Certification in Neurological Bodywork
How to enroll
Course Objective
The objective of the Certification in Neurological Bodywork course is to prepare the student for continuing education in the occupation or field of bodywork in neurological cases and presentations, and to provide continuing education credit required for renewal of a license by providing the occupational education, training and skills to identify local and general indications and contraindications for body work and activity in neurological presentations in a solo and team capacity.
Prerequisites
Entry to this course requires minimum of 500 hours instruction in Massage Therapy, or concurrent enrollment in such program. Concurrent enrollment candidates are not eligible to sit for the exam or receive the certification until they complete their basic studies. Candidates, licensed counselors, dentists, physical, occupational or speech therapists, veterinarians, chiropractors, and other physicians with equivalent hours in more comprehensive health care degrees or certifications also qualify. Yoga, Pilates, and martial arts instructors can submit their hours on an individual basis for acceptance.
Course Outline: Hour by Hour breakdown
CNB Certification in Neurology for Bodywork
Dr. Michael Pierce
150 hour Certification syllabus
Each module: 12 hours, one module per month for 12 months.
One year/12 month = 144 hours
+6 hours of case study on 2-3 neurological cases, clients treated and cases written.
Reading lists, case studies and Live Massage Grand Rounds are presented with each Module.
Module 1
Introduction and Neuron Theory
Scope of Practice and Contraindications to Bodywork
Brief History of Neurology and Frequency of Firing
Decade of the Brain
Cellular Immediate Early Gene Response (CIEGR)
Functional Neurology definition and the “Goldilocks Principle”
Transneural Degeneration (TND) explanation
Gamma motor system and Introduction to the Cerebellum
Overview of Central Nervous system-upper motor vs. lower motor neuron lesions
Introduction to Hemisphericity/Lateralization of the brain
Examples of neural pathways stimulated in bodywork
Module 2
Spinal cord and Subluxation Theory Basics
Structured and disciplined clinical thinking process; cognitive dissonance=learning?
Grey matter anatomy of the spinal cord
Introduction to white matter tracts of the spinal cord; Pathways
Muscle splinting, guarding, and pain—myelopathy or magnesium?
Introduction to Autonomic syndromes
Working with chiropractors, PTs and OTs
Obtaining written consent from Physicians
Coactivation and Bodywork for Spinal Cord Injuries
Cross-cord reflexes
Golgi tendon organs; effects and bodywork
Tonic vs phasic muscle (“white vs dark meat”)
Module 3
Brain Firing Pathways and Bodywork
Frontal, Parietal, Temporal and Occipital Lobes
Brain controls on flexor tone; decorticate posturing
Brain controls on distal extensor tone; soft pyramidal paresis
Bodywork for brain injury syndromes and neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood
Passive Range of Motion Assessment
Assessing quality of resting tone
Observing latency with motor firing-- Motor strength and fatigue sensitivity
Hemispheric effects on Immunity
Working with Chiropractic Neurologists
Memory and executive functions
Module 4
Brainstem, Gateway To The Brain
Mesencephalon, Pons, and Medulla Oblongata
Cranial Nerves; Powerful Tools for Bodywork Assessment and Therapy
Working with Dentists-facial pain, tooth alignment and TMD
Pupil size; Windows to the Brain
Brainstem as Bottleneck; decerebrate posturing
Working with Behavioral Optometrists and Vision Therapists
Comparative Anatomy and Physiology-Evolution of Upright Posture
Proximal flexor posture and the Red Nucleus/mesencephalon connection
Utilizing brainstem periaqueductal grey mechanisms of pain control in bodywork
Serotonin reward cascade and the brainstem nucleus raphe magnus
Nor-epinephrine pain control and the brainstem lucus ceruleus
Brainstem controls of the autonomic nervous system
Nausea, respiration, pulse-oxygenation, blood pressure, vertigo, loss of consciousness
Bodywork for Brainstem cases
Module 5
Cerebellum, Resting Tone, Posture and Spinal Curves
Neuroanatomy of the cerebellum
Alcohol effects on the cerebellum
Oxygen effects on the cerebellar cortex
Early childhood development of eye movements coupled with postural spinal muscles
Neurologic Foundations of Scoliosis
Limbic System, emotion and cerebellar modulation of tone
Learning models; cerebellar motor planning as the foundation of thought
Bodywork assessment and effects on the cerebellum-normal and pathological cases
Intention tremors
Balance, coordination, speed, and timing—from brain injured to competitive athletes
Yoga, Pilates, Core Stabilization, and rehab with eyes closed
Module 6
