective tissue, its classification, and its role in normal musculoskeletal function.
How this system is damaged by trauma, surgery, overuse, or habit, and ultimately the body’s postural responses leading to later complaints – even in non-related areas of the body.
How to evaluate the connective tissue/fascial system.
How all the above guides you, the therapist, through the most appropriate personalized treatment strategy for every individual patient.

Willem Fourie – Teacher

Willem Fourie has thirty five years clinical experience in the Mining Industry and Private Practice. His interest is in musculoskeletal dysfunction after surgery or injury – notably post breast cancer treatment.

The treatment and rehabilitation of the full range of musculoskeletal problems experienced after the surgical and radiotherapeutic treatment of breast- and other cancers as well as lymphoedema.

Although all wounds pass through the same mechanism of repair towards full recovery, the final cosmetic and functional result may differ markedly. Successful healing does not automatically correlate with the return of full function.

At present, Willem’s emphasis is on finding solutions to pain and dysfunction syndromes after tissue scarring and fibrosis. The more detailed understanding of interrelationships and function led to the development of an upgraded movement model for therapy, presented in courses internationally.

The workshop will be an intense mix of theory and practical work, and will therefore only allow a limited number of participants.

UNDERSTANDING OUR CONNECTIVE TISSUE SYSTEM – LEVEL 1

COMPLAINTS AFTER BREAST CANCER TREATMENT

Proposed Program (may be subject to change)

* Times and topics may be revised according to participants’ preferences *
DAY ONE
8:30am – 9am	REGISTRATION & REFRESHMENTS
9am – 10.45am	INTRODUCTION * My work and myself * A new movement model * Setting our expectations POST MASTECTOMY COMPLAINTS	Theory
10.45am – 11am	Morning break
11am – 12.30pm	THE CONNECTIVE TISSUE EVALUATION OF FASCIAL MOVEMENT * Dermis and Superficial Fascia	Theory Practical
12.30pm – 1.30pm	Lunch
1.30pm – 3pm	EVALUATION OF FASCIAL MOVEMENT * Deep Fascia and Myofascia	Practical
3pm – 3.15pm	Afternoon break
3.15pm – 5pm	ANATOMY OF THE UPPER BODY * Includes breast anatomy * Outer layer of muscles	Theory/Practical
ooOO//OOoo
DAY TWO
9am – 10.15am	BIOMECHANICS OF THE SHOULDER FASCIAL TREATMENT PRINCIPLES TOUCH GRADING AND DOCUMENTATION	Theory
10.15am – 10.30am	Morning break
10.30am – 12.30pm	FASCIAL TREATMENT TECHNIQUES	Practical
12.30pm – 1.30pm	Lunch
1.30pm – 3pm	CONTRIBUTORS TO COMPLAINTS * Surgery * Reconstruction INTERFERENCE WITH FASCIA	Practical Demonstration
3pm – 3.15pm	Afternoon break
3.15pm – 5pm	POST MASTECTOMY COMPLAINTS	Theory
ooOO//OOoo
DAY THREE
9am – 10.15am	SEQUENTIAL EVALUATION	Practical
10.15am – 10.30am	Morning break
10.30am – 12.30pm	TREATMENT FOR DYSFUNCTION	Practical
12.30pm – 1.30pm	Lunch
1.30pm – 3pm	TREATMENT (CONTINUED)	Practical
3pm – 3.15pm	Afternoon break
3.15pm – 4.15pm	PATIENT PRESENTATION (IF AVAILABLE)	Demonstration
4.15pm – 5pm	DISCUSSION AND COURSE EVALUATION
	ooOO//OOoo

For booking form contact: Pauline Miller – CPD Co-ordinator Tel: 07805092328

Email: pauline@simplyholistictherapies.co.uk