CFS: CoreFirst® Strategies

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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

  • 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 info@ipafmt.com 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:

  • 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.

  • 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.)

  • Price Information

    Earlybird Price: $625 / Regular Price: $695

    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.

  • Recommended Reading and Viewing
  • Audience & Attendance

    PT, PTA, OT, SPT

    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.

  • 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.

     

  • 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.

  • 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

Dates & Locations

  • CFS: CoreFirst Strategies for Optimum Function
    • Long Island University
      Brooklyn, NY

      Apr 14, 2023 EDT - Apr 16, 2023 EDT
      Sarah Nolan
      Schedule Location Date & Time
      Course:
      Course Check-in
      Location:
      Long Island University
      Brooklyn , NY
      Date:
      Starts at 4:30 pm EDT
      Ends at 5:00 pm EDT
      Course:
      Friday
      Location:
      Long Island University
      Brooklyn , NY
      Date:
      Starts at 5:00 pm EDT
      Ends at 9:30 pm EDT
      Course:
      Saturday
      Location:
      Long Island University
      Brooklyn , NY
      Date:
      Starts at 8:30 am EDT
      Ends at 7:00 pm EDT
      Course:
      Sunday
      Location:
      Long Island University
      Brooklyn , NY
      Date:
      Starts at 8:00 am EDT
      Ends at 4:00 pm EDT
    • Inova Physical Therapy Center - Sportsplex
      Alexandria, VA

      Apr 14, 2023 EDT - Apr 16, 2023 EDT
      Seth Blee
      Schedule Location Date & Time
      Course:
      Course Check-in
      Location:
      Inova Physical Therapy Center - Sportsplex
      Alexandria , VA
      Date:
      Starts at 4:30 pm EDT
      Ends at 5:00 pm EDT
      Course:
      Friday
      Location:
      Inova Physical Therapy Center - Sportsplex
      Alexandria , VA
      Date:
      Starts at 5:00 pm EDT
      Ends at 9:30 pm EDT
      Course:
      Saturday
      Location:
      Inova Physical Therapy Center - Sportsplex
      Alexandria , VA
      Date:
      Starts at 8:30 am EDT
      Ends at 7:00 pm EDT
      Course:
      Sunday
      Location:
      Inova Physical Therapy Center - Sportsplex
      Alexandria , VA
      Date:
      Starts at 8:00 am EDT
      Ends at 4:00 pm EDT
    • Total Function Physical Therapy
      Colorado Springs, CO

      Apr 14, 2023 MDT - Apr 16, 2023 MDT
      Vicky Saliba Johnson Nick Hagen
      Schedule Location Date & Time
      Course:
      Course Check-in
      Location:
      Total Function Physical Therapy
      Colorado Springs , CO
      Date:
      Starts at 4:30 pm MDT
      Ends at 5:00 pm MDT
      Course:
      Friday
      Location:
      Total Function Physical Therapy
      Colorado Springs , CO
      Date:
      Starts at 5:00 pm MDT
      Ends at 9:30 pm MDT
      Course:
      Saturday
      Location:
      Total Function Physical Therapy
      Colorado Springs , CO
      Date:
      Starts at 8:30 am MDT
      Ends at 7:00 pm MDT
      Course:
      Sunday
      Location:
      Total Function Physical Therapy
      Colorado Springs , CO
      Date:
      Starts at 8:00 am MDT
      Ends at 4:00 pm MDT
    • Water and Sports Physical Therapy
      San Diego, CA

