Ursa Foundation
2006 Ursa Class Schedule
 and Class Descriptions



Descriptions of classes are shown below, following the information about faculty

Click here for
Ursa Foundation Course Registration Form

About Ursa Classes:
Tuition
1 day class $235 - 7 contact hours
2 1/2 day class $600 - 18 contact hours
"3 in One" class $700 - 21 contact hours (3 full days)
Silver Series $3,300 - Two year series - 72 contact hours
    Please contact Linda Mazzuca at Ursa for deposit and
    payment option information for the Silver Series Course
Most classes are held at the Ursa campus location:
    192 Sunset Avenue South
    Edmonds, WA 98020

CME/CEU Credit

All enrollees must possess the statutory authority by Licensing, Registration or Certification to apply the techniques learned.
DO MD PT OT LMT LMP ATC PTA PA DC DDS ND RN
Osteopathic Physicians, Medical Doctors, Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Licensed massage Therapist/Practitioners, Athletic Trainers, Physical Therapy Assistants, Physician Assistants, Chiropractors, Dentists, Nurses, and others that have the statutory authority to apply the techniques learned.

Ursa Foundation 2 1/2 day courses are 18 contact hours,
18 1-A hours are anticipated for Osteopathic Physicians,
18 CEU for Athletic Trainers.  All other professions make independent application for credit when taking Ursa courses. 
To our knowledge manual practitioners have
never been denied credit for any of our courses. 
Ursa courses are co-sponsored by the
Washington Osteopathic Medical Association. 
Ursa is recognized by the NATA Board of Certification, Inc.
to offer continuing education for certified athletic trainers. 
NATABOC approved provider #P92. 
Continuing Education Credit will only be earned
for full attendance with full participation.  A

Ursa Foundation
P.O. Box 1447
Edmonds, WA  98020
206-546-3676
Linda Mazzuca - Executive Director

Course Locations:
Edmonds Campus
192 Sunset Avenue
Edmonds, WA  98020
   Edmonds Lodging - Edmonds Harbor Inn 
    425-771-5021 (less than one block from class)
    Be sure to mention that you are an Ursa class member
    Reno, NV - April 21- 23, 2006
    Contact the Ursa Foundation for information
    University of Connecticut - May 19 - 21, 2006
    Contact the Ursa Foundation for information

Faculty
Loren H. "Bear" Rex, D.O.  Dr. Rex is the President and primary faculty at the Ursa Foundation.  Dr. Rex, known as "Bear" is an outstanding education.  He is nationally and internationally recognized for his contribution to manual medicine through his lectures and course presentation of manual techniques.  He brings to students "pearls of wisdom" learned in his more than 30 years of clinical experience.  Dr. rex has been honored by the Washington Osteopathic Medical association as Physician of the Year, Distinguished Life Member, Warren Lawless Lifetime Achievement Award, two WOMA Super Star Awards and the Northwest Osteopathic Medical Foundation Founders Award for 2003.  Dr. Rex resides in Edmonds WA where, in addition to his position with the Ursa Foundation, he maintains a private practice limited to manual medicine.

Lino Cedros, A.T.C           .  Lino Cedros graduated from
California State University Sacramento in 1984 with a degree in Athletic Training.
Lino has taught manual therapy techniques throughout the U.S. and North America.  He continues to research manual therapy through physiology and has special interest in neurolymphatic and neurovascular research.  Following is a link to Lino's Sacramento clinic webpage.
www.kinectionsinc.com

 

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS for 2006 CLASSES:

Evaluation and Manual Treatment of the Pituitary Thyroid Adrenal Axis - The pituitary-thyroid-adrenal axis is a common term in Endocrinology literature. Successful manual practitioners understand how the endocrine system and neuromuscularskeletal system affect each other. This course outlines the differential diagnosis to alert the practitioner to hormonal stressors. Laboratory sessions will demonstrate how this system can be treated manually to promote health and optimal function. NEW


Evaluation and Treatment of Disorders of the Diaphragm - This one day seminar will delve into the respiratory as well as the non respiratory role of the diaphragm beginning with the unique embryology of the structure and finishing with the role of the diaphragm in the walking cycle. A neruomusculoskeletal view of the diaphragm will be presented so that an understanding of the interrelationships of these systems is better appreciated. This class considers the role of the diaphragm in promoting overall health. NEW


Introduction to Muscle Energy Technique - Lumbar Spine, Pelvis and Sacrum - The legs affect the pelvis, and the pelvis affects the spine. This class explains the muscle energy assessment and treatment system as developed by
Fred Mitchell Sr. D.O. and Fred Mitchell Jr. D.O. as it relates to the pelvis and lumbar spine. Clinical applications will also be discussed. The faculty will review the interrelationships of the musculoskeletal and visceral system and the effects of dysfunction on the overall health of the patient.