Peripheral Nerves, Plexi, and Peripheral Neuropathies
Peripheral nerve microanatomy
Anatomy of Cervical, Brachial, Lumbar, Sacral and Pudendal Plexi
Metabolic Syndromes affecting Large Diameter Afferents
Circulatory effects mimicking PNS lesions
Common Entrapment Syndromes and their treatment
Sensory assessment for Bodyworkers
Motor assessment for bodyworkers
Paresthesia vs. true numbness implications
Review of true lower motor neuron lesions
Principles of neuromechanical release of entrapment syndromes-changing gamma tone
Atrophy and wasting—neurologic vs. disuse atrophy
Module 7
Autonomic Function and Dysfunction
Microanatomy of autonomics-sympathetic and parasympathetic systems
Pre and paravertebral chain ganglia, cervical chain ganglia, abdominal plexi
Suprasegmental control of the ANS from the brain and brainstem
Neural control of circulation-the Proximal Vasoconstriction Rule TROPHIC
Neurolymphatic implications of autonomic function
Sympathetic and lymphatic effects of cryotherapy
Raynaud’s Syndrome, Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy/Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Delicacy of ANS presentations—fallacies of “no pain-no gain” approach
Review of brainstem pontomedullary reticular formation controls of the ANS
Review of cerebral and cerebellar controls on the brainstem PMRF
Bowel sounds and their assessment for bodywork
Module 8
Mood, Affect, Emotion and Mental Illness, Lobes and Basal Ganglia Interactions
Working with Psychologists; EMDR and other concurrent therapies
Movement disorders, Parkinsonism, Tourette’s, Tics and Tremors
Phobias, rage, sexual disorders and the amygdalar nuclei
“Nervous Breakdown” and the Adrenal/General Adaptation Syndrome of Selye
Disorders of obsessional thought or action-basal ganglia
Depression and the left frontal lobe-fMRI evidence
Anxiety and the right frontal lobe-fMRI evidence
Review of Transneural Degeneration (TND) and its counterintuitive effects
Review of neural fatigue from overuse/high frequency of firing
Attention, Focus and Hyperactivity frontal lobe pathways for Bodywork
Module 9
Spinal and Disc Degenerative Disorders
Osteoporosis is comorbid with Osteoarthritis
Bodywork for Spinal Stenosis
Intervertebral Foramen Anatomy
Intervertebral disc innervation
Intervertebral disc bulge, herniation, and extrusion—bodywork hazards and indications
Spinal instability-X-ray evidence, Upright MRI, and videofluoroscopy
Intraarticular cartilage degeneration—its bodywork assessment and appropriate therapy
Passive range of motion assessment
Joint-Play, End-Feel, Synovial Pumping, Rhythmic Compression—Bodywork Traditions
Motor Vehicle Accidents (MVA); working with chiropractors or independently
Rheumatoid arthritis, Psoriatic arthritis, and bodywork
Module 10
Essential Elements; Digestion, and Nutritional Effects on Tissue Recovery
“Human Husbandry”; Basic nutritional needs for tissue recovery
Review of 5 signs of Inflammation
Review of 3 stages of healing
Palpable indications of digestive disturbance
Leaky Gut Syndrome effects on tissue healing
Sleep hormones and recovery
Menstrual hormones and tissue softening
Toxic dental materials, Oral Galvanism, Fluoride and Chlorine
Thyroid effects on bodywork
Adrenal somatic assessment- benefits of “fluff & buff” type spa treatments
Module 11
Neurologic Bodywork Assessment Methods Review
Designing your office forms for neurological bodywork
Developing and role-playing verbal bodywork history taking skills
REVIEW OF ALL PHYSICAL ASSESSMENTS TO DATE
Charting your findings efficiently
Written and verbal communication with physicians and HIPAA
Interim reevaluations
Varying length of visits for different clients
When to refer and ask for help in assessment
Paper surveys and evaluations, anonymous feedback
Requesting referrals for your unique practice
All practices develop an “Immune System” for selecting appropriate clients-be conscious
Module 12
Neurologic Bodywork Therapy Methods Review
Selecting among the treatment methods for the individual
REVIEW OF ALL PHYSICAL TREATMENT METHODS TO DATE
Developing a customized bodywork therapy plan for the individual, not the disease
Negotiating and communicating a joint therapist-client plan according to client goals
Scheduling a series of therapy with goals
Explaining the effects, side effects and goals of neurologic methods vs familiar
Involving the client in the therapy actively
Homework for the client changes after each session
Homework for the bodyworker defined by cognitive dissonance
Optional Exam Review Module-also 12 hour weekend
Review of all 12 modules
Preparation for written multiple choice exam for certification, must pass with 80%
Preparation for practical exam, must demonstrate assess/treatment 80% proficiency
Practical is graded by a panel of instructors to reduce bias. |
