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Saturday 8th November 2025
THORACIC OUTLET SYNDROME
the Functional Active Release Approach
Functional Active Release
There are so many tools to choose from when addressing MSK problems and particularly muscle components of the case in hand.
FAR is a specialised approach to manual therapy designed by expert osteopath and lecturer Robin Lansman, encompassing a system of assessment, treatment, hands-on therapy and self-care.
Whereas in traditional manual therapies the patient lies still whilst the therapist treats them, in Functional Active Release, treatment is given whilst carrying out functional movements of the part of the body being treated. This helps the patient to recover faster, more completely, and to stay healthier for longer.
The process of clear and open feedback between patient and professional also helps guide expectations along with building cognitive Body Awareness that ensures best results for the individual.
Eligibility
All students must have a good understanding of anatomy, as well as the clinical reasoning skills to put the training into practice appropriately. A list of those who are automatically eligible to attend is shown on the right.
Other therapists, including students of osteopathy or chiropractic, might also be eligible - please let us know if you would like to attend, and we will confirm with the tutor.
This course is ideal for:
Osteopaths
Chiropractors
Physiotherapists
About The Trainer
Robin Lansman
Robin Lansman is a hugely experienced osteopath. He has been practising for 35 years and has taught Exercise and Rehabilitation Osteopathy – FAR to both Undergraduates and Post graduates across the UK and Europe.
He regularly is asked for media interviews, sharing his passion for his work on BBC Radio and TV.
His approach has evolved over the years and spans a holistic assessment methodology which embraces a range of biomechanical models to benchmark progress and rehabilitate patients. The hands on FAR approach combines the best of other soft tissue release approaches, producing fast and effective changes that also engage the patient fully in their recovery. This is also combined with bespoke muscle activation exercises that allow patients to feel empowered and motivated.
He has represented his Profession as Institute of Osteopathy President and has carried forward that role, into Coaching for the Council of Deans of Health Leadership Programme as well as being an active Trustee of the Institute Of Health Promotion and Education.
A really interesting approach to treatment using more active patient participation.
It is always good to learn with others in a practical environment and the facilities were very good.
Amazing course. Patients that l have practised on are already feeling the benefits.
Robin is very inspirational.
Great course!
Robin is a lovely person and really knows his stuff. A lot of useful information and very relevant to clinical practice.
Functional Active Release for TOS, and it's applications to MSK practise.
• Targeted Muscle Release - Focuses on releasing tension in specific muscles (e.g., scalenes, pectoralis minor) to alleviate compression on the brachial plexus and subclavian vessels.
• Improved Posture - Corrects postural imbalances to reduce strain on the thoracic outlet and prevent recurrence.
• Enhanced Mobility - Improves mobility of the cervical spine, thoracic spine, and ribs to reduce nerve and vascular compression.
• Holistic Assessment - Involves comprehensive assessment of biomechanics and lifestyle factors to address root causes of TOS.
• Patient Education - Empowers patients through education and involvement in their treatment plan, promoting exercises and lifestyle modifications.
• Chronic Shoulder and Frozen Shoulder - Addresses altered biomechanics and compensatory movements from chronic shoulder issues, which can exacerbate thoracic outlet nerve compression.
This approach helps practioners provide effective and sustainable treatment for thoracic outlet syndrome.
This one day workshop is practical, applicable to practice, includes assessment, hands-on care, and remedial exercises.
The course takes place on Saturday Nov 8th, 2025 at APM's studio in Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire.
We'll start at 9am and finish at 5pm, with a couple of breaks for refreshments and an hour for lunch.
Your fee includes refreshments throughout the day.
Various eateries are available in the area.
The course cost is £195.
Location
Academy of Physical Medicine
Charles Parker Building
Midland Road
Higham Ferrers
NN10 8DN
w3w: ///flop.stacks.then
The entrance is from the car park at the rear (you'll see our sign). There's lots of free parking nearby, including our car park. Nobody else is using the car park at the weekend, but please use the bays labelled 'Ashgrove Clinic' first.
We can also provide you with details of local accommodation, should you need them.
Cancellation
Our policy is that we cannot guarantee a refund should you cancel later than one month before the course starts. That said, we understand that circumstances change and problems can arise which are out of your control. We'll do everything we can to fill your place, and if we're successful, then we'll refund your fee.
Similarly, if funds are an issue, let us know and we'll try to find a way to help.
Any Questions?
Hi there! I'm Sara, APM's Head of Keeping Things in Order, and if you have any questions at all just give me a call or drop me an email. I'll sort everything out for you!
My email address is: sara@apmcpd.co.uk
Inspirational and very dynamic. I never felt disengaged during the two days of learning, and despite having sacrificed a weekend to do this I’m nothing but happy to have gone through with it. Congratulations to Steven and the APM team for the excellent work. There is a strong sense of community very rare to find. Bravo!
