The following modules are all part of our Functional Neurology Certification Program.
Functional Neurology Module Descriptions
| Modules |
|---|
| Module 1: Introduction to Neuron Theory, 12 hours The information of this course is designed to begin an understanding of the central nervous system and how it relates to bodywork. Neuron Theory of Cajal, cellular immediate early gene response, arborization, synaptogenesis and plasticity will be thoroughly discussed. Emphasis on the science and history of early discoveries, anatomy and physiology of the neuron will be linked to everyday examples seen in typical offices and will enhance your ability to understand the neurology behind many common chronic symptoms seen in today’s society. History taking is key to this process, especially when you know what you are looking for. At the end of this module you should be able to draw, explain and write explanations of basic neurological symptoms at the cellular level. You will be able to add efficient client education to your practice and to your thinking process. |
| Module 2: Peripheral Nerves, Plexi, and Peripheral Neuropathies, 12 hours This course is designed to offer education and training in the screening assessment of peripheral neuropathies and their influence on the central nervous system. Emphasis on the anatomy and the ability to decipher between and peripheral root lesion vs. entrapment will be covered. This will enhance your ability to focus your treatment to the proper area that is causing their pain. You will be able to explain possible consequences of peripheral dysfunctions to the brain’s processing abilities. |
| Module 3: Spinal Cord and Subluxation Theory, 12 hours This course is designed to offer education and training in the assessment of spinal cord function, layout, injuries and their influence on the central nervous system. The anatomy of the spinal tracts and the difference between white and grey matter will be covered, generating awareness on how such injuries can affect different parts of the body. This will enhance your ability to focus your treatments to the proper areas for maximum benefits. You will be able to screen, refer and explain cord injuries and basic pathologies and establish safe intervention limits for your unique comfort level. |
| Module 4: Brainstem, Gateway to The Brain, 12 hours This course is designed to build an awareness of the important role the brainstem has in overall health. The anatomy of the brainstem and the cranial nerves will be emphasized. This will enhance your ability to understand the link between the autonomic nervous system, the eyes and muscle tone and there role in overall health. Contraindications and limits to therapy are expanded upon. You will be able to explain the brainstem as the neurological bottleneck of the entire system, and screen for frequently missed functional brainstem imbalances that confound care and limit the rehab of every other brain area. |
| Module 5: Cerebellum, Resting Tone, Posture and Spinal Curves, 12 hours The cerebellum’s role on resting muscle tone, eye movements, and postural tone will be emphasized. This structure is the most common brain area reported in our consulting work, and you will discover the physiologic foundations for why it contributes so many functional imbalances, while at the same time it is commonly the most recoverable part of the adult brain. Balance, coordination, speed, and timing will also be discussed along with the many common problems seen in practice. You will be able to screen for the major functions of the cerebellum and explain their possible contributions to cognition, autonomic function, and emotion regulation. You will be able to design basic exercises specific for the main divisions of the cerebellum. |
| Module 6: Brain Firing Pathways, Lobes of the Brain, 12 hours This course is designed to build an awareness of the governing role the cerebral cortex and lobes of the brain have on resting muscle tone, posture, and autonomic regulation. The anatomy and role of the different areas will be emphasized. Attention is paid to the differences between the right and left hemispheres and their lobes, and the thalami. The student will also be able to screen, assess and explain how the cortex is functioning and how its current state can be linked to some problems in the skeletal system. You will be able to screen and then design basic cortical interventions and make changes in the lobes of the brain. |
| Module 7: Autonomic Function and Dysfunction, 12 hours This course is designed to build an understanding on how the brain and brainstem regulates the ANS. The differences between the sympathetic and parasympathetic system and its influence on the body will be discussed. Diving into circulation and microcirculation, we will start with the nuclei that directly control the ANS and grow our understanding outward to include ascending and descending pathways that affect these centers and their ideal function. Too many practitioners correctly identify the correct brain region and the correct exercises, and fail by over-stimulating or under- stimulating the pathway. You will observe autonomic function with and without tools and learn to measure fatigability of the brain to a level that is more sensitive than most patients can feel or detect, allowing you the ability to dose your interventions more precisely, safely and efficiently. |
| Module 8: Mood, Affect, Emotion & Mental Illness and Basal Ganglia Interactions, 12 hours This course explains the basal ganglia direct and indirect pathways and their possible contributions to emotional volatility, disorders of thought and movement, anxiety, depression and dysautonomia. Screening methods for the unique characteristics of basal ganglia imbalances are presented, and permit careful tuning of dietary excitotoxicity and daily ergonomics including light, sound, posture and gait. You will be able to spot signs and symptoms of basal ganglia imbalances and design basic therapies to attenuate the fragile basal ganglia. |
| Module 9: Spinal and Disc Degenerative Disorders, 12 hours This course specifically addresses common painful and degenerative spinal conditions and the safety issues required in co-management. Disc and radiculopathy, arthritis, paresthesia, numbness, motor weakness and outcomes expectation are developed. You will be able to screen for spinal and disc disorders, and understand the pitfalls and opportunities for effective adjunctive care for people with these complications. |
| Module 10: Digestion, and Nutritional Effects on Tissue Recovery, 12 hours Digestion affects the brain and our ability to absorb nutrients. This course explains basic digestive physiology and the brain’s contribution to healthy digestion. Common ailments are described and related to brain signs and symptoms of imbalance. You will be able to screen and possibly refer for more detailed lab workups for many common nutritional and digestive imbalances that may confound your attempts to improve brain function. |
| Module 11: Functional Neurological Principles Review, 12 hours This course takes all the assessment methods from all the previous classwork and reviews and organizes it into a comprehensive screening of the neuraxis. The goal is to determine safety first, then to prioritize the functional or pathological lesions found, and to refer if necessary. Common contraindications and pathologies from previous classes are reviewed again. You will be able to demonstrate a screening of the brain, cord, peripheral nerves and to prioritize the issues in front of you and explain them to the client. You will be able take this information and offer explanations of possible crossover symptoms that may not have been previously explained-for example, how an ankle instability may contribute to an autonomic problem through cerebellar fatigue. |
| Module 12: Clinical Application of Functional Neurology, a Review, 12 hours This final course takes all the therapeutic exercises, lifestyle changes, ergonomic, neurological hygiene and fatigability methods of measurement and dosing, and organizes them all into sets of therapies for each region of the neuraxis. The goal is safety first, efficient progress, timely referral, cooperation with other disciplines, and measurement of progress. You will be able to design an initial set of therapeutic trial exercises and passive and active interventions for most outpatient levels of impairment. You will be able to outline a larger scale plan of phases of intervention designed to increase function, and support the goals of the patient and their other health practitioners by identifying and explaining their unique and personal functional neurological contributions, limits and potentials of each client to their presenting conditions. |
