Biomechanics of Alignment

This is a four-class series that teaches a full body approach for correcting the structural misalignments that create pain and joint degeneration and greatly disturb equilibrium, balance and integrated movement.  

3-Day Class on the Pelvis

This class will look at the different patterns tilt and shift, symmetry and asymmetry that can be found with the pelvis. We will see which patterns are functional and which are dysfunctional for each unique structure. There will be a strong emphasis on various ways to “see” and to understand these patterns. We will cover the significant anatomy of the hips, sacrum and pelvic floor. The techniques for correcting the dysfunctional patterns are both with direct connective tissue reorganization and movement reeducation. We will integrate the changes made in the pelvis to the legs and lumbar spine. This is the first class in a series of four classes. The classes need to be taken in order but can be taken in different locations.

4-Day Class on Legs and Arms

This class will build on the information from the Pelvis Class. We look at how the dysfunctional patterns in the pelvis also involve dysfunctional alignment at many of the joints of the legs and feet. We will use what we learn in the legs to help assess and reorganize the arms and hands. Even with well integrated structures, counter-rotations can occur at any of the joints in the appendicular body. Both direct and indirect techniques will be shown.
The Pelvis Class is a prerequisite for the Shoulder Girdle class.

3-Day Class on the Shoulder Girdle and Thorax

This class will continue the exploration of asymmetrical patterns. We will look at tilt and shift in the shoulder girdle. We will also look at other components of the thorax that prevent full balance and integration in the upper body. We will work with the upper ribs in relationship to the clavicles and integration into the neck. We will also learn important techniques for releasing the upper plural fascia. Fundamental to this class will be an understanding of the relationships between asymmetrical patterns in the pelvis and shoulder girdle and, as well, curvatures of the spine. Our goal in this class will be to understand patterns as part of an integrated whole. Learning to resolve these patterns in the entire body at once vastly increases the effectiveness of any specific work and creates a profound level of balance and integration. The Pelvis and Legs and Arms Classes are prerequisites for the Shoulder Girdle & Thorax Class.

4-Day Class on the Back and Neck

This class is an opportunity to learn a soft tissue approach to spinal biomechanics. Misalignments of vertebrae in the spine and neck follow consistent, predictable patterns in relationship with asymmetries throughout the body. Several soft tissue techniques will be taught for releasing the rotational patterns prevent integration and that can produce acute and chronic back and neck pain. The three-dimensional anatomy and spinal biomechanics involved in asymmetrical patterns will be taught. Students will learn both direct and indirect myofascial techniques to work with scoliosis, lordosis, kyphosis, whiplash and other fixations responsible for spine, rib, and neck problems.  The Pelvis, Legs and Arms & Shoulder Girdle Classes are prerequisites for the Back and Neck Class.

Laguna Beach, California

Pelvis: February 6-8, 2012
Legs and Arms Feb 11-14, 2012
Shoulder Girdle March 5-7, 2012
Back and Neck March 10-13, 2012

Katonah, New York

Pelvis: July 9-11, 2012
Legs and Arms July 14-17, 2012
Shoulder Girdle September 2-4, 2012
Back and Neck September 7-10, 2012

If you are taking thes classes for the first time, they should be taken in the sequence presented.   The Biomechanics Classes are only open to persons trained in Structural Integration to the standards established by the International Association of Structural Integrators.

All dates are subject to change. Please check back often or Contact Us for current information.