Adaptation of the Body to Internal and External Injuries - Differential Evaluation and Effective Treatment for Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia and Myofascial pain syndromes. The goal of this course is to provide students with an understanding of the adaptive and compensatory patterns, which the body assumes following these intrinsic or extrinsic injuries. The emphasis will be on how the injury causes the sympathetic nervous system to react and
to stimulate healing on an electrochemical basis. The need to individualize treatment for these various conditions will be emphasized. Following this course the practitioner will have a better appreciation of why classic treatment and exercise programs have failed to improve most chronic musculoskeletal patients.

Evaluation and Treatment of the Cervical Spine and Cranial Base - The lecture portion of the class outlines relevant anatomy, biomechanics and pathology, with practice sessions to learn stability and vascular testing of the cervical spine and cranial base. History taking, differential diagnosis and radiological studies are explored. Concepts of pain production and how treatment restores function is analyzed. Participants will have ample time to learn and practice diagnosis and treatment with muscle energy, counterstrain, myofascial and cranial base mobilization techniques.


Evaluation and Manual Treatment of Headache Syndromes - This class will address one of the most vexing problem areas for the manual practitioner. Although the complaint of headache is common in all practices, there is little agreement as to cause or how they should be treated. Material covered will include various theories as to why headaches occur, the different types of headaches and their differential diagnosis. The theory and application of multiple systems of treatment will be described and practiced utilizing
guided drills. Management strategies and their appropriate application to various headache syndromes will be discussed. These will include dietary theories, pharmaceutical intervention theories and appropriate manual treatment concepts.


Biomechanical and Cardiovascular Functions of the Lower Extremity - The lower extremity is an easily overlooked source of problems. This seminar will examine the lower extremity from the standpoint of its role as a pumping
mechanism that is vital to overall health. There will be lectures covering the lower extremity from embryologic beginnings to the walking cycle. Neuromusculoskeletal relationships will be discussed and how they must
function for health. Differential diagnostic tips will be given for problems of the lower extremity commonly seen in the manual practitioner's office.
NEW


An Intensive Study of the Structures of the Face -  The class will trace the development of the face from the embryologic arch structures through the role of the face as the vegetative cranium. Lectures and laboratory sessions
will be utilized. The objectives of the class are to help the participants understand how dysfunction and trauma to the face can produce physiologic and painful reactions that are complex. By the end of the seminar the participants should be able to evaluate and treat altered physiology of this region.


Analysis and Correction of Locomotor Dysfunction in the Walk Cycle -The goals and objectives of this class are to provide the student with the tools necessary to be able to logically observe the act of human locomotion. A series of exercises will be presented and practiced so that the student will
come to appreciate the tasks necessary to analyze the various parts of the walking cycle from heel strike to heel strike in a logical manner. By the end of the course, the student should be able to correctly analyze common
dysfunctions seen in the process of human locomotion and be able to devise and apply techniques for the correction of these dysfunctions.


Three one day classes in one weekend. - Evaluation and treatment of Lumbars, Thoracics and Cervicals -  This class will explore the many important non-biomechanical aspects of the lumbar, thoracic and cervical vertebrae, as well as some of the more unusual biomechanics of the area. Both lecture and laboratory sessions will be utilized. By the end of the course the participant should possess a better understanding of the inter-relationships of the various areas of the spine. The participant should be able to design, initiate and evaluate coordinated treatment of the spine. (3 Full Days)


The Ursa Approach to Bennett's Neurovascular Reflexes - This class will be taught from the standpoint of the Ursa concept of Scientific understanding of neurovascular reflexes as they apply to clinical practice. This form of manual therapy addresses the fundamentals of capillary sphincter physiology and the effect of aberrant neurodynamics on visceral function. Neurovascular reflexes will be demonstrated, grouped and organized into systems of
treatment. NEW


Differential Diagnosis for the Manual Practitioner - The goal of this course is to assist the manual practitioner in evaluating the various systems of the body for visceral dysfunctions, which can mimic musculoskeletal problems encountered in practice. The various theories of pain production in the body will be discussed and compared. The interrelationship of systems, visceral pathology and somatic dysfunction will be reviewed to increase the practitioner's ability to rule out serious or life threatening conditions. Multiple teaching formats will be utilized, including Video Fluoroscopy, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Computed Axial Tomography and X-rays as well as hands on practice sessions. Common as well as less frequently encountered conditions will be discussed. Rare but serious or life threatening situations will be presented and discussed. Hopefully this will facilitate communications between manual practitioners and other health care providers.


Evaluation and Manual Treatment
of Disorders of the Scapula - Normal motion of the scapula depends upon a large amplitude of freedom in three planes. However, efficient shoulder function also depends upon scapular stability. Practical time will guide participants through a detailed examination. This class explores the different mechanics of injury as well as treatment approaches. NEW


Three one day classes in one weekend - Evaluation and Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, T-4 Syndrome and the Pubic Symphysis. ---Evaluation and Treatment of T-4 Syndrome. Although not well appreciated, there are many manual techniques effective in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. These will be discussed and demonstrated. Dysfunction of T-4 is responsible for many unusual upper extremity problems and viscerosomatic (genitourinary, gastrointestinal and cardiorespiratory) patient complaints. The student will have an appreciation of ways to evaluate and treat these problems. The pubic symphysis is rarely examined and treated, despite it being a significant
cause of dysfunction in the pelvis and all midline structures.


Manual Treatment for the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Ganglia - Dysfunction of the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems co-exist, to varying degrees, with biomechanical problems. This class outlines when to consider autonomic imbalance with opportunity to practice new treatment techniques. There will be information on the differential diagnosis of conditions affecting these ganglia that present as problems or mimicking disorders of the biomechanical integrity of the body. NEW


Evaluation and Treatment of the Thoracic Cage - Vertebral and rib biomechanics are explained, with emphasis on the interrelationship of these structures with each other, and the whole body. Many patients adapt to chronic dysfunction through the thorax, which compromises function beyond the musculoskeletal system. The ribs and sternum are an especially overlooked area of dysfunction and source of complaints for the patient. The student will learn a variety of manual treatment strategies for common vertebra and rib dysfunction.


An Overview and Biomechanical Treatment of the Vagus Nerve - This class will introduce the concept of the vagus nerve as the "great protector" of the organism. The class will explore the many functions of the vagus nerve. Dysfunction of this nerve will greatly affect motor, sensory, autonomic and immune function. Neurophysiology of the vagus nerve, and its treatment by manual methods, will be presented. Utilizing lectures and laboratory session the differences in right and left vagal function will be presented,


Cranial Mobilization Direct & Indirect Technique - This class approaches the cranial concept scientifically by looking at what is known on the cranial sutures from a research standpoint. It will also compare some of the various treatment systems in use today. Material covered will look at the cranium as a dynamic structure, which responds to strains from the body and cervical spine as well as birth traumas. It will also explore the effects of direct trauma to the cranium. Material on the differential diagnosis of various conditions, which can be confused with intracranial pathology, will be presented. The theory and application of multiple systems of cranial treatment will be described and practiced utilizing guided drills. Management strategies and their appropriate application to various cranial
conditions will be discussed. This class will enable the manual practitioner to have another treatment tool at their disposal for the successful treatment of the patient with problems amenable to cranial approach.


Weekend with Bear and Lino- During the course of preparing for a class, many interesting areas and materials are reviewed that do not become part of Ursa classes. This class will present some of that material in a lecture and laboratory format. This is a "one of a kind" experience for those looking for the challenge of an intellectual adventure. NEW


Evaluation and Manual Treatment of Disorders of the Foot - Foot dysfunction is a source of pain and for 1 in 15 Americans who are diabetic, a potential for disaster. Differential diagnosis of common foot problems and foot pain will be presented, as well as how a systemic condition such as diabetes affects the foot. Supervised practical time will enable improved palpatory and treatment skills. NEW

SEND YOUR REGISTRATION TO:
URSA FOUNDATION
PO BOX 1447 
EDMONDS, WA
98020-1447


2006 Course Outlines Available Upon Request