Rehab Series

The Polestar Rehabilitation Program is designed for registered rehabilitation professionals (MD, PT, OT, DO, DC, RN and Bach. Sp Sc. / Hum Movt. and Bach. Applied Science). It provides participants with in-depth instruction in Pilates rehabilitation principles, techniques and practice. These principles and techniques are applicable to all neuro musculosketetal dysfunctions, including specialties such as sports and dance medicine, and treatment for chronic pain.

The Polestar approach is comprehensive in clinical reasoning skills, and encourages adaptations and creativity to better serve patients and clients. Participants will be instructed in both original and evolved Pilates exercise and how to differentiate between the two in theory and practice.

The Polestar Rehabilitation Program trains participants to use equipment developed from the designs of Joseph H. Pilates: Reformer, Trapeze Table, Combo Chair and Ladder Barrel. Polestar also uses mat exercises and the following small props: wall / door springs, the Flex Ring™ Toner, Rotating Discs, Balance Board, foam rollers and the gym ball.

The Comprehensive Rehabilitation Series comprises seven two-day courses (Phase 1 and Phase 2) constituting the core curriculum.
Students have an option to obtain an interim Rehabilitation Phase 1 qualification by sitting the Rehabilitation Phase 1 exam after completing R3.

The courses must be taken in the following order:
P-R, R-1, R-2, R-3 (Phase 1) R-4, R-5, R-6 (Phase 2).

Prerequisites:

1. Registered rehabilitation professional (MD, PT, OT, DO, DC, RN and Bach. Sp Sc. / Hum Movt. and Bach. Applied Science).
2. 25 hours of private or group Pilates classes

Course Description:
The Polestar Pilates Rehabilitation Series consists of 7 two day courses (with an option of phase one qualification after R-3) as follows: The courses must be taken in the following order

P-R Polestar Approach to Pilates Rehabilitation Principles ( 2 days, 16 hours)
This introductory, non-apparatus course applies current research in movement science, biomechanics, kinesiology, and motor learning to instructional practice through six basic movement principles. Lectures and practical sessions accompany each principle. These six basic principles will be utilised throughout the rehabilitation series. This course will also integrate clinical reasoning techniques based on a modified NAGI model to facilitate decision-making within the Pilates rehabilitation environment. Pilates mat instruction will be introduced.

R1-R6 (Six 2-day courses of 16 hours per course)
Rehabilitation R1-R6 courses teach the practical skills needed to become proficient with the assessment techniques, movement sequences and selection, and principles of movement learned in P-R. Mini-lectures will address stabilization, mobilization and trunk control for extremity efficiency. The movement selections focus on early intervention and beginning exercises on all Pilates equipment, including Trapeze Table, Reformer, Combo Chair, High Barrel, mat and small props. Practical sessions address adjustment of equipment for patient safety and instructor efficiency, reinforcing the natural progression of movement following an injury to the spine and/or extremities. Case studies will be reviewed and the participant will design a treatment plan based on the information in the cases. Cueing and movement facilitation will also be emphasized. Lectures will address indications and contraindications for exercise selection.

The repertoire includes advanced skills with movement sequences to treat specific lesions, including mechanical tension of the spine and extremities. This integration of manual mobilization skills and Pilates-evolved movement is unique to Polestar. Participants will learn manual intervention techniques appropriate for their scope of practice. The course contains traditional case studies, but participants will work independently, in preparation for the certification exam.

Rehabilitation Certification (Phase 1 and 2)
Certification Includes: Certification involves completing the series, completion of assignments and short quizzes, as well as a number of hours of observations, self-mastery, assistant teaching, and practical teaching (as outlined below). Full certification is given once the final written and practical exam is passed – pass mark is 80%.

Course fees include attendance at lectures, student manuals and handouts, morning and afternoon teas. Students are responsible for all personal extras, such as travel and accommodation and personal supplies and lunch during the course dates.

Text Books
As part of the training students will be required to purchase the following course textbooks (additional to course fees):

• Anatomy of Movement , Blandine Calais-Germain: Eastland Press 1993
• The Complete Writings of Joseph H Pilates (Return To Life & Your Health) , Joseph Pilates: Bain Bridge Books 
• Motor Control: Theory and Practical Applications , Anne Shumway-Cook, PhD: (Chapter 1 and 2) 
• Dynamic Alignment through Imary, Eric Franklin : Human Kinetics 1996 
• Energy Medicine, The Scientific Basis, James L. Oschman: Churchill Livingstone, 2000 Chapters 1-4, 15

Mentoring
As shown above students will be required to complete practice hours (self-mastery), which are in addition to course fees. Polestar Asia has a network of mentors, situated at host centers, that can offer assistance with practice and teaching hours. Please contact Polestar for a list of names and locations. Further information will be given out on the first day of the course.

Examination

1. a written exam consisting of 50 multiple choice questions (50 points)
2. a case study with written problem solving (50 points) 
3. a practical one-on-one demonstration of theoretical knowledge, exercise mastery, movement teaching skills and problem solving skills with an oral defence (50 points)

The written portion of the exam (parts 1 and 2) lasts approximately two hours in total, and part 3 lasts approximately one hour. The entire exam is worth a total of 150 points. The candidate willneed to achieve an 80% pass mark on both written and theory sections of the exam.

The Rehabilitation examination tests depth of knowledge, skills and ability to facilitate movement in the Pilates-evolved environment. It is designed to establish an essential level of skill, with emphasis on safety and competence, and evaluates cognitive, affective and psychomotor domains as they pertain to movement analysis, problem solving and treatment planning. The oral defence addresses theory, adaptations to pathology, contraindications and precautions associated with treatment planning in the Pilates-evolved environment