This is a satellite offering of our course, Mobilization of Visceral Fascia Level 1: The Urinary System. A satellite means that participants will be gathering in a given location and watching the instructor present remotely on the same screen. During labs, participants will pair up and be guided by the local lab assistants at the satellite course location. It is expected that participants will only register for satellites in which they are within driving distance, and adhere to all state and local COVID guidelines, including wearing a mask at all times during the course.
This course is designed to provide comprehensive knowledge concerning the relationship between the connective tissue surrounding the visceral structures of the urologic system as it relates to the musculoskeletal system.
This course is geared toward the experienced pelvic health therapist who wishes to integrate advanced manual therapy skills into their treatment regime.
- The fascial system consists of four concentric layers, with the visceral layer, which is the most complex, beginning at the nasopharynx and ending at the anal aperture (1)
- The abdominopelvic canister is “A functional and anatomical construct based on the components of the abdominal and pelvic cavities that work together synergistically” (2)
- The walls of the canister, although part of the musculoskeletal system, are intimately connected to the visceral structures found within via fascial and ligamentous connections (3).
- In order to function optimally the viscera must be able to move, not only in relationship to one another but with respect to their surrounding container (4).
- Most importantly, the viscera are subject to the same laws of physics as the remainder of the locomotor system with solid structures such as the kidney are particularly affected by blunt force trauma (5, 6).
Material will be presented that includes the science of and evidence behind the use of fascial-based manual therapy with the presentation of relevant visceral and fascial anatomy and their embryologic origins. Emphasis will be placed on clinical reasoning with the goal of immediate implementation of the techniques learned following this introductory course. Students will be instructed in an extensive number of treatment techniques, both external abdominal as well as internal vaginal approaches. Course participants will be able to immediately incorporate evaluation and treatment of visceral fascia for patients with a variety of urinary dysfunction diagnoses.
Course Curriculum
Hi, I’m Ramona Horton, MPT, DPT
Ramona C. Horton MPT, DPT completed her graduate training in the US Army–Baylor University Program in Physical Therapy in San Antonio, TX. She exited the army at the rank of Captain and applied her experience with the military orthopedic population in the civilian sector as she developed a growing interest in the field of pelvic dysfunction. A desire to expand her knowledge of evidence-based practice and research was the impetus to further her academic pursuits, receiving a post-professional Doctorate in Physical Therapy from A.T. Still University in Mesa, AZ. In 2020, Ramona received the prestigious Academy of Pelvic Health Elizabeth Noble Award for her contributions to the field of pelvic health.
Ramona serves as the lead therapist for her clinics pelvic dysfunction program in Medford, OR. Her practice focuses on the treatment of men, women, and children with urological, gynecological, and colorectal issues. Ramona has completed advanced studies in manual therapy with an emphasis on spinal manipulation, and visceral and fascial mobilization. She developed and instructs the visceral and fascial mobilization courses for the Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute, presenting frequently at local, national, and international venues on topics relating to women’s health, pelvic floor dysfunction, and manual therapy.