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CoreFirst® Strategies are genetically driven human forms of stability and locomotion.
Human genetics promote quadruped and bipedal locomotion for survival, self-care and reproduction. Throughout normal growth and development, genetically driven functional movements and tasks promote the development of three pressure systems which provide the underlying support for Automatic Core Engagement™ (ACE) during functional postures and movements.
CFS is an exciting and challenging, lab-intensive course which guides the participant to self-explore efficient postures and positions, promoting CoreFirst® movement strategies. During supervised lab sessions, the participant practices multiple facilitation techniques and methods for training a patient’s posture and facilitating the efficient performance of functional tasks with CoreFirst® training strategies.
After taking CFS, you will be able to immediately utilize the valid and reliable Saliba Postural Classification System to enhance patients’ dynamic stability and controlled mobility during functional tasks. You will be able to adapt these principles to both sitting and standing activities.
Finally, CFS presents a comprehensive exercise system with addresses:
- Proprioceptive and kinesthetic training
- Active elongation to promote more efficient mechanical capacity
- Specific exercises for automatic core engagement
- Motor control exercises which promote dissociation and options for control and movement
Testimonials
This past week I have been able to use the postural training from CFS in a very diverse patient population, hypothesizing first, then confirming with my hands, and then teaching exercises with confidence. My youngest patient was 6 months old, and my oldest was 86!
March Dolphin
PT, DPT
CFS is probably the best thing that could have happened to me pre-pregnancy. Prior to CFS, I had chronic back pain and now, two weeks away from my due date, I have had zero back pain and can still work with a gigantic baby boy sticking straight out in front of me on this 5-foot frame. I couldn’t be more grateful for living the CFS principles on a day to day basis!
Sarah B.
PT, DPT, CFMT
Thank you so much for the CFS course last weekend! All my patients are getting CFS today so far, and I’ve had 3 “ah-ha” moments in the 3-hours I’ve been at work today so far. I also shaved a minute and a half off my 3-mile run last night just thinking about proper alignment!
Rachel L.
PT, DPT
Objectives
- Identify the role of CoreFirst® Strategies (CFS) in Functional Manual Therapy®
- Identify the correlation of CFS to motor learning theory
- Present the Saliba Postural Classification System (SPCS) and examine the supporting evidence and rationale
- In supervised lab sessions, practice three IPA functional tests and analyze the objective findings to identify efficient/inefficient postures and presence/absence of a CoreFirst® strategy for anticipatory and compensatory postural control
- Identify CoreFirst® principles of acute care and positioning to maximize pain reduction, optimize healing, and prevent central sensitization
- In supervised lab sessions, practice a step-by-step assessment and training for unsupported sitting, active sitting, sit to stand, standing, active standing, lifting, and push-pull activities
- Design an appropriate, challenging, and individualized exercise program for enhancement of proprioceptive and kinesthetic awareness, flexibility, core stability, strength, endurance, and motor control
- In supervised lab sessions, utilize CFS principles of motor learning to identify functional tasks and determine the mechanical, neuromuscular, and motor control parts which necessitate intervention
- Discuss and correlate current research on core stabilization and exercise training to CFS material
Requirements & Additional Information
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Required Course Preparation
- Prior to the classroom portion of this course, all students must complete the required course preparation which includes videos, quizzes, and articles. Once enrolled in a course, required course preparation can be found by logging on to your IPA account and selecting “My Upcoming Courses.” If you have any trouble accessing the required course preparation please email [email protected] for assistance. Prep time varies by course so be sure to review required course work immediately following your purchase to allow for sufficient time to complete assignments prior to the start of the course. To receive CEUs all required course preparation must be completed prior to course commencement.
- CFS requires the participation in multiple exercises sessions which can be physically demanding. Please come prepared and rested.
- Please read the following article:
- The reliability and validity of the Saliba Postural Classification System, Cristiana Kahl Collins, Vicky Saliba Johnson, JMMT 2016
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Required Equipment
- Release of Liability Form: Complete the Release of Liability Form and bring it to the course.
- Swiss Ball: Sat and Sun. The size of the Swiss Ball should allow you to sit on the ball with a 100+ (but not more than 110) degree hip-trunk angle. If you do not own a Swiss Ball or cannot use one from your facility, call Ball Dynamics at 800-752-2255 to order one. Please have a credit card number and shipping address available. If you are unable to bring your ball inflated, please arrive early to have this done. A pump will be available at the course.
- Foam Roll (36″ x 6″) Sat. and Sun. Foam Rolls may be ordered from a number of providers including: OPTP at 888-819-0121 or www.optp.com; Perform Better at 888-556-7464 or www.performbetter.com.
