Education
Structural Elements is a leading provider of science based continuing education in the field of physical medicine.
To become a certified (se) practitioner one must complete a 4-part process.
Therapeutic Assessment Course
In this course students will watch downloaded video and follow the course workbook as they are introduced to the philosophy and methodology of (se). A few of the methods covered are:
- Gait Analysis
- Standing Postural Assessment
- Locating Focal Adhesions
Clinical Skills Course
The Clinical Skills Course is designed to give students a clear, effective and efficient set of manual therapy techniques. These techniques will build on the fundamentals learned in the Therapeutic Assessment Course.
- Piriformis
- Sacrotuberous Ligament
- Pectoralis Minor
- Pelvic Alignment
Clinical Applications Course
The Clinical Applications Course is designed to give students clinical practice in an academic setting. In this level, the third of the 4-part (se) certification, students will begin to combine gait analysis, standing postural assessment, and functional strength testing with the manual therapy skills from the Clinical Skills Course. A few topics covered in the course are:
- Gait Analysis
- BioMechanical Assessment
- Clinical Implementation of Manual Techniques
- Acupuncture/ Dry Needling Techniques
Clinical Internship
Clinical Internship is an essential component to the (se) certification. This 20 hour internship is completed at one of our approved host clinics or at special event race expos. Through this process candidates for certification will gain real time clinical training, implementing both theory and clinical skills.
Certification is limited to professionals who carry a current state license in a profession that permits them to perform Acupuncture or Dry Needling. This list includes Licensed Acupuncturist, Medical Acupuncturist, Physical Therapist and students who are enrolled in a degree seeking program who are already treating patients in a supervised clinical setting.
Massage Therapists and Physical/ Occupational Therapists practicing in a state that does not consider Dry Needling to be within the scope of practice, are eligible to take the Therapeutic Assessment Course and the Clinical Skills Course for CEU’s but are not considered candidates for certification.
Structural Elements also offers many workshops open to the public
Natural Running Form Clinic
These are group sessions focusing on the basic principals of Natural Running Form. With a long spine, a shorter stride and a quicker cadence you will find improved efficiency and decreased injury.
Posture 101: The Physiology of Form
Good running form does not only reduce stress on the muscles and bones, but improves our ability to absorb nutrients, take in oxygen and regulate circulation. This class will emphasis the role of the autonomic nervous system on endurance performance and teach running form drills along with postures for recovery.
Tissue Health Maintenance for High Mileage Athletes
When muscles are over stressed they respond with collagen production and the formation of what is called a focal adhesion. Focal adhesions decrease the glide of one muscle past the neighboring muscle and will create abnormal torque on the joints making for greater risk of injury. This class is aimed at educating athletes how to avoid the formation of focal adhesions through regular tissue maintenance. We will cover self care techniques and basic education on tissue physiology.
Nutrition for Athletic Longevity
There have been several studies that show greater recovery and less soft tissue overuse injuries with the anti-inflammatory diet. To maintain good tissue elasticity and prevent the tissue from becoming sclerotic athletes must eat for long-term tissue health and not just for short term performance. Often athletes enjoy the feeling and the increased efficiency of racing lean, however the fluids of the body are dependent on proper balance of protein and fat. This class combines the most current research on nutrition for athletic performance with the dietary wisdom of Chinese Medicine.