Joints of the Human Body: An Exploration of Six Joints and Their Wholistic Relationship
Overall body performance and health is greatly linked to the function and health of joints. This course will be a focused look at individual joints that then “zooms out” to see how each joint affects and is influenced by the whole body. Function will be explored anatomically, clinically, biomechanically, and discuss how they are best trained for rehabilitation and performance. Special focus on the holistic influence of each joint on the body will be presented.
Presenter Dr. Grove Higgins has been a laboratory-based biomechanics researched and tele-health provider. He wants to impart his experience with participants so they can begin to use online training platforms to effectively evaluate and work with clients immediately, especially in this time of isolation and social distancing. Learn how to start seeing specific issues on video and ideas on how to effectively teach and cue clients online. Dr. Higgins is joined by Coach Pat Higgins throughout the course.
Lessons
Lesson 1: The Foot/Ankle Complex
“The human foot is a masterpiece of engineering and a work of art.” ~ Master Leonardo DaVinci Representing nearly sixty joints of the human body, the foot and ankle have a profound influence on the function of the entire human body, its performance, and health. Dr. Grove Higgins and Coach Pat Marques explore the […]
Lesson 2: The Knee
Robust yet frequently injured, the knee is a simple joint that is immensely complex and is poorly treated and trained frequently. Dr. Grove Higgins and Coach Pat Marques explore knee mechanics and function, and how to identify and address problems that commonly affect this joint. Specifically, learn how to see common issues of the knee […]
Lesson 3: The Hip and Pelvis
Incredibly mobile and stable joint, the hip is the target of cumulative trauma caused by poor movement in a many areas of the human body. Dr. Grove Higgins and Coach Pat Marques will explore how the hip interacts with the pelvis, and the spine, to become the source of biomechanical relief for these areas – […]
Lesson 4: The Shoulder
Leonardo DaVinci made some of the most stunning anatomical drawings of the shoulder. This is understandable as the shoulder is a confluence of structure and function that delicately balances mobility and stability that is truly breathtaking. Helping clients with shoulder problems can be just as equally exasperating if the holistic understanding of the shoulder is […]
Lesson 5: The Elbow
Seemingly just hanging out on the arm, the elbow is greatly affected by the rest of the body. Dr. Grove Higgins and Coach Pat Marques will show how the elbow is influenced through posture and even knee mobility. Also, learn how a better holistic view of the elbow in relationship to the body can help […]
Lesson 6: Assessments (Part 1)
Assessments are key to the success of a Medical Fitness Practitioner. Dr. Grove Higgins and Coach Pat Marques teach effective assessment protocols and techniques. In this first of two lessons on assessments, you will learn assessments for the foot, ankle, knee, and hip. You will learn how to use common technology to do assessments online […]
Lesson 7: Assessments (Part 2)
In this lesson, Dr. Grove Higgins and Coach Pat Marques build upon their in-depth exploration of joints and assessment for the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand joints. Learn assessment flows and techniques for in-person clients or using common technology to coach assessments for remote clients. Posture, gait, functional movement, and individual joint assessments will be […]
Lesson 8: The Wrist/Hand Complex
What joint has the biggest amount of space dedicated to it in the brain… The hand and wrist! The marvelous hand/wrist can be an amazing inroad to clients movement, function, and pain. Understanding how to evaluate and train the hand can make changes for clients that will make you seem like a wizard to your […]
Epilogue: Joints of the Human Body – What Should I Do Next?
I. Get credit for this continuing education. Now that you have completed the lessons that comprise this course, here are several reasons why you should move on to take and pass the comprehensive assessment associated with this course found in the next lesson. If you wish to receive a formal Certificate of Completion for this […]
Course Competency Assessment (Optional)
Well done! Now that you’ve completed the lessons in this course, it appears you have chosen, and are ready, to assess your comprehension and mastery of the course material. This competency assessment has a total of 80 questions, most items are ‘multiple choice’ with a few being ‘True-False.’ You must receive a score of 80% […]
BONUS Lesson 9: The Spine (Part 1)
Areas in the body with many joints provide a lot of proprioceptive input to the brain, and the spine has a lot of joints! In the spine lessons, Dr. Grove Higgins and Coach Pat Marques will discuss the anatomy, biomechanics, and neurobiomechanics of the spine. Part 1 of the spine discusses pelvic and lumbar structures: […]
BONUS Lesson 10: The Spine (Part 2)
Areas in the body with many joints provide a lot of proprioceptive input to the brain, and the spine has a lot of joints! In the spine lessons, Dr. Grove Higgins and Coach Pat Marques will discuss the anatomy, biomechanics, and neurobiomechanics of the spine. Part 1 of the spine discusses the thoracic and cervical […]
References and Resources
REFERENCES AND RESOURCES Foot/Ankle Kristjansson, E., & Treleaven, J. (2009). Sensorimotor Function and Dizziness in Neck Pain: Implications for Assessment and Management. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 39(5), 364–377. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2009.2834. Greiner, Thomas. (2007). The Jargon of Pedal Movements. Foot & ankle international / American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society [and] Swiss Foot and Ankle […]