- Towel
- Pillow with 2 cases
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CEU Information
20 Contact Hours
NOTE: To receive a CEU certificate, you must complete all required pre-course preparation noted in your acceptance letter PRIOR to course commencement AND the course evaluation at the conclusion of the course. You will receive an email prior to the class with directions on how to complete your evaluation and specific guidelines as to the time frame in which this can be completed.
Approved for PTs in NY, IL, and CA. For a different state, please check with your state board for reciprocity of CEU approval from one of these states. IPA will provide the standard documentation needed for individual state approval if your state does not accept reciprocity. OTs, and PTAs should check with their approving body to determine if the PT approval is acceptable.
To determine if any additional state approvals have been obtained, please check facility information for a specific course. (Select more info for the specific course at the bottom of this page and then select Facility Information tab. Any additional approval will appear in the top left of the tab below the facility name.)
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Price Information
Earlybird Price: $650 / Regular Price: $750
Earlybird Discounts: Register at least one month prior to course commencement and receive a discount of approximately 10%. Register early and save!
Student / New Professional Discounts: Students and First Year New Professionals can receive a 20% discount. Full details here.
Repeat Discounts: IPA makes two (2) spots in each in-person course available at half-price for those repeating a course within five (5) years. Registration for the half-price spots is on a first-come basis. You must register by phone to receive a half-price repeat spot. Registering online will result in you being charged full price. Credits cannot be issued once your transaction is complete. Half-price tuition does not include a course manual or any supplies distributed at the course. Full details here.
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Recommended Reading and Viewing
It is recommended that each participant reviews the CFS Bibliography. Those articles most important are highlighted. All Course Bibliographies.
- The reliability and validity of the Saliba Postural Classification System, Cristiana Kahl Collins, Vicky Saliba Johnson, JMMT 2016
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Audience & Attendance
PT, PTA, OT, OTA, SPT, OTS
Attendees agree to utilize all skills of evaluation, assessment and treatment learned in this course to the extent allowed under the regulations of their professional practice act. By registering you acknowledge that your attendance does not represent authorization by the IPA, or any of its officers, to utilize any of the material learned which may lie outside of the strict interpretation of your practice act.
Each attendee is expected to complete the required pre-course work before the course begins, and attend all hours of instruction to receive a certificate of completion. Any exceptions to this policy must be pre-approved in writing by the Directors.
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Lab Clothing
- Each participant’s body must be accessible for observation.
- Women: Halter tops, sports bras, or fitted t-shirts and shorts or sweat pants. Avoid leggings as they do not allow sufficient access to the lower extremity.
- Men: shorts or sweat pants and a fitted t-shirt if uncomfortable being shirtless
- Do not wear jeans or pants that button or zip. All pants for men and women must have elastic waist.
- Please refrain from wearing large or sharp jewelry and watches.
- On Sunday, please wear athletic or work shoes.
- It is recommended to wear layers for comfort between labs as temperatures may vary in the room.
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Breaks
While we continue to cope with the presence of COVID-19, the IPA shall adhere to ongoing CDC guidelines related to food and beverage consumption at each course. To avoid community spread, participants are requested to bring their own drink and any desired snack. Each participant will be requested to step out of the room while consuming drink or food or create a socially acceptable distance from other participants.
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Instructor Note
While specific instructors are scheduled for each course, circumstance may necessitate instructor changes. In addition, the final number of instructors is determined by enrollment. Course refunds or transfers are not granted related to changes in the designated instructor or number of instructors.
Instructor/Participant Ratio:
