Full Course Description

Neuroplasticity for Orthopedic Recovery and Pain Relief: How Injury Changes the Brain and How You Can Help Rewire It

Program Information

Objectives

Assess the multilayer approach using neuroanatomy and brain function related to injuries.
Analyze the relationship between orthopedic trauma and brain dysfunction.
Differentiate approaches to changing low and high tone qualities.
Evaluate central nervous system dysfunction, and why practice makes pathways, and how to increase compliance in home programs.
Evaluate tremors, eye alignment and nystagmus.
Appraise and appreciate the importance of positive treatment sessions and verbal cues.
Evaluate strategies to incorporate techniques into home programs for patients and caregivers.

Outline

Improve Your Clinical Reasoning

Central nervous system: the driver of ALL function
Neuroanatomy
Brain development
Chronic pain: the nervous system remembers
Feedback loops - pain is circular

Upgrade Your Clinical Assessment

Neurological screens for injuries
Identifying neurological challenges
Primitive reflex patterns and the power of vision
Sensory motor development
Vision and hearing related deficits
Sensation changes and reintegration

Integrate Neuroplasticity into Your Therapy Program

Practice Makes NEW Pathways
Polyvagal theory: Fight, Flight and Freeze
Trauma memory related to therapy sessions
Crucial component: sensory stimulation
Smooth movement tremors and distraction
Changing low and high tone qualities
Challenge equates to change
Bracing: to be or not to be

Design Effective Treatment Plans: Treat the Symptom, the Cause and Neurological Changes

Where to rewire the brain
Use it or lose it
Recruitment and retraining
Use the lobes next door
Before/after videos of sensory stimulation
Beware of learned non-use

Expand Your Reach: Incorporate Vision

The link between vision and balance and sensation
Implications for neurological disorders:
- Stroke, TBI, concussion
3D vision impairments – depth perception and safety
Practical strategies for vision on the move!

Taking it Home: Patients and Caregivers

PT phone home – game changing HEP strategies to increase compliance
Repetition and novelty are key
Simple and effective activities to send home
Explaining complex concepts to patients

Case Studies:

MVA with TBI
Fall with knee injury and acute pain
Low back pain – disc herniation with acute unrelenting pain
Neurological signs post fall
TKA acute pain and edema with resolution of pain and edema 2 treatments
Anoxic injury – signs, symptoms and solutions

Target Audience

Physical Therapists
Physical Therapist Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Speech-Language Pathologists

Copyright : 07/20/2020

Neuroplasticity & Proprioception Roles in Fall Risk Reduction

Program Information

Objectives

Analyze the framework for postural control (somatosensory input) and its impact on reducing fall risk.
Determine the best options to screen, assess and intervene with somatosensory deficits.
Assess the scientific impact of exercise on neuroplasticity and neuroprotection.

Outline

Framework for Posture Control

Somatosensory input and impact on reducing fall risk
- What is proprioception?
- Light touch