Functional Myofascial Decompression

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About the Course:
Functional Myofascial Decompression is different than all other manual techniques, with or without instruments. The negative pressure produced during myofascial decompression or cupping therapy offers a distraction to the tissues allowing for increased blood flow and lymph drainage, improved movement and overall tissue healing & recovery. This stands in contrast to the shearing that is present with muscle stretching and all other myofascial treatments. Despite its popularity, there has traditionally been a gap in the literature for the appropriate dosage, timing, and frequency for the proper application of cupping for musculoskeletal problems.During this course you will gain an in depth understanding on how to increase or regress the intensity of cupping and therefore making it easier to program this treatment appropriately. The demonstrations will show you various tools for cupping and you will view general treatment strategies to apply cupping both static and dynamically. From Cervico-Thoracic to lower leg, ankle and foot you will take a step by step approach and learn the most effective ways to combine patient movement and cupping techniques. You can expect to leave with the confidence and knowledge needed to develop cupping session for your patient based on your assessment and the individual needs of your patient. 

Course Objectives:
1. Identify the principles of functional cupping and supporting evidence.
2. Recognize the physiological and neurological effects of cupping.
3. Select the proper techniques to apply cupping for best results.
4. Identify common cupping techniques and review indications/contraindications for each.
5. Select the cupping techniques can be combined with corrective exercise to improve pain, sprains/strains, swelling, tendinopathies, and more.

About the Instructor:
Pieter L. de Smidt, PT, DPT, MDT, MTCPieter L. de Smidt has over 30 years of experience as a Physical Therapist. He has achieved certifications in Mckenzie Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy, Manual Therapy, and Sports Therapy. With his Post- Professional Doctorate in PT he specialized in management of musculoskeletal injuries of the spine & extremities. He passionate about combining hands-on treatment with pain science education.Pieter L. de Smidt practices in his own clinic, “Reset-Wellness Physical Therapy & MedicalFitness”, in Houston, TX. He uses an evidence-based, integrated approach of manual therapy & exercise. The main focus for his practice is to bridge the gap between rehab and fitness byimproving patient’s lifestyle choices through education and to incorporate strength & conditioning principles into physical therapy treatments.