- 1 Instructor: ≤ 20 participants
- 2 Instructors: 22 – 32 participants
- 3 Instructors: ≥ 34 participants
Hours
2.5 Days, 20-22 Hours (Approved CEUs vary by state.)
Prerequisites
None
Required Equipment
- Release of Liability
- 36 X 6 Foam Roll
- Swiss Ball
- Towel
- Pillow and 2 cases
- All requirements
Dates & Locations
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Hunter CollegeNew York, NY
Jan 24, 2025 - Jan 26, 2025Schedule Location Date & Time Course:
Course Check-inLocation:
Hunter College New York , NYDate:
Starts at 4:30 pm EST
Ends at 5:00 pm ESTCourse:
FridayLocation:
Hunter College New York , NYDate:
Starts at 5:00 pm EST
Ends at 9:30 pm ESTCourse:
SaturdayLocation:
Hunter College New York , NYDate:
Starts at 8:30 am EST
Ends at 7:00 pm ESTCourse:
SundayLocation:
Hunter College New York , NYDate:
Starts at 8:00 am EST
Ends at 4:00 pm EST -
Orthopedic & Spine Care Physical TherapyHuntington Beach, CA
Apr 4, 2025 - Apr 6, 2025Schedule Location Date & Time Course:
Course Check-inLocation:
Orthopedic & Spine Care Physical Therapy Huntington Beach , CADate:
Starts at 4:30 pm PDT
Ends at 5:00 pm PDTCourse:
FridayLocation:
Orthopedic & Spine Care Physical Therapy Huntington Beach , CADate:
Starts at 5:00 pm PDT
Ends at 9:30 pm PDTCourse:
SaturdayLocation:
Orthopedic & Spine Care Physical Therapy Huntington Beach , CADate:
Starts at 8:30 am PDT
Ends at 7:00 pm PDTCourse:
SundayLocation:
Orthopedic & Spine Care Physical Therapy Huntington Beach , CADate:
Starts at 8:00 am PDT
Ends at 4:00 pm PDT -
Long Island UniversityBrooklyn, NY
Apr 11, 2025 - Apr 13, 2025Schedule Location Date & Time Course:
Course Check-inLocation:
Long Island University Brooklyn , NYDate:
Starts at 4:30 pm EDT
Ends at 5:00 pm EDTCourse:
FridayLocation:
Long Island University Brooklyn , NYDate:
Starts at 5:00 pm EDT
Ends at 9:30 pm EDTCourse:
SaturdayLocation:
Long Island University Brooklyn , NYDate:
Starts at 8:30 am EDT
Ends at 7:00 pm EDTCourse:
SundayLocation:
Long Island University Brooklyn , NYDate:
Starts at 8:00 am EDT
Ends at 4:00 pm EDT -
Campbell Clinic OrthopaedicsCollierville, TN
Apr 25, 2025 - Apr 27, 2025Schedule Location Date & Time Course:
Course Check-inLocation:
Campbell Clinic Orthopaedics Collierville , TNDate:
Starts at 4:30 pm CDT
Ends at 5:00 pm CDTCourse:
FridayLocation:
Campbell Clinic Orthopaedics Collierville , TNDate:
Starts at 5:00 pm CDT
Ends at 9:30 pm CDTCourse:
SaturdayLocation:
Campbell Clinic Orthopaedics Collierville , TNDate:
Starts at 8:30 am CDT
Ends at 7:00 pm CDTCourse:
SundayLocation:
Campbell Clinic Orthopaedics Collierville , TNDate:
Starts at 8:00 am CDT
Ends at 4:00 pm CDT -
Fire Physical TherapyDallas, TX
May 16, 2025 - May 18, 2025Schedule Location Date & Time Course:
Course Check-inLocation:
Fire Physical Therapy Dallas , TXDate:
Starts at 4:30 pm CDT
Ends at 5:00 pm CDTCourse:
FridayLocation:
Fire Physical Therapy Dallas , TXDate:
Starts at 5:00 pm CDT
Ends at 9:30 pm CDTCourse:
SaturdayLocation:
Fire Physical Therapy Dallas , TXDate:
Starts at 8:30 am CDT
Ends at 7:00 pm CDTCourse:
SundayLocation:
Fire Physical Therapy Dallas , TXDate:
Starts at 8:00 am CDT
Ends at 4:00 pm CDT -
Alliance Physical Therapy and WellnessAptos, CA
Jun 6, 2025 - Jun 8, 2025Schedule Location Date & Time Course:
Course Check-inLocation:
Alliance Physical Therapy and Wellness Aptos , CADate:
Starts at 4:30 pm PDT
Ends at 5:00 pm PDTCourse:
FridayLocation:
Alliance Physical Therapy and Wellness Aptos , CADate:
Starts at 5:00 pm PDT
Ends at 9:30 pm PDTCourse:
SaturdayLocation:
Alliance Physical Therapy and Wellness Aptos , CADate:
Starts at 8:30 am PDT
Ends at 7:00 pm PDTCourse:
SundayLocation:
Alliance Physical Therapy and Wellness Aptos , CADate:
Starts at 8:00 am PDT
Ends at 4:00 pm PDT -
Brookside Physical TherapyDenver, CO
Jul 18, 2025 - Jul 20, 2025Schedule Location Date & Time Course:
Course Check-inLocation:
Brookside Physical Therapy Denver , CODate:
