Mastering Movement of the Hip & Pelvis
Brisbane July 15th 2022

Master assessment and training of muscles and movement

Synopsis

Do you have a clear understanding of when, why and how to assess and address muscle dysfunction around the hip and pelvis, in order to optimise and expedite patient outcomes?

Do you find yourself prescribing the same exercises for every hip & groin pain patient, regardless of their presentation?

Do your patients perform the same program for weeks or months without progressions or an understanding of what they are attempting to achieve and why?

Would you like to Fast Track your hip and groin Rehab?

Movement patterning and muscle function around the hip and pelvis are key considerations for any lumbopelvic or lower limb problem and may even impact on upper limb function. Assessment and retraining in this region require a specific and targeted approach that should consider the multifaceted requirements for optimal function and the limitations of an individual’s musculoskeletal system. With respect to current practices around muscle testing and exercise prescription, often strength is the only consideration. While this is an important consideration, normal results on strength testing may be returned from a muscle synergy within which significant dysfunction exists. If weakness is not the primary deficit, generic strengthening may worsen rather than improve the situation by reinforcing poor recruitment strategies or imbalance in the contribution of muscles within a movement synergy e.g. TFL within the abductor synergy. In exercise literature, often maximal EMG is the sole indicator used for exercise selection. EMG levels are not reflective of force generation and high levels of EMG may simply reflect active insufficiency where the muscle is not at an optimal range to generate force efficiently. This premise also assumes that maximal recruitment is optimal for muscle retraining and musculoskeletal health. While higher EMG levels may be required for enhancing strength or more particularly for hypertrophy, other factors should be considered.

Choosing an exercise with highest %MVC

–  in a disadvantageous length-tension relationship

– while encouraging poor recruitment patterning and efficiency

– with high load imposed on underlying joints or soft tissues may not be in the best interests of achieving optimal or painfree function.

Learning Objectives

This course aims to:

• Enhance clinical reasoning, and skills for development of therapeutic exercise for the hip & pelvis
• Challenge participants to re-examine their own clinical practiced in the light of the presented evidence base
• Stimulate new thought & provide direction for those who may be interested in contributing to the research base that is shaping contemporary clinical practice in this field.

Upon completion of this course, participants should be able to:

• Perform a multifaceted assessment of muscle function for each group of synergists around the hip – hip flexors, abductors, extensors, external rotators and adductors, using standardised, objective measures
• Determine the most appropriate exercise approach to target specific impairments in:

1. Muscle size & strength
2. Muscle endurance – global or regional
3. Power, rate of force development, plyometric ability, agility
4. Neuromotor function – kinematic and muscle recruitment patterns

• Progress an exercise program in an appropriate & timely manner, using key markers for exercise effect & tolerance.

Online Theory

The substantial theoretical component of this course is presented in an online learning format for your flexibility and optimal learning experience.

• 4 hours of PowerPoint lectures with printable notes.
• Learn anywhere, at your own pace, in your own time.
• Rewind and revise as many times as you like.
• Online forum for discussion.
• Self-assessment quiz.
• 3 months of unlimited access to video content

The content of this online component covers:

• Detailed review of functional anatomy of hip & pelvic musculature
• Changes in muscle function associated with joint pathology & unloading
• Implications for prescription of therapeutic exercise

Practical Workshop

The one-day practical workshop will provide opportunity to develop skills in:

• Assessment of the different aspects of muscle function for each group of synergists around the hip – hip flexors, abductors, extensors, external rotators and adductors, using standardised, objective measures
• Development of a therapeutic exercise program that addresses specific dysfunction within a muscle synergy while considering
  • Optimal efficiency and load-sharing within a muscle synergy and across the kinetic chain
  • Impact on health of musculoskeletal tissues such as the underlying joint, local tendons and transiting nerves
  • Specific needs of the individual
  • Individual morphology or pathology

Manual will be supplied.

Includes light refreshment for morning and afternoon tea.

Bring your own lunch or there are plenty of nearby options to explore.