      Apr 28, 2023 PDT - Apr 30, 2023 PDT
      Vicky Saliba Johnson David Hodges
      Schedule Location Date & Time
      Course:
      Course Check-in
      Location:
      Water and Sports Physical Therapy
      San Diego , CA
      Date:
      Starts at 4:30 pm PDT
      Ends at 5:00 pm PDT
      Course:
      Friday
      Location:
      Water and Sports Physical Therapy
      San Diego , CA
      Date:
      Starts at 5:00 pm PDT
      Ends at 9:30 pm PDT
      Course:
      Saturday
      Location:
      Water and Sports Physical Therapy
      San Diego , CA
      Date:
      Starts at 8:30 am PDT
      Ends at 7:00 pm PDT
      Course:
      Sunday
      Location:
      Water and Sports Physical Therapy
      San Diego , CA
      Date:
      Starts at 8:00 am PDT
      Ends at 4:00 pm PDT
    • Wallace State Community College
      Hanceville, AL

      May 19, 2023 CDT - May 21, 2023 CDT
      Mark Lusk
      Schedule Location Date & Time
      Course:
      Course Check-in
      Location:
      Wallace State Community College
      Hanceville , AL
      Date:
      Starts at 4:30 pm CDT
      Ends at 5:00 pm CDT
      Course:
      Friday
      Location:
      Wallace State Community College
      Hanceville , AL
      Date:
      Starts at 5:00 pm CDT
      Ends at 9:30 pm CDT
      Course:
      Saturday
      Location:
      Wallace State Community College
      Hanceville , AL
      Date:
      Starts at 8:30 am CDT
      Ends at 7:00 pm CDT
      Course:
      Sunday
      Location:
      Wallace State Community College
      Hanceville , AL
      Date:
      Starts at 8:00 am CDT
      Ends at 4:00 pm CDT
    • Beacon Physical Therapy
      San Francisco, CA

      Jun 9, 2023 PDT - Jun 11, 2023 PDT
      Vicky Saliba Johnson
      Schedule Location Date & Time
      Course:
      Course Check-in
      Location:
      Beacon Physical Therapy
      San Francisco , CA
      Date:
      Starts at 4:30 pm PDT
      Ends at 5:00 pm PDT
      Course:
      Friday
      Location:
      Beacon Physical Therapy
      San Francisco , CA
      Date:
      Starts at 5:00 pm PDT
      Ends at 9:30 pm PDT
      Course:
      Saturday
      Location:
      Beacon Physical Therapy
      San Francisco , CA
      Date:
      Starts at 8:30 am PDT
      Ends at 7:00 pm PDT
      Course:
      Sunday
      Location:
      Beacon Physical Therapy
      San Francisco , CA
      Date:
      Starts at 8:00 am PDT
      Ends at 4:00 pm PDT
    • St Luke's University Health Network - Orefield
      Orefield, PA

      Jun 23, 2023 EDT - Jun 25, 2023 EDT
      Sarah Nolan
      Schedule Location Date & Time
      Course:
      Course Check-in
      Location:
      St Luke's University Health Network - Orefield
      Orefield , PA
      Date:
      Starts at 4:30 pm EDT
      Ends at 5:00 pm EDT
      Course:
      Friday
      Location:
      St Luke's University Health Network - Orefield
      Orefield , PA
      Date:
      Starts at 5:00 pm EDT
      Ends at 9:30 pm EDT
      Course:
      Saturday
      Location:
      St Luke's University Health Network - Orefield
      Orefield , PA
      Date:
      Starts at 8:30 am EDT
      Ends at 7:00 pm EDT
      Course:
      Sunday
      Location:
      St Luke's University Health Network - Orefield
      Orefield , PA
      Date:
      Starts at 8:00 am EDT
      Ends at 4:00 pm EDT
    • Howard University Hospital
      Washington, District of Columbia

      Jul 14, 2023 EDT - Jul 16, 2023 EDT
      Seth Blee
      Schedule Location Date & Time
      Course:
      Course Check-in
      Location:
      Howard University Hospital
      Washington , District of Columbia
      Date:
      Starts at 4:30 pm EDT
      Ends at 5:00 pm EDT
      Course:
      Friday Instruction
      Location:
      Howard University Hospital
      Washington , District of Columbia
      Date:
      Starts at 5:00 pm EDT
      Ends at 9:00 pm EDT
      Course:
      Saturday Instruction
      Location:
      Howard University Hospital
      Washington , District of Columbia
      Date:
      Starts at 8:30 am EDT
      Ends at 7:00 pm EDT
      Course:
      Sunday Instruction
      Location:
      Howard University Hospital
      Washington , District of Columbia
      Date:
      Starts at 8:00 am EDT
      Ends at 4:00 pm EDT
    • Hunter College
      New York, NY

