PAIN-FREE PERFORMANCE
SPECIALIST CERTIFICATION

CERTIFICATION OVERVIEW

The 2-Day Pain-Free Performance Specialist Certification (PPSC) is an integrated prevention based system for personal trainers, coaches and fitness professional to optimize their client’s fitness and performance around the common presence of pain, dysfunction and injuries.

In this 16-hour certification course, attendees will master some of the most powerful injury prevention based theories, methods and modalities to take instant action in the implementation of Dr. John Rusin’s Pain-Free Performance Training System, including:

  1. Optimizing The 6 Foundational Movement Patterns
  2. Real Time Movement Pattern Screening Protocols
  3. Advanced Assessment of The Shoulder, Hip, Ankle and Lower Back
  4. The 6-Phase Dynamic Warm Up Sequencing System
  5. Soft Tissue, Self Myofascial Release and Stretching Drills
  6. Mobility and Corrective Exercise Protocols
  7. Postural Reeducation and Activation Drills
  8. Central Nervous System Stimulation Strategies
  9. Pain-Free Programming via Movement Pattern Pyramid System
  10. Coaching and Cueing The Foundational Movement Patterns
  11. Building Long Term Health Through Pain-Free Strength and Resilience

At the completion of this course, attendees will earn the Pain-Free Performance Specialist Certification (PPSC) and become registered Pain-Free Performance Training System providers listed globally via GETPPSC.COM.

This credential represents the enhanced education to help optimize client management around the presence of pain and movement dysfunction. Through this course and certification process, attendees should acquire the tools to truly bridge the gap between performance and prevention, better helping clients unlock their pain-free potential.

OPTIMAL TRAINING CAN’T JUST FOCUS ON HEALTH OR PERFORMANCE. THE TWO MUST CO-EXIST.

Forget what you’ve been told, training shouldn’t make you choose between getting healthy or performing optimally.

These two keystone areas of training focuses are highly interdependent on one another. If your goal is to look, feel and function your best, health and performance training must create synergy. But that’s exactly what most training systems miss.

The most effective training systems allow clients to achieve both health and performance simultaneously, while learning how to place their bodies in positions to be pain-free and resilient for life. And that’s exactly what becoming a Pain-Free Performance Specialist is all about…

Achieve World Class Results WHILE Bulletproofing Against Pain and Injuries with the Complete PainFree Performance Training System Blueprint

With both the personal training and therapy fields continuing to grow at record rates out of sheer need, we have truly missed the boat on how to integrate these two powerful physical systems into one integrated training model in order to optimize performance and help mitigate the risk of training related injuries and beyond.

In an industry stricken by the shiny object syndrome, we must ask ourselves the question, what’s really holding our clients back from achieving their goals? Simply put, many struggle with staying consistent enough or being physically able to work hard enough to see notable results. And that’s largely due to the chronic battle against pain, poor movement or a combination of the two. And really, what’s the point of getting bigger, stronger or leaner if you’re always in pain and battling chronic injuries?

Training Should Improve Every Aspect of Your Client’s Lives, Not Leave Them Burned Out, Broken Down and Hurting.

Achieving true longevity and performing at the highest levels is dependent not only on training painfree, but your programming helping to combat the risk of pain and injuries inside the gym and out. Good coaches train their clients without hurting them, great trainers help bulletproof against future pain and injuries while getting performance results in the process.

Movement is medicine, and a smarter more systemized approach to training is your prescription to unlocking long-term health and wellness. The Pain-Free Performance Training System Certification will change the way you look at intelligent training forever with an integrated approach that allows you to check all the boxes for your client’s health and performance, while allowing you to utilize your unique professional skill sets in an amplified way

Developed by injury prevention expert Dr. John Rusin, The Pain-Free Performance Specialist Certification is an
integrated prevention based system for optimizing performance around the presence of pain and dysfunction.

Over the last decade, this system has been battle-tested and proven at the highest levels of professional and Olympic sport, as well as implemented with general fitness clientele. It is a game changing system in how to stay healthy while performing at a high level, and preventing injuries before they ever occur.

This certification will teach you how to perfectly utilize the exact blueprint to pain-free success with an integrated approach to high performance training and client management starting with the power of daily maintenance programming and warm up protocols.

Integrated optimization strategies using the 6-phase dynamic warm up sequence will provide a detailed approach to some of the most commonly misused and misunderstood tools in the industry including foam rolling, stretching, corrective exercise and activation drills. Each of the 6 phases will be broken down to teach the base theories of each method while hard wiring it into your systems with practical components in each section of the course.

ACTIONABLE SYSTEMS TO INSTANTLY IMPLEMENT
WITH YOUR CLIENTS AND ATHLETES.

This 6-phase sequence will serve as the cornerstone of client prehabilitation in order to eliminate pain and movement dysfunction problems while helping mitigate the risk of training and life related pain and injuries for the long term. The power is in the systemization and sequence, and will allow you to utilize your specific skill sets and educations so you will not have to reinvent the wheel on your methods, but rather plug and play already gold standard methods into a more complete system that is repeatable and scalable in any training scenario.

