Level Two Seminars

Level Two seminars are an exploration of the depth of PNMT. In the Level Two seminars, the participant will have the opportunity to grow in understanding by being in an internship environment in Doug Nelson's clinic. The participants will learn exciting new material that elevates his/her practice to a new level. Most importantly, the participants will treat real patients with real problems, applying what they know in a real time environment. In this setting, the process of clinical decision making is very important and we evaluate it as a group. Participants have related how valuable this process is to increasing confidence and depth of understanding.

The Level Two seminars are a response to the many requests from therapists to come to Doug's clinic to observe or be an intern. This is not possible logistically, but the need is real and the value of seeing PNMT in process is unquestioned. Here are some highlights of the Level Two:

• Each person coming to the Level Two must come in at the same educational level. Level Two is an effort to add on to the body of knowledge the students already possess. Students who attend Level two have already completed the first five core seminars and have either finished or at least begun their research.
• Level Two seminars need to be small groups only. The number participants is normally about six therapists.
• Level Two is a chance to present new information and also deepen the understanding of topics already addressed in the Core Series. About half of the time spent in Level Two is dedicated to new material.
• Application of PNMT is paramount. Participants will apply PNMT to patients with real problems. One of the reasons the seminars is in Champaign is that Doug has access to getting patients with the conditions we are interested in studying. In some cases, Doug will treat the patient while the class observes. Later, participants will be treating these patients. This is a real environment; other than a phone interview, Doug has never met these patients. In many cases, the patients have never been treated with manual therapy. It is not only what techniques are used, but how the patient is greeted, interviewed, evaluated and educated as to what the goals and processes of treatment are. This is immediately translated into the participants home setting.
• Level Two is flexible. With such a small group, the focus of the training can shift. We can explore topics desired by the group.
• Level Two is about deeper and richer. We explore topics in depth. Reading material is emailed to participants proir to attending the class.
• Outside Speakers. In each class, we have had experts come speak to us about their field. For instance, we have had a podiatrist, orthotist, Alexander teacher, and experts in the neurophysiology of trauma come speak to us.  

In Level Two Spine, the theme is thinking skeletally. Massage therapists see and feel the body from a soft-tissue paradigm. While this is understanable and valuable, it is only part of the full picture. Looking at the body from a skeletal perspective offers a new window into optimum functioning. While the treatment is still soft-tissue based, we use skeletal palpation to reveal which soft-tissue to treat. This vastly improves the functional understanding of the PNMT Therapist.

We begin the seminar with two hours of great palpation exercises to deepen the skill level of the therapists. What follows is careful examination of the body from a skeletal perspective. Here is one example:

Vertebral rotation does not happen in a vacuum. Any rotation of the vertebra also involves rib rotation. If we palpate vertebral rotation, we should also find corresponding rib involvement. By treating the soft tissue that internally/externally rotates the rib, we affect the function and structyre of the vertebra. This is measurable both structurally and functionally.

The neurophysiology of trauma is another area of exploration of Level Two Spine. Whether trauma comes from a whiplash or an emotional event, the effects are processed by the nervous system in remarkable ways. The more we understand about the process, the better PNMT therapists can intervene.

Speaking of whiplash, we will explore the world of low speed impact and its effect on the soft-tissue of the body.

In the last class, we also had an amazing Alexander teacher come speak to the class about a functional view of the back. Included in this discussion were tips for better self-care while at work.

Level Two Spine Class- May 2005

Michelle Metzler  Stacy Robins    Jennifer Knight   Susan Welhouse  Julie Harper  Brenda Nielsen

In Level Two Extremities, a very important focus is the role of nerves in optimum health. It is common for our clients to complain of tingling, burning, and numbness. These neural symptoms can be heavily influenced by soft-tissue. Participants will learn to evaluate individual nerves to decide which one is entrapped and given very precise strategies to counter-act this entrapment. This section will deepen your understanding of the Neuro component of neuromuscular therapy.

Plantar fascitis is a common complaint in the lower extremities. In the last class, we had a podiatrist, Mike Muscatella, spend an hour with the class answering questions about various strategies to healing this condition. We also visited an amazing local running shoe store that does gait analysis to determine correct shoes for their clients.

Frozen shoulder syndrome (FSS)  is a focus of Level Two Extremities. We are presently doing two research projects on FSS. In depth information is presented along with the chance to see many patients who struugle with FSS.  

NMT MidWest, Inc • 407 West Windsor Rd. • Champaign, IL 61820 • 866-325-7668
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