      Aug 23, 2023 EDT - Aug 25, 2023 EDT
      Vicky Saliba Johnson Mark Lusk
      Schedule Location Date & Time
      Course:
      Course Check-in
      Location:
      Hunter College
      New York , NY
      Date:
      Starts at 8:00 am EDT
      Ends at 8:30 am EDT
      Course:
      Wednesday
      Location:
      Hunter College
      New York , NY
      Date:
      Starts at 8:30 am EDT
      Ends at 6:00 pm EDT
      Course:
      Thursday
      Location:
      Hunter College
      New York , NY
      Date:
      Starts at 8:00 am EDT
      Ends at 6:00 pm EDT
      Course:
      Friday
      Location:
      Hunter College
      New York , NY
      Date:
      Starts at 8:00 am EDT
      Ends at 12:30 pm EDT
    • Physical Therapy Associates
      Huntsville, TX

      Aug 25, 2023 CDT - Aug 27, 2023 CDT
      Tracy Eisenbeis
      Schedule Location Date & Time
      Course:
      Course Check-in
      Location:
      Physical Therapy Associates
      Huntsville , TX
      Date:
      Starts at 4:30 pm CDT
      Ends at 5:00 pm CDT
      Course:
      Friday
      Location:
      Physical Therapy Associates
      Huntsville , TX
      Date:
      Starts at 5:00 pm CDT
      Ends at 9:30 pm CDT
      Course:
      Saturday
      Location:
      Physical Therapy Associates
      Huntsville , TX
      Date:
      Starts at 8:30 am CDT
      Ends at 7:00 pm CDT
      Course:
      Sunday
      Location:
      Physical Therapy Associates
      Huntsville , TX
      Date:
      Starts at 8:00 am CDT
      Ends at 4:00 pm CDT
    • Barrows Physical Therapy -Madera
      Madera, CA

      Aug 25, 2023 PDT - Aug 27, 2023 PDT
      Nick Hagen
      Schedule Location Date & Time
      Course:
      Course Check-in
      Location:
      Barrows Physical Therapy -Madera
      Madera , CA
      Date:
      Starts at 4:30 pm PDT
      Ends at 5:00 pm PDT
      Course:
      Friday
      Location:
      Barrows Physical Therapy -Madera
      Madera , CA
      Date:
      Starts at 5:00 pm PDT
      Ends at 9:30 pm PDT
      Course:
      Saturday
      Location:
      Barrows Physical Therapy -Madera
      Madera , CA
      Date:
      Starts at 8:30 am PDT
      Ends at 7:00 pm PDT
      Course:
      Sunday
      Location:
      Barrows Physical Therapy -Madera
      Madera , CA
      Date:
      Starts at 8:00 am PDT
      Ends at 4:00 pm PDT
    • ReLive Physical Therapy
      Bloomingdale, IL

      Sep 15, 2023 CDT - Sep 17, 2023 CDT
      Mark Lusk
      Schedule Location Date & Time
      Course:
      Course Check-in
      Location:
      ReLive Physical Therapy
      Bloomingdale , IL
      Date:
      Starts at 4:30 pm CDT
      Ends at 5:00 pm CDT
      Course:
      Friday
      Location:
      ReLive Physical Therapy
      Bloomingdale , IL
      Date:
      Starts at 5:00 pm CDT
      Ends at 9:30 pm CDT
      Course:
      Saturday
      Location:
      ReLive Physical Therapy
      Bloomingdale , IL
      Date:
      Starts at 8:30 am CDT
      Ends at 7:00 pm CDT
      Course:
      Sunday
      Location:
      ReLive Physical Therapy
      Bloomingdale , IL
      Date:
      Starts at 8:00 am CDT
      Ends at 4:00 pm CDT
    • University of Lynchburg
      Lynchburg, VA

