Learn to appreciate some of the different layers of the thoracic cavity. 

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About the course

This two-day workshop is designed to assist the participant to appreciate some of the different layers of the thoracic cavity including an assessment of its fascial and visceral contents. Participants will be encouraged to explore ways of improving their body positioning to enhance their proprioception during examination and treatment.  A similar approach will be used when applying visceral and fascial techniques to optimise the release of the diaphragm and the superficial fascia of the thorax and neck, mobilisation of the mediastinum, pericardial ligaments, oesophagus and bronchi. 

The choice of techniques will include effective and suitable visceral techniques that would be easily integrated by participants with a more structural and biomechanical concept of the body and health.

Indications and contra-indications will be discussed throughout the weekend.

Summary of Osteopathic Practice Standards (updated) covered

A) Communication and patient partnership: A1,A2,A3,A4,A6

B) Knowledge, skills and performance: B1,B2, B3

C) Safety and quality in practice: C1

D) Professionalism: D1

Learning outcomes

• Competently perform a variety of osteopathic techniques and be able to design adaptations that are appropriate to the patient’s needs and justified by knowledge of the relevant principles.
• Demonstrate an integrated knowledge of human biomechanics and how dysfunction in one area may lead to altered function elsewhere in the body.
• Integrate current models of healthcare in order to reach a diagnosis and an effective management programme for the patient.
• Reflect on the relevance and nature of osteopathic intervention possibilities within a wide variety of clinical presentations. 
• Evaluate the patient-practitioner relationship and the importance of the responsibilities implicit in the relationship.

Timetable

Saturday – Fascial techniques for the thorax

09:00 - 09:30 Registration

09:30 - 11:00 Introduction to the Thorax and initial assessment using breathing.

11:00 - 11:20 Break

11:20 - 12:30 Diaphragmatic assessment and techniques

12:30 - 13.30 Lunch

13:30 - 15:30 Thoracic inlet, clavicle, sternum, pectoral fascia, acromioclavicular joint

15:30 - 15:50 Break

15:50 - 17:30 Prone and side lying techniques for the thorax

Sunday – Visceral techniques for the thorax

09:30 - 11:00 Mediastinum mobilisation & oesophagus

11:00 - 11:20 Break

11:20 - 12:30 Mobilisation of anterior structures of the neck

12:30 - 13:30 Lunch

13:30 - 15:00 Test and mobilisation of the pericardial ligaments

15:00 - 15:20 Break

15:20 - 17:30 Test and mobilisation of the bronchus and the suspensory ligaments of the pleura.

17:00 – 17:30 Questions and answers / closure

Course suitability

The course is suitable for qualified osteopaths or final year osteopathic students.

About the course leader

Valeria A Ferreira (DO MSc Ost PGCAP) was born in Brazil and has been a resident in London for the past 30 years. She is an enthusiastic and committed lecturer at the UCO and practicing osteopath in the City of London. Valeria completed her osteopathic training at the COET (2000) and the MSc in osteopathy (2006) at the ESO, where she conducted a research project investigating the effectiveness of osteopathic treatment on patients with endometriosis.

Valeria is an associated fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA), who teaches at the UCO, leading the 4th year visceral osteopathic module. She was also a member of the final year technique team between 2009 – 2017. Valeria delivers various CPD courses in osteopathic integration in the UK, Europe and Brazil, exploring the application of the structural, fascial, visceral and cranial approaches and techniques. She runs a very successful practice in the City of London, where she has worked for the last 19 years and in Lewisham (SE London). In 2014, Valeria became the founder and director of "COBRA" (Brazilian Osteopathic Centre for Research and Advanced Techniques), while promoting the 1st osteopathic research conference in São Paulo (ICAOR10) and actively working as a member of the Brazilian Osteopathic committee for the Rio Olympic Games during its initial phase.

Cancellation policy

The UCO regrets that no refunds can be made for cancelled places unless a substitute participant can be found.  The UCO cannot guarantee that any course will run.  In the event of your course being cancelled, all paid fees and deposits will be refunded in full. I