Course Description and Goals

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Course Description and Goals
Smart Tools Plus (STP) education and tools are a form of instrument­assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) therapy. The five stainless steel instruments were designed for the unique programming taught in our classes. The purpose of this Level 1 training is to introduce clinicians to STP programming and tools and workshop each and every region of the body. Level 1 training includes assessment, treatment, physiological effects/benefits and indication/contraindications to IASTM.

Level 1 Course Objectives

The primary objective of Level 1 is to develop an understanding of STP and how to apply it into the full spectrum of musculoskeletal treatment approaches. By the end of the training, students will be able to:
  • Demonstrate a working knowledge of the STP instruments, STP treatments and potential effects and benefits.
  • Identify and discuss the indications, contraindications (relative and absolute) of IASTM.
  • Review and develop a better understanding of soft tissue injury, healing and potential reactivity to instrument­assisted soft tissue mobilization (therapeutic and adverse).
  • Develop skill and competence in the STP application of IASTM to the major regions of the spine and extremities.

Level 1 Prerequisites

Level 1 participants should have a well­developed working knowledge of the human neuromusculoskeletal system and its major structures. A list of suggested readings is disseminated to participants at the time of their registration. Prior experience with manual therapy and manual soft tissue mobilization techniques are helpful.

Teaching/Learning Methods & Materials

Various teaching methods will be utilized consistent with the various levels of complexity of the learning objectives. These will include explanations, demonstrations, performance, feedback, teaching, supervised open practice and case troubleshooting. Teaching materials include the Level 1 PowerPoint/Keynote presentation, Level 1 Training Materials and video demonstrations.

Saturday

8:00am – 5pm (8 hours) Level 1 Training Content Check­in and distribution of materials begin 30 minutes prior to the time listed. 8:00am – 9:00am | Hour 1: Introduction to the Technique — Participants review and complete the release of liability form. History, physiological rationale of IASTM, principles relating to soft tissue dysfunction and anticipated results from using STP instruments & Programming are covered. A review of the current scientific literature and evidence based model is discussed. 9:00am – 10:30am | Hours 2–3: Introduction of STP Instruments and Treatment Philosophy — Demonstration of each instrument and edge, proper handholds and treatment strokes are taught. Lab instruction includes ‘scanning’, ‘pinning’, ‘prying & lifting’, and ‘clearing the path’. 1st BREAK: 10:30 am – 10:45 am 10:45am – 5:00pm | Hours 4–8: Lower Extremity: Ankle/Foot, Lower Leg (anterior, posterior, deep posterior, and lateral), Knee— Participants learn how to apply the STP treatment strokes to the Lower Extremity: Below the knee. Suggested patient and clinician positioning and instrument choice is demonstrated and practiced for this region. Participants practice the above in lab format. LUNCH: 12:00pm – 1:00pm Upper Leg: Anterior, Posterior, Lateral, and medial thigh. P articipants learn how to apply the STP treatment strokes to the Lower Extremity: Upper Leg. Suggested patient and clinician positioning and instrument choice is demonstrated and practiced for this region. Participants practice the above in lab format. 2nd BREAK: 3:00pm – 3:15pm Hip: Participants learn how to apply the STP treatment strokes to the hip external rotators and tensor fascia latae. Suggested patient and clinician positioning and instrument choice is demonstrated and practiced for this region. Participants practice the above in lab format. 8:00am – 5:00pm | Hours 8–16: Torso: Lower Back (Iliac Crest, Sacroiliac joint, Paraspinals, Quadratus Lumborum — Participants learn how to apply the STP basic treatment strokes to the lower back. Suggested patient and clinician positioning and instrument choice is demonstrated and practiced for this region.

Sunday

8am – 5pm (8 hours) Participants practice the above in lab format. 1st BREAK: 9:30am – 9:45am Torso: Upper Back, Chest, Abdomen — Participants learn how to apply the STP treatment strokes to the rhomboids and latissimus dorsi. Suggested patient and clinician positioning and instrument choice is demonstrated and practiced for this region. Participants practice the above in lab format. Torso: Chest/Abdomen — Participants learn how to apply the STP treatment strokes to the Pectoralis and Abdomen region. Suggested patient and clinician positioning and instrument choice is demonstrated and practiced for this region. Participants practice the above in lab format. LUNCH: 12:00pm – 1:00pm Head and Neck. P articipants learn how to apply the STP treatment strokes to the head and neck region including cervical paraspinals, upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and sternocleidomastoid. Suggested patient and clinician positioning and instrument choice is demonstrated and practiced for this region. Participants practice the above in lab format. 2nd BREAK: 3:00pm –3:15 pm Upper Extremity: Shoulder, Elbow and Wrist: Participants learn how to apply the STP treatment strokes to the upper extremity. Suggested patient and clinician positioning and instrument choice is demonstrated and practiced for this region. Participants practice the above in lab format.