      Sep 22, 2023 EDT - Sep 24, 2023 EDT
      Seth Blee
      Schedule Location Date & Time
      Course:
      Course Check-in
      Location:
      University of Lynchburg
      Lynchburg , VA
      Date:
      Starts at 4:30 pm EDT
      Ends at 5:00 pm EDT
      Course:
      Friday
      Location:
      University of Lynchburg
      Lynchburg , VA
      Date:
      Starts at 5:00 pm EDT
      Ends at 9:30 pm EDT
      Course:
      Saturday
      Location:
      University of Lynchburg
      Lynchburg , VA
      Date:
      Starts at 8:30 am EDT
      Ends at 7:00 pm EDT
      Course:
      Sunday
      Location:
      University of Lynchburg
      Lynchburg , VA
      Date:
      Starts at 8:00 am EDT
      Ends at 4:00 pm EDT
    • Concorde Career College- N. Hollywood
      North Hollywood, CA

      Sep 22, 2023 PDT - Sep 24, 2023 PDT
      Vicky Saliba Johnson David Hodges
      Schedule Location Date & Time
      Course:
      Course Check-in
      Location:
      Concorde Career College- N. Hollywood
      North Hollywood , CA
      Date:
      Starts at 4:30 pm PDT
      Ends at 5:00 pm PDT
      Course:
      Friday
      Location:
      Concorde Career College- N. Hollywood
      North Hollywood , CA
      Date:
      Starts at 5:00 pm PDT
      Ends at 9:30 pm PDT
      Course:
      Saturday
      Location:
      Concorde Career College- N. Hollywood
      North Hollywood , CA
      Date:
      Starts at 8:30 am PDT
      Ends at 7:00 pm PDT
      Course:
      Sunday
      Location:
      Concorde Career College- N. Hollywood
      North Hollywood , CA
      Date:
      Starts at 8:00 am PDT
      Ends at 4:00 pm PDT
    • John Goetze Physical Therapy
      Jacksonville Beach, FL

      Oct 13, 2023 EDT - Oct 15, 2023 EDT
      Mark Lusk
      Schedule Location Date & Time
      Course:
      Course Check-in
      Location:
      John Goetze Physical Therapy
      Jacksonville Beach , FL
      Date:
      Starts at 4:30 pm EDT
      Ends at 5:00 pm EDT
      Course:
      Friday
      Location:
      John Goetze Physical Therapy
      Jacksonville Beach , FL
      Date:
      Starts at 5:00 pm EDT
      Ends at 9:30 pm EDT
      Course:
      Saturday
      Location:
      John Goetze Physical Therapy
      Jacksonville Beach , FL
      Date:
      Starts at 8:30 am EDT
      Ends at 7:00 pm EDT
      Course:
      Sunday
      Location:
      John Goetze Physical Therapy
      Jacksonville Beach , FL
      Date:
      Starts at 8:00 am EDT
      Ends at 4:00 pm EDT
    • Hunter College
      New York, NY

      Nov 3, 2023 EDT - Nov 5, 2023 EST
      Mark Lusk
      Schedule Location Date & Time
      Course:
      Course Check-in
      Location:
      Hunter College
      New York , NY
      Date:
      Starts at 4:30 pm EDT
      Ends at 5:00 pm EDT
      Course:
      Friday
      Location:
      Hunter College
      New York , NY
      Date:
      Starts at 5:00 pm EDT
      Ends at 9:30 pm EDT
      Course:
      Saturday
      Location:
      Hunter College
      New York , NY
      Date:
      Starts at 8:30 am EDT
      Ends at 7:00 pm EDT
      Course:
      Sunday
      Location:
      Hunter College
      New York , NY
      Date:
      Starts at 8:00 am EST
      Ends at 4:00 pm EST