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Everything You Need to Know About Anatomy Dissection

January 20, 2021
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  • Counterstrain Courses
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If you’ve ever considered post-graduate cadaver dissection look no further. Here’s everything you need to know about Anatomy Dissection.

What can I expect from the Multi-System Anatomy Dissection course?

This 8-day course provides a post-graduate opportunity to dissect, identify, and study the gross anatomy of the human body. Dissections will cover the musculoskeletal system including the muscles, ligaments, cartilage, and bones, the nervous systems including all structures of the central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous systems, the arterial system, the venous and lymphatic system, and the visceral system.

Anatomy Dissection offers a thorough education in gross anatomy and introduction to the principles and concepts of applied anatomy. By the end of the course, you will have dissected and identified over 1,000 anatomical structures and gained an understanding of their general function, clinical relevance, and role in the pathological process, healing, and wellness.

Who are the instructors?

Your Anatomy Dissection instructors are Eryn Milian, PT, DPT, PhD, and Kyle Kusunose, PT, DPT, JSCCI. 

Since joining the University of Miami’s faculty in 2013, Eryn has expanded her role as assistant professor to become a course master for neuroanatomy and instructor for both pelvic anatomy and the university’s orthopedic, sport, and neuroscience residency programs. 

In addition to being the Anatomy Dissection course developer and instructor, Kyle currently lends his expertise to the Doctor of Physical Therapy programs at both San Diego State University and the University of Miami. 

Will the dissections be observational or hands-on? 

You will perform 100% of dissections under the supervision and direction of instructors Eryn Milian and Kyle Kusunose. 

What if I get too nervous before or during the dissection? 

Cadaver dissection is a humbling, sometimes emotional experience. It’s normal to feel anxious and unsure. Prior to the start of the course, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to prepare for dissection. If you become uncomfortable at any point during the course, we encourage you to talk to an instructor on site.

Will the cadavers be embalmed or fresh? 

Our cadavers will be fresh and untreated to allow for the most realistic experience possible. Although embalming preserves cadavers it also hardens them, rendering the tissue less lifelike. Unlike the embalmed cadavers used in PT schools, untreated cadavers provide better opportunities to experience the fascial connectedness of tissue through numerous anatomical systems.

Which Anatomy Dissection course is best for me?

We have two options available: a complete 8-day Multi-System Anatomy Dissection course and a 2-day Pelvic Floor Dissection course. 

The multi-system course is recommended for any licensed clinician who wants to better understand anatomy as a whole whereas the 2-day pelvic floor course is recommended for pelvic floor specialists, those who regularly treat pelvic floor dysfunctions, or those interested in the pelvic region’s role in micturition, defecation, and sexual function.  

Where are the courses located? 

Both Anatomy Dissection courses will be held in San Diego, California, at the UCSD School of Medicine. UCSD is located in the heart of the renowned La Jolla neighborhood just steps from the beach. You’re encouraged to extend your stay before or after the course to enjoy everything La Jolla has to offer!

What safety precautions will be in place for covid? 

In addition to wearing standard surgical equipment such as scrubs, white coat, nitrile gloves, safety glasses, and surgical mask, you’ll be required to complete a covid-specific health questionnaire prior to the course start date. In addition, regular sanitation will occur during and after class and we ask that you bring your own food and drinks. Please understand that due to the nature of the course, social distancing may not be possible at all times. To give you the best and safest experience possible, we will have no more than six students per cadaver.

What prerequisites do I need? 

There are no prerequisites for either Anatomy Dissection course! All you need is a license to practice, an eagerness to expand your knowledge of gross anatomy, and a healthy amount of emotional maturity. 

How will this improve my Counterstrain/clinical skills? 

While Anatomy Dissection courses aren’t specific to Counterstrain, they do offer a rare experience to see and manipulate the anatomical systems you treat day in and day out. What you see in the cadaver, you can visualize and treat more effectively in your patients. It’s the closest you’ll come to observing gross anatomy of a live patient on your table. 

What is unique about this dissection course? 

