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Anatomy of Trauma

A global approach to the dynamics of injury and trauma

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    • Module 1: The Core
    • Module 2: Upper Torso, Arms and Hands
    • Module 3: Lower Torso, Legs and Feet
    • Module 4: The Cranium and the Dural System
    • Module 5: The Body Knows
    • Module 6: Cranial-Visceral
    • Module 8: Dancing with the Neuromyofascial Web
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  • Module 8: Dancing with the Neuromyofascial Web

    The evolution of the human as a bi-pedal being, is one of continuous adjustments and readjustments to the forces exerted Read More

    Module 8: Dancing with the Neuromyofascial Web
  • Module 5: The Body Knows

    Course Outline The world and the universe is indeed a very large place. When we look at humanity within this milieu one Read More

    Module 5: The Body Knows
  • Module 3: Lower Torso, Legs and Feet

    Course Outline Anyone who has built or owned a house understands the value of a healthy foundation. Defects therein can Read More

    Module 3: Lower Torso, Legs and Feet
  • Module 4: The Cranium and the Dural System

    Course Outline The body is our ‘earth-suit’ and, along with our mind, the receptacle of our total life experiences. Our Read More

    Module 4: The Cranium and the Dural System
  • Module 2: Upper Torso, Arms and Hands

    Course Outline Trauma, be it physical, emotional or psychic, may be stored only to resurface, sometimes years later, as Read More

    Module 2: Upper Torso, Arms and Hands
  • Module 1: The Core

    Course Outline Trauma, be it physical, emotional or psychic, may be stored only to resurface, sometimes years later, as Read More

    Module 1: The Core

TRAUMAPRACTIK™ – An Introduction to the ANATOMY of TRAUMA™

“Trauma is perhaps the most avoided, ignored, belittled, denied, misunderstood, and untreated cause of human suffering. Although it is the source of tremendous distress and dysfunction, it is not an ailment or a disease, but the byproduct of an instinctively instigated, altered state of consciousness.”
Peter A. Levine, PhD, 1999

It is unfortunate that in our over-taxed modern-day system of medicine, the full effect of trauma upon the individual, the family and the community is often overlooked in the name of expedience. As a result, trauma – be it physical, emotional or psychic, - may be stored only to resurface, sometimes years later, as a pain, an anxiety, a behaviour or any number of coping mechanisms required for a person’s survival.

Anatomy of Trauma™ is a series of three and four day workshops designed to expand your perception of the human body and it’s response to injury and trauma. It is a master toolkit of techniques, both manual and theoretical, that will enhance any professional health workers practice. It is based on the methodology and philosophy of TraumaPractik™ which is a compilation and summation of knowledge and wisdom drawn from many years of experience in helping people regain control of their health.  It is a comprehensive and integrated approach using techniques drawn from osteopathy, neuromuscular therapy, visceral massage and so much more.

As the physical aspects of injury and trauma are but one part of the whole picture, the therapist needs to know not only what questions to ask but also how to listen to both the client and their body in order to affect successful treatment. With trauma and injury we are always faced with the twofold position of anatomy and emotion, for what has happened emotionally is just as important as what has happened physically.  In injury, and especially in trauma, these “coalesce” to varying degrees. One could say injury is to the body as trauma is to the psyche.

Participants will learn how to observe and evaluate, how to palpate, how to listen and how to understand the very nature of injury and/or trauma as it pertains to each individual. Anatomy of Trauma™ workshops emphasize thinking outside the box as well as viewing the body as much more than the sum of its parts. The question “What am I really looking at?” is key in assessing each individual and devising the appropriate treatment plan.  A major emphasis is placed on dynamic anatomy - how the body reflects the whole person, their history, posture, gait, culture, environment, work, family and beliefs- for these are all important considerations in uncovering the source of pain. Anatomy of Trauma™ is an unique approach to solving core issues and releasing the source of chronic pain loops.

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Testimonials

I have known Tom for over 20 years. About 14 years ago, while I was a massage therapy student, I woke up one morning with a migraine, but I had a big exam that morning. So I called Tom, emergency can you help? Well he had me in before his first patient, spent a quick 5 minutes adjusting my skull, and I walked out with no pain. I still had all the ‘aura’ symptoms, but I was pain free and clear headed and able to write that final exam [and maintain my GPA].
John B DouwesOttawa, ON
I had a long-standing desire to explore the impact of trauma – physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. I wanted to know better how it left its mark and how those remnants could be released. I’ve taken this course twice; I had changed and the course had evolved, too. Packed with insight, information and practical methodologies, Tom and Abigail skilfully created a learning path that allowed me to know myself, others and the nature of trauma much better than I had imagined possible during su… Read more
Patricia HayesConsultantPH ConsultingOttawa, ON
Abigail’s TraumaPractik has had a massive impact on my life. When I started seeing Abigail three years ago, I was unable to lead an active lifestyle; I have nerve damage in my lower back, and was lucky to make it through each day at work. Abigail played a critical role in helping me regain my ability to swim, ski, and travel again. Although I still have ups and downs, the overall trend is upward, which feels fantastic! It means everything to me to be active again, and I am so very grateful to… Read more
Jil BeardmoreOttawa
Working with Abigail & Tom has been a real educational and enlightening experience. The journey started with myself to cure my own pinched nerves, tight muscles and numbness. After working with other specialists and having no success, I started work with Abigail and Tom. Their whole body-mind approach and “deal with whatever issue rises to the surface” approach allowed us to work thru the layers of the onion that was my body and I started to see results almost immediately. The biggest mystery fo… Read more
Joy
Abigail and Tom keep half the performers in Ottawa in peak form. For twenty years, they have brought me back to a place where I can access my whole emotive and physical flow. Trauma enough both emotional and physical along the way…without their skill and kindness, I could not be flourishing in peak creativity at 60. My happy discovery in rehearsal halls is just how many of us share the secret, and rely on their knowledge and care.
Eleanor CrowderBear & CoOttawa
I’ve known Tom and Abigail for over a decade and their care has made a profound difference in my personal health and professional life.  I have recommended their services to many, and will continue recommending them to everyone who struggles with past and/or present trauma. Their unique, holistic, approach to wellness yields extraordinary results.
Olga Kersten-MatwinMA PsychologistHull, QC
I’m very happy to have taken the anatomy of trauma course! I learned different ways to recognize how the body deals and reacts to trauma. The assessment skills and techniques taught are invaluable to my practice. I’m looking forward to repeating the course!
NicoleOttawa
I am privileged and blessed to  have known Abigail and Tom for two decades. A recent injury brought me back into the trusting and skilled hands of Abigail. I had a severely pinched nerve, and was walking with great difficulty and much pain. I had spasms from my lower back to my ankle. Within moments Abigail was gently massaging and adjusting my body to help relieve the intense pain that my body was experiencing. It is really indescribable … the healing on so many levels that Abigail makes hap… Read more
Adrienne
“The Anatomy of Trauma workshop was phenomenal and elevated my awareness of how the brain and body work together to overcome trauma and perform better. Anyone who takes pride in helping other people will benefit greatly from this experience” “If you want to perform better, help others to perform better or recover from trauma, this workshop is a must” “The Anatomy of Trauma workshop is an experience you will not soon forget because you will use the techniques and awareness every d… Read more
Doug Smith
I have practiced dentistry for forty years and since 1988 I have done so with a Neuromuscular approach. Patients in a dental setting with head/neck pain require a team approach. A dental appliance is not a magic bullet. In my office Tom, Abigail and myself are that team. Generally, I place an intraoral appliance to decompress the temporal mandibular joint and re-position the mandible. Following placement of the oral appliance Tom and Abigail assess and commence treatment using their own TraumaPr… Read more
Al MacdonaldB.SC., D.D.S.Renfrew, Ontario
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