BEFORE YOU CAN MOVE LIKE AN ATHLETE,
YOU MUST BE ABLE TO MOVE LIKE A HUMAN.

There are 6 foundational movement patterns that every person on earth should be able to learn, perform and maintain for life in order to build resilience against pain and injuries while optimizing performance.

While each unique pattern is pivotal to the longterm success of a client, the real power of the foundations is found in training them all synergistically with a complete fundamental movement system.

From screening and advanced assessment protocols centered around the 6 foundational movement patterns, to advanced coaching and programming methodology to custom fit every movement and exercise to your clients, this course will leave you with actionable systems to instantly implement with your clientele and clean up weak links in your program design and coaching from the ground up.

In-depth evaluation and training applications will be focused around the two most common dysfunctional pain points in the active population, the lower back and shoulder, including a 360 degree approach to optimizing the total client experience.

The athlete and client who can achieve true longevity in their training careers are the ones that will perform at the highest level, no matter their physical endeavors or goal sets.

The Pain-Free Performance Training System is here to help you achieve that for your clients, and provide you with the systems, methods and programming sequences to truly revolutionize the way you and your clients train pain-free and perform at world-class levels forever.

WHILE MOST PROGRAMS ONLY PLAY TO ONE’S
STRENGTHS, SUCCESS DEPENDS ON ERASING YOUR
CLIENT’S WEAKNESSES.

At the end of this two-day certification course, each attendee should leave being able to confidently run the following systems and strategies to upgrade your client’s pain-free performance training management:

1

Customize Movement Sequences To Eliminate Pain and Dysfunction

2

Quickly Screen The 6 Foundational Movement Patterns

3

Deep Dive Assessments For Movement Pattern Optimization

4

Choose Perfect Exercise Variation For Each Movement Pattern

5

Re-Systemize Your Client Management Around Pain and Dysfunction

At the end of this two-day certification course, each attendee should leave being able to confidently run the following systems and strategies to upgrade your client’s pain-free performance training management:

1

Commit

Select the event and location
from our list.

2

ATTEND

Attend in person and learn with the top peers in the industry.

3

PASS

Get all the knowledge to pass
the PPSC online exam.

4

GET CERTIFIED

Get your PPSC credential and admision to our directory.

5

PARTICIPATE

Participate and network in our Community.

THE PAIN-FREE PERFORMANCE SPECIALIST COURSE IS APPROVED FOR:

✓ 15 (1.5) CONTINUING EDUCATION UNITS THROUGH THE AMERICAN COUNCIL ON EXERCISE (ACE)

✓ 16 (1.6) CONTINUING EDUCATION UNITS THROUGH THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SPORTS MEDICINE (NASM)

Accredited certification agencies and allied health organizations have their own CEU/CEC reporting and approval policies. Contact those organizations directly to learn about their specific CEU/CEC approval processes.

Day 1 Curriculum

Introduction To The 6-Phase Dynamic Warm Up Sequence
1.1 Pain: The Biggest Problem Facing The Fitness Industry
1.2 Bridging The Gap Between Performance and Prevention
1.3 Prioritizing Health and Performance First To Optimize Performance
1.4 The Compounding Power of Prehabilitation
1.5 The 6-Phase Dynamic Warm Up Sequence

Soft Tissue and Self Myofascial Release Techniques
2.1 Breaking Down Mythical Misconceptions of Foam Rolling
2.2 SMR Prescription For Pain-Free, Painful and Dysfunctional Movers
2.3 Oscillatory Soft Tissue Technique
2.4 Neurological Trigger Point Technique
2.5 Global SMR Techniques
2.6 Objectifying Results Based Soft Tissue Practice
2.7 Regional Focuses For Soft Tissue Work
2.8 PRACTICAL: Oscillatory vs. Trigger Point vs. Global

Bi-Phasic Stretching and Mobility Protocols
3.1 Not All Forms of Stretching Are Created Equally
3.2 Debunking Dogmatic Stretching Theory
3.3 The Painful Side of Stretching
3.4 Parameters of Bi-Phasic Stretching Protocols
3.5 Regional Focuses For Stretching and Mobility
3.6 PRACTICAL: Alleviating The Terrible Triad of Hip Tightness

Corrective Based Exercise Strategies
4.1 The Singular Goal For Prescribing A Corrective Exercise
4.2 The 3 S’s To Successfully Implementing Corrective Exercise
4.3 Common Linchpin Corrective Strategies
4.4 Taking Caution With Correctives
4.5 The Motor Control Gap
4.6 Focused Corrective Exercise Prescription
4.7 PRACTICAL: Correctives Damn Near Everyone Needs

Postural Activation Drills
5.1 A Functional Definition of Activation
5.2 Where To Prioritize Postural Activation Strategies
5.3 Requisites of Authentic Activation
5.4 Achieving Shoulder and Hip Centration
5.5 Proper Programming of Activation Drills
5.6 PRACTICAL: The Cornerstones of Stability and Activation