This dissection course has been tailored to support the Counterstrain curriculum. We will focus each dissection on identifying and studying the specific structures you’ve been taught to indirectly manipulate in class. By experiencing the interconnected pathways of these tissues, you will have a better understanding of how to clinically apply Counterstrain techniques and improve your clinical effectiveness. Another thing to note about Anatomy Dissection is that your lab partners will also be Counterstrainers! You and your lab partners will begin this course with sufficient knowledge of applied and clinical anatomy. This experience will take that knowledge to another level. 

To learn more about Anatomy Dissection and to register for a course, visit your Student Portal. Still have questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us. We hope to see you there. 

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      Shannon Arndt, MSPT, JSCC, is a distinguished physical therapist and owner of Soundview Center for Well-being, Lone Lake Physical Therapy, and Sage Counterstrain. She holds an MSPT from the University of Rhode Island, where she graduated at the top of her class, and is a Board Certified Specialist in Strain and Counterstrain. Shannon’s expertise extends to her work with The Bridge Back Project, where she uses counterstrain techniques to support veterans and first responders in their recovery from PTSD. Passionate about patient education, she thrives on uncovering the complex interconnections of physical impairments and empowering individuals to manage their health autonomously.

      Dr. Kim Braun, PT, DPT, brings over 30 years of experience to her practice as a doctor of physical therapy, with a focus on comprehensive pain and dysfunction treatment. She earned her initial PT degree from the University of Iowa and later completed her Doctor of Physical Therapy at St. Scholastica College. Passionate about infant care, Dr. Braun specializes in treating and preventing torticollis and plagiocephaly. Her dedication to patient-centered care is rooted in integrity, efficacy, compassion, and advocacy, utilizing a holistic approach for rehabilitation, prevention, and wellness. Dr. Braun has pursued extensive post-graduate study in the Fascial Counterstrain technique through the Jones Institute and with Brian Tuckey, PT, OCS, JSCCI, and is excited to leverage Counterstrain when other interventions have proven insufficient.

      Michael Wangsness, PT, DPT, ATC, CSC I, holds a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from Nova Southeastern University (2007) and earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Minnesota (2010). He began incorporating Fascial Counterstrain (FCS) into his practice in 2011 and has advanced to teaching roles, serving as a Teaching Assistant since 2016 and a Lab Instructor since 2020. In 2022, Michael was among the first to receive his CSC I certification. Passionate about FCS, he has been privileged to train extensively under Brian Tuckey. Michael currently practices at an outpatient clinic for M Health Fairview in Woodbury, MN. Outside of work, he enjoys golfing, coaching hockey, and spending time with his wife, Heather, and their three children: Olivia, Gavin, and Amelia.

      Greg Zadow has been a self-employed physical therapist since 1998. He earned a Bachelor of Applied Science in physiotherapy from the University of South Australia and Doctor of Physical Therapy from the Rocky Mountain University of Health Professionals. Greg is the owner and clinic director of Green Ridge Physical Therapy and Wellness, his Oregon-based private practice. In 2011, he became certified in the Strain Counterstrain (SCS) technique and continued on to complete a mastery program with Counterstrain Academy and become a Jones Strain Counterstrain Certified Instructor (JSCCI) of Fascial Counterstrain (FCS). Greg has been using Counterstrain ever since his first introduction to the technique in 1991 and now holds over 20 years of continuing education experience in the field of manual therapy.

      Kyle graduated from San Diego State University in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Miami in 2014.​ Kyle immediately started his private practice and became certified with The Jones Institute after witnessing the powerful effects of Counterstrain on his patients. Kyle currently lends his expertise to the Doctor of Physical Therapy programs at both San Diego State University and the University of Miami. Since joining The Jones Institute as a lab instructor in 2015, Kyle has taken on additional roles in managing the company’s domestic headquarters, developing the curriculum for a new anatomy program, and teaching Anatomy Dissection as the lead instructor.