Starts at 4:30 pm MDT
Ends at 5:00 pm MDTCourse:
FridayLocation:
Brookside Physical Therapy Denver , CODate:
Starts at 5:00 pm MDT
Ends at 9:30 pm MDTCourse:
SaturdayLocation:
Brookside Physical Therapy Denver , CODate:
Starts at 8:30 am MDT
Ends at 7:00 pm MDTCourse:
SundayLocation:
Brookside Physical Therapy Denver , CODate:
Starts at 8:00 am MDT
Ends at 4:00 pm MDT -
Illinois Training Center - Team RehabDes Plaines, IL
Jul 25, 2025 - Jul 27, 2025Schedule Location Date & Time Course:
Course Check-inLocation:
Illinois Training Center - Team Rehab Des Plaines , ILDate:
Starts at 4:30 pm CDT
Ends at 5:00 pm CDTCourse:
FridayLocation:
Illinois Training Center - Team Rehab Des Plaines , ILDate:
Starts at 5:00 pm CDT
Ends at 9:30 pm CDTCourse:
SaturdayLocation:
Illinois Training Center - Team Rehab Des Plaines , ILDate:
Starts at 8:30 am CDT
Ends at 7:00 pm CDTCourse:
SundayLocation:
Illinois Training Center - Team Rehab Des Plaines , ILDate:
Starts at 8:00 am CDT
Ends at 4:00 pm CDT -
Scripps Rehabilitation ServicesEncinitas, CA
Sep 5, 2025 - Sep 7, 2025Schedule Location Date & Time Course:
Course Check-inLocation:
Scripps Rehabilitation Services Encinitas , CADate:
Starts at 4:30 pm PDT
Ends at 5:00 pm PDTCourse:
FridayLocation:
Scripps Rehabilitation Services Encinitas , CADate:
Starts at 5:00 pm PDT
Ends at 9:30 pm PDTCourse:
SaturdayLocation:
Scripps Rehabilitation Services Encinitas , CADate:
Starts at 8:30 am PDT
Ends at 7:00 pm PDTCourse:
SundayLocation:
Scripps Rehabilitation Services Encinitas , CADate:
Starts at 8:00 am PDT
Ends at 4:00 pm PDT -
Congruency Therapy & Wellness - MidtownCharlotte, NC
Oct 3, 2025 - Oct 5, 2025Schedule Location Date & Time Course:
Course Check-inLocation:
Congruency Therapy & Wellness - Midtown Charlotte , NCDate:
Starts at 4:30 pm EDT
Ends at 5:00 pm EDTCourse:
FridayLocation:
Congruency Therapy & Wellness - Midtown Charlotte , NCDate:
Starts at 5:00 pm EDT
Ends at 9:30 pm EDTCourse:
SaturdayLocation:
Congruency Therapy & Wellness - Midtown Charlotte , NCDate:
Starts at 8:30 am EDT
Ends at 7:00 pm EDTCourse:
SundayLocation:
Congruency Therapy & Wellness - Midtown Charlotte , NCDate:
Starts at 8:00 am EDT
Ends at 4:00 pm EDT -
ReLive Physical TherapyBloomingdale, IL
Oct 10, 2025 - Oct 12, 2025Schedule Location Date & Time Course:
Course Check-inLocation:
ReLive Physical Therapy Bloomingdale , ILDate:
Starts at 4:30 pm CDT
Ends at 5:00 pm CDTCourse:
FridayLocation:
ReLive Physical Therapy Bloomingdale , ILDate:
Starts at 5:00 pm CDT
Ends at 9:30 pm CDTCourse:
SaturdayLocation:
ReLive Physical Therapy Bloomingdale , ILDate:
Starts at 8:30 am CDT
Ends at 7:00 pm CDTCourse:
SundayLocation:
ReLive Physical Therapy Bloomingdale , ILDate:
Starts at 8:00 am CDT
Ends at 4:00 pm CDT -
American Career CollegeAnaheim, CA
Oct 24, 2025 - Oct 26, 2025Schedule Location Date & Time Course:
Course Check-inLocation:
American Career College Anaheim , CADate:
Starts at 4:30 pm PDT
Ends at 5:00 pm PDTCourse:
FridayLocation:
American Career College Anaheim , CADate:
Starts at 5:00 pm PDT
Ends at 9:30 pm PDTCourse:
SaturdayLocation:
American Career College Anaheim , CADate:
Starts at 8:30 am PDT
Ends at 7:00 pm PDTCourse:
SundayLocation:
American Career College Anaheim , CADate:
Starts at 8:00 am PDT
Ends at 4:00 pm PDT -
Spooner Physical Therapy - North PhoenixPhoenix, AZ
Nov 14, 2025 - Nov 16, 2025Schedule Location Date & Time Course:
Course Check-inLocation:
Spooner Physical Therapy - North Phoenix Phoenix , AZDate:
Starts at 4:30 pm MST
Ends at 5:00 pm MSTCourse:
FridayLocation:
Spooner Physical Therapy - North Phoenix Phoenix , AZDate:
Starts at 5:00 pm MST
Ends at 9:30 pm MSTCourse:
SaturdayLocation:
Spooner Physical Therapy - North Phoenix Phoenix , AZDate:
Starts at 8:30 am MST
Ends at 7:00 pm MSTCourse:
SundayLocation:
Spooner Physical Therapy - North Phoenix Phoenix , AZDate:
Starts at 8:00 am MST
Ends at 4:00 pm MST