Foundational Movement Pattern Development
6.1 Matching Movements With Key Performance Indicators
6.2 The 6 Foundational Movement Patterns
6.3 Fine Tuning Foundations with Coaching vs. Training
6.4 Grooving The Patterns with Proper Programming Prescriptions
6.5 PRACTICAL: Move Like A Human Before You Move Like An Athlete

Central Nervous System Stimulation Strategies
7.1 The Power of The Central Nervous System
7.2 Two Main Mechanisms of CNS Spiking
7.3 The Post Activation Potentiation Phenomenon
7.4 Superset CNS Stimulation Strategies
7.5 Programming CNS Stimulators
7.6 PRACTICAL: Jumps, Jacks, Plyos and More

General 6-Phase Dynamic Warm Up Programming
8.1 Warm Up Time Investment Specific To Needs
8.2 6-Phase Dynamic Warm Up Individualization Strategies
8.3 Parasympathetic Emphasized Programming
8.4 Corrective Emphasized Programming
8.5 Sympathetic Stimulation Emphasized Programming
8.6 How To Best Utilize The 6-Phase System
8.7 Plug and Play Strategies Via Screening and Assessment Data

Day 2 Curriculum

Introduction To Optimizing The 6 Foundational Movement Patterns
9.1 Utilizing The 6-Phase Dynamic Warm Up Blueprint
9.2 The Importance of Foundational Movement Patterning
9.3 What About Rotation As The 7 th Movement Pattern?
9.4 Screening vs. Assessment Protocols

The Squat Pattern
10.1 Placing Load Via The Top Down Squat Screen
10.2 Improving Stance Via The Bottom’s Up Squat Screen
10.3 Passive and Active Hip Range of Motion Assessment
10.4 Finding The Perfect Squat: The Hip Quadrant Testing Protocol
10.5 Ankle Mobility Assessment and Correction
10.6 Correcting Squat Pattern Pain and Dysfunction
10.7 Pain-Free Squat Pattern Movement Variation Pyramid

The Hip Hinge Pattern
11.1 More Than The Active Straight Leg Raise
11.2Differentiating Anterior vs. Posterior Hinge Approach
11.3 Screening Load Interaction’s Ability To Alter Pattern
11.4 Finding The Perfect Deadlift: The Standing Hinge Back Test
11.5 Correcting Hip Hinge Pattern Pain and Dysfunction
11.6 Pain-Free Hip Hinge Pattern Movement Variation Pyramid

The Asymmetrical Single Leg Pattern
12.1 The 3 Levels of “Single Leg” Training
12.2 Screening The Split Squat, Lunge and Single Leg RDL
12.3 Advanced Single Leg Assessment: Balance
12.4 Differentiating Ankle vs. Hip vs. Torso Stability Strategies
12.5 The Ultimate Motor Control Challenge: Forward To Reverse Lunge Combo
12.6 Correcting Single Leg Pattern Pain and Dysfunction
12.7 Pain-Free Single Leg Pattern Movement Variation Pyramid

The Upper Body Push Pattern
13.1 Screening The Functional Power of The Push Up
13.2 Finding The Perfect Shoulder Position: The Shoulder Scour Test
13.3 Assessing The Shoulder Complex In The Overhead Position
13.4 Training Strategies For The Push Pattern
13.5 Correcting Push Pattern Pain and Dysfunction
13.6 Pain-Free Push Pattern Movement Pattern Variation Pyramid

The Upper Body Pull Pattern
14.1 Similarities and Differences in Push and Pull Patterns
14.2 Screening The Full Body Pull Pattern
14.3 Advanced Pull Pattern Assessment Via Vertical Plane of Motion
14.4 Programming Pain-Free Shoulder Training Ratios
14.5 Correcting Pull Pattern Pain and Dysfunction
14.6 Pain-Free Pull Pattern Movement Pattern Variation Pyramid

The Locomotive Carry Pattern
15.1 The Simplest Non-Negotiable Screen For Locomotion
15.2 Loading The Locomotion Pattern
15.3 Established Performance Metrics of Loaded Carries
15.4 The Synergistic Function of The Pillar Complex
15.5 The 5 Keystone Developmental Positions
15.6 The Power of Oblique Slings and Synergistic Spiral Effect
15.7 Correcting Carry Pattern Pain and Dysfunction
15.8 Pain-Free Carry Pattern Movement Pattern Variation Pyramid

MEET YOUR INSTRUCTORS

John Rusin

THE CAPTAIN

Clifton Harski

Director of Education & COO

David Otey

Chief Content Officer and Lead Master Instructor

Tim Danchak

Logistics Coordinator and Instructor

Simon Bungate

Master Instructor

Kevin Mullins

Master Instructor

Roman Rodriguez

Master Instructor

Dane Bartz

Master Instructor

Sascha Mueller

Master Instructor

Luis Huete

Assistant Instructor

David Barr

Assistant Instructor

Kevin Masson

Assistant Instructor