      Eryn Milian earned a Bachelor of Science in chemistry and environmental science from William Smith College along with a Doctor of Physical Therapy and PhD from the University of Miami. Her doctoral work focused on anatomical sciences and measurable outcomes which inform her current clinical expertise in orthopedics and sport physical therapy. Since joining the University of Miami’s faculty in 2013, Eryn has expanded her role as assistant professor to become a course master for neuroanatomy and instructor for both pelvic anatomy and the university’s orthopedic, sport, and neuroscience residency programs. Her research interests lie primarily in knee injuries and the development of reliable and valid measures of assessing ACL risk in adolescent athletes via musculoskeletal ultrasound.

      Tim Hodges has worked in the field of physical rehabilitation since 1996. Since joining The Jones Institute in 2004, he’s assisted Brian Tuckey, PT, OCS, JSCCI, in the development of several Fascial Counterstrain techniques and taught numerous Fascial Counterstrain courses as a certified instructor. Tim continues to apply his knowledge and expertise through Counterstrain Academy—a mastery program designed for licensed Counterstrainers throughout the country. In addition to developing the program’s curriculum and overseeing its mentorships, Tim is currently practicing at Counterstrain Portland, his Oregon-based private practice.

      Larry Ham graduated from the University of Southern California in 1978 with a Master of Science in physical therapy. He took his first Counterstrain course in 1986 after Lawrence Jones, D.O., treated him and successfully eliminated all back and sciatica pain. He’s now certified to teach Strain and Fascial Counterstrain courses for the spine and extremities and the viscera, respectively. In addition to teaching Counterstrain in the U.S. and Australia, Larry has served on the sidelines of over one thousand sporting events as a Certified Athletic Trainer. Though nearing retirement, Larry still practices in Spokane, Washington, and enjoys spending his free time with his wife, sons, and grandchildren. You can catch him scuba diving with sharks, remodeling his home, or hydrofoiling on the lake.

      Robert Dowd holds a Bachelor of Science in medicine with a certificate in physical therapy, Master of Healthcare Administration, and Doctor of Physical Therapy. Robert is now a Jones Strain Counterstrain Certified Instructor (JSCCI) who’s dedicated to presenting Counterstrain the way Lawrence Jones, D.O., advised his students to do at his final course offering. Robert applies the philosophy of Counterstrain to all clinical settings from the outpatient orthopedic clinic, acute care hospital, and ICU to the nursing home and hospice industry. When he’s not practicing in the Black Hills of South Dakota, Robert can be found writing, fishing, hunting, or riding his motorcycle.

      Holly Christy earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Washington, Master of Acupuncture from Northwest Institute of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, and Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University where she currently teaches as an adjunct clinical faculty member. Holly started her practice in 2000 and became a lead instructor for Counterstrain Academy in 2014 after a mastery-level internship with Tim Hodges, LMT, JSCCI. In 2019, she became a Jones Strain Counterstrain Certified Instructor (JSCCI) of Fascial Counterstrain (FCS) for the nervous system. Though Counterstrain is her primary modality, Holly also offers primary care, acupuncture, prolotherapy, custom orthotics, and intravenous nutrient therapy.

      Brian Tuckey, a magna cum laude graduate of the University of Maryland School of Physical Therapy, became board certified in orthopedics in 1995. Under the tutelage of Lawrence Jones, D.O., Brian became one of only four physical therapists in the world to be certified in the Strain Counterstrain (SCS) technique. He was also the first practitioner to recognize Counterstrain’s impact on the fascial system which led to his development of Fascial Counterstrain (FCS) with over 800 anatomically-specific techniques in addition to the FCS Cranial Scan—a proprietary assessment that identifies dysfunction in all systems and regions of the body. When he’s not teaching, Brian is treating complex patients at Tuckey and Associates Physical Therapy in Frederick, Maryland.

      Randall Kusunose founded The Jones Institute in 1988 with Lawrence Jones, D.O., the original developer of Counterstrain. He was the first therapist to be board certified in orthopedics by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties in California. Randall has trained all Jones Strain Counterstrain Certified Instructors (JSCCI) in the U.S., France, Italy, and Australia, and developed over 60 Jones Strain Counterstrain techniques along with the Facilitated Counterstrain curriculum. When he’s not practicing, you can find Randall skiing, scuba diving, and relaxing on the sand in the beautiful beach town of Encinitas, California.