I not only learnt some new structural techniques, but the course also helped refine techniques I already know and use. The emphasis on minimal leverage for safety reasons was welcomed. It was a boost to my confidence having found myself naturally growing towards 'minimal leverage' in my technique over the years. I'm doing something right!
I've attended many different courses in the UK and abroad, and APM has definitely been the best so far! Steve and the whole team are lovely and highly professional and APM's facilities are perfect. Laurie Hartman is a highly renowned, if not iconic, osteopath, ready to share his incredible experience in the field!
The course was well balanced between theory and practice. I appreciated the fact that we were not overwhelmed with lots of techniques, but only some very good ones. The student to lecturer ratio was very good allowing everyone support during practice.
Every manual therapist would benefit from the teachings from Professor Laurie Hartman. Experience is everything and he really has seen it all. Invaluable if you value improving your skills to be a more effective and efficient practitioner.
If you get the chance, and they do seem to be getting slimmer, to see Laurie Hartman in person, then you must go. You will learn valuable pointers to improve your techniques; easier on you and softer and less hard for the patient.
Functional Active Release
with Robin Lansman
More than another treatment tool: hands-on rehabilitation with less physical demand on the practitioner
There are so many tools to choose from when addressing MSK problems and particularly muscle components of the case in hand.
Many manual therapists already use myofascial release, ART, deep soft tissue, inhibition pressure points, acupressure, functional technique, massage and many more.
FAR is quite different as the patient is involved all the way through the assessment and treatment phases as well as the rehabilitation exercise phase. This means the patient and their feedback help manage the process more closely and allow for a bespoke programme of care with easy to measure outcomes.
This in turn helps practitioners know if their approach is working. An adaptive and individual form of physical therapy, loved by patients and their therapists. Ideal for chronic stiffness, improving strength and flexibility, through muscle activation and release.
Friday 17th May 2024
This very practical workshop aims to enhance the holistic assessment and care of LBP and Sciatica
The workshop is informed by the NICE Guidelines for LBP and Sciatica, and will explore the various types of Mechanical Sciatica and demonstrate a protocol for both treatment and remedial/rehab exercise.
This will be based on a greater understanding of all the mechanical components that create the individual presentations of “sciatica”.
Special Offer
The full cost of the course is £195. Book before 31st January and the cost is reduced to £155 - a saving of £40!
APM members also get a £10 member's discount - just log in to see your discount code.
The course fee can also be paid in 2 instalments. That's just £72.50 per month for 2 months.
Your Tutor
Robin Lansman is a hugely experienced osteopath.
He has been practising for 35 years and has taught Exercise and Rehabilitation Osteopathy – FAR to both Undergraduates and Post graduates across the UK and Europe.
He regularly is asked for media interviews, sharing his passion for his work on BBC Radio and TV.
His approach has evolved over the years and spans a holistic assessment methodology which embraces a range of biomechanical models to benchmark progress and rehabilitate patients. The hands on FAR approach combines the best of other soft tissue release approaches, producing fast and effective changes that also engage the patient fully in their recovery. This is also combined with bespoke muscle activation exercises that allow patients to feel empowered and motivated.
He has represented his Profession as Institute of Osteopathy President and has carried forward that role, into Coaching for the Council of Deans of Health Leadership Programme as well as being an active Trustee of the Institute Of Health Promotion and Education.
Dates and Times
The course takes place on Friday 17th May 2024.
The day will start at 9:30am and finish at about 5:00pm, with a couple of breaks for refreshments and an hour or so for lunch. Lunch is not provided, but there are some very nice cafés nearby.
Alternatively, feel free to bring your own food and eat in the APM lounge.
Cost
The full cost of the course is £195. However, there's a £40 discount available until 31st January 2024.
APM members also benefit from an additional £10 discount.
To make things easier for you, the cost can be spread over 2 equal, monthly instalments. There is no additional charge, and the option to do this will appear on your booking form.
Location
Academy of Physical Medicine, Charles Parker Building (South Wing), Midland Road, Higham Ferrers, NN10 8DN.
Free parking is available in our own car park, along Midland Road and in a few other places which we'll make known to you nearer the day.
We can also provide you with details of local accommodation, should you need it.
The What3Words address of our entrance: flop.stacks.then
Nearest Train Stations
Eligibility
All students must have a good understanding of anatomy, as well as the clinical reasoning skills to put the training into practice appropriately. A list of those who are automatically eligible to attend is shown on the right.
Other therapists, including students of osteopathy or chiropractic, might also be eligible - please let us know if you would like to attend, and we will confirm with the tutor.
The course is ideal for:
Osteopaths
Chiropractors
Physiotherapists