Release and rebalancing of the forefoot

Course overview

What happens in the forefoot is not isolated to the forefoot. Its alignment, movement and stability is vital for injury prevention and symptom management, within the foot and beyond. Yet, it is often untreated. Using the techniques in this course and improving the stability and distributions of forces through the forefoot will contribute to the rehabilitation of diagnoses affecting the entire lower kinetic chain, thus reducing the likelihood of degeneration, sprains, strains, and tears to the ankle, knee, hip and lower back. This course will also provide effective interventions for all forefoot conditions like turf toe, bunions, tailor bunions, sesamoiditis, hallux limitus, hammer toes, and neuromas. Movement of the forefoot occurs in 3 planes of motion and this course will teach you how to release connective tissue in all of them. They are highly specific active releases using neuromuscular re-education and therapeutic exercise in the closed chain ensuring specificity of treatment. Because they are performed in functional positions, ADL's, sports, and other activities improve more quickly. Once connective tissue is freed, optimal alignment can be achieved. Dysfunctions such as; bunions, tailor's bunions, hammertoes, and other toe deformities will benefit. The rebalancing aspect of the course includes instruction of exercises for stabilization and functional range of motion. Aspects of proprioceptive neuromuscular re-education (PNF) are taught to facilitate carry over in ADL's such as walking, balance, dance and agility. This systematic method of treatment has been shown to offer lasting results for the improvement of the; biomechanics, alignment, motion, and the reduction of pain. Rehabilitating the forefoot, particularly the hallux, has been proven to improve balance and agility. Additionally forefoot rehabilitation offers the potential for improved foot, ankle, knee, and hip functioning.