FET - Functional Emergency Techniques

Join us for this course

This single-stand workshop is open to manual therapists who are interested in this unique osteopathic approach.

Introduction

The objective of the osteopathic techniques of the functional emergency is to unify rapidity, force und effectiveness. The working position of the osteopath as well as the position of the patient should be as comfortable as possible, always keeping in mind the existing pain phenomena.

For that it is necessary to take into consideration various principles. The goal is a global liberation of the “frozen” structure. This osteopathic method is applied in so called “monoblock-patients”, i.e. pelvis, abdomen, thorax or cranium, everything seems to be blocked.

There are many combination options available in addition to the functional or simply structural procedure; the decision is mainly based on the patient's tissue requirements.

More could be read in the article publisched 2011 in Osteopathische Medizin: OM article

Definition of FET Functional Emergency Techniques

Robert Rousse D.O. († 2018) defined in his book “Functional Emergency” the words emergency and functional. As to the first term, it is understood that the word «emergency» is restricted in medicine to life-threatening situations. For example, in the case of a cardiac arrest, we can say there is «emergency». This term therefore implies the necessity of rapid intervention against that which is life threatening.

The second term, «functional», has to do with everything that involves function, or more precisely tissue function.

In osteopathy, the expression «functional emergency» implies the necessity of rapid intervention by the osteopath against that which seriously restricts tissue mobility and vitality.

For instance, a fixed diaphragm can lead to a fixation of the entire mesenteric, pelvic, as well as mediastinal and cranial systems, greatly disrupting the function of the whole craniosacral mechanism. Indeed, powerful, quick and efficient techniques must be used to release the fixed body structure. The question is therefore to know why it is necessary to release the body structure and how the body might benefit in terms of function.

Program

4 days of teaching :

General principles and function of the body structures

·     general principle

·     physiological function and pathology of the body structures

Osteopathic principles and function of the body structures

·     the “mechanical” body

·     the “living” body

Functional Emergency Techniques

·     objectives

·     principles

·     used positions for the work

·     principles of testing

·     principles of correction

·     conclusion

Information about the course instructor

Joseph Gill-Lussier, B. Mus., B.Sc., D.O., Ph.D. (candidate), is an experienced osteopathic clinician and graduate of the CEO of Montreal. As the Director of the Osteopathy Department at the Polyclinique Centre-ville ENT and Medical Specialties, he works in an interdisciplinary framework with a superb medical staff along with various experts.

Currently pursuing a doctoral study on cervicogenic proprioceptive dizziness in the Rehabilitation Science program at the Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, he is an international instructor and university lecturer. In 2023–2024, the Faculty of Medicine awarded him the Leadership and Merit Awards, among other scholarships. Acknowledged in the osteopathic world, he was named a Fellow of Osteopathy in 2022 and received the Professor of the Year award in 2018.