Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization
Clinical Course A
This course runs from May 15-17, 2026
We will meet in-person at:
3535 General Atomics Ct
San Diego, CA 92121
Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) is a rehabilitation approach rooted in developmental kinesiology, focusing on the neurophysiological aspects of motor development during early childhood. This method emphasizes the significance of innate movement patterns observed in infants, which serve as the foundation for optimal posture and functional joint stability in adults.
Join us for an introduction to the concepts and principles of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization in the clinical setting. We will introduce and workshop specific assessments, treatment methods, and active exercise strategies to enhance your skill sets and clinical outcomes.
Course Time:
Friday 1 pm- 5 pm
Saturday 9 am- 5 pm
Sunday 9 am- 3 pm
Course Fee’s:
Early Bird March 7, 2026- $795
Regular – $895
What is Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS)?
The nervous system establishes programs that control human posture, movement and gait. This ‘motor control’ is largely established during the first critical years of life. Therefore, the “Prague School” emphasizes neurodevelopmental aspects of motor control in order to assess and restore dysfunction of the locomotor system and associated syndromes.
- The “Prague School” of Rehabilitation and Manual Medicine was established by key neurologists/physiatrists, all of whom were giants in the 20th Century rehabilitation movement: Professors’ Vaclav Vojta, Karel Lewit, Vladimir Janda, and Frantisek Vele.
- Based upon the groundbreaking neurodevelopmental and rehabilitation principles described by these mentors, Pavel Kolar has organized the next generation of clinical protocols that are designed to restore and stabilize locomotor function. This new rehabilitation approach is called Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS).
Course Objectives
- Improve understanding of the basic principles of developmental kinesiology, emphasizing development during the first year of life.
- Identify and describe critical milestones in human development.
- Introduce the three levels of sensorimotor control in functional assessment and treatment.
- Demonstrate the relationship between development during the first year of life and pathology of the locomotor system in adulthood.
- Introduce new terminologies pertinent to rehabilitation, such as functional joint centration, punctum fixum, punctum mobile and the integrated stabilizing system of the spine.
- Define ideal postural stabilization from a developmental perspective: intra-abdominal pressure regulation, the dual role of the diaphragm in stabilization and respiration, and stabilization via co-contraction.
- Identify common stereotypes of faulty postural stabilization (“open scissors syndrome,” forward drawn posture, backward drawn posture, “hourglass syndrome”).
- Explain and demonstrate biomechanics of undifferentiated, ipsilateral and contralateral postural-locomotion patterns; closed and opened kinematic chains, stepping forward and supporting function.
- Evaluate and correct poor respiratory patterns.
- Demonstrate the correlation between poor respiration patterns and functional pathology of the locomotor system.
- Assess the integrated stabilizing system of the spine visually and by utilizing dynamic functional tests.
- Integrate corrective exercises based on the DNS functional tests and developmental positions: exercise in undifferentiated static positions; position transfer during locomotor function; exercise progression using unstable surfaces; increased difficulty of the exercises utilizing resistance, dual tasking and other challenges.
- Clarify how DNS corrective exercises can integrate with other exercise strategies.
- Cover the basics of the application of the DNS concept in sports training.
- Provide essential clinical management explanations for clinicians to better integrate the DNS approach in their regular practice, including patient education.
- Optimally prepare students for the next level of training (Course “B”).
Petra Valouchova, MPT, Ph.D
Petra graduated with a Master’s degree from the Department of Physical Therapy at Palacky University in Olomouc in 1998. She achieved her Ph.D. in Kinanthropology with a focus on Biomechanics in 2001. Her main interest is biomechanics and the kinematic analysis of gait.
Since 2002, Petra has worked as a physical therapist at the Rehabilitation and Sport Medicine Department at the Motol University Hospital in Prague.
Petra is a university teacher of physical therapy at the Charles’ University Medical School. Her lectures include Sports Medicine, Biomechanics, Bobath Concept and Vojta Reflex Locomotion methods. She has also specialized in surface electromyography assessment and has published several articles regarding surface electromyographical studies.
As of October 2011, Petra became Chief physiotherapist at the Centre of Movement Medicine located in Prague (http://www.cpmpk.cz) which is one of the two private clinics owned by Professor Kolář where she oversees both departments of physical therapy since 2018.
Petra is certified in Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization, Vojta Reflex locomotion principle, Mobilization and Soft Tissue Techniques according to Lewit, Bobath Method for adults, Stecco Fascia Manipulation, and Dry Needling DGSA
She also completed courses in Neurodynamics according to Butler, Barral Institute method of Visceral Manipulation, and Mulligan concept
Petra is an expert in Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization and is also a certified Instructor in Developmental Kinesiology and Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization since 2002.
Her main focuses in DNS are sport medicine, running athletes, pediatrics, junior athletes, and foot problems.
Petra has been a Fitness Step Team World Champion in 2003 and 2004, and European Champion in 2004.
Petra currently resides in Czech Republic, near Prague with her husband, daughter and son.
Dr. Michael Rintala is one of the Prague School of Rehabilitation Primary Instructors teaching Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) in the United States. He is also a DNS Certified Exercise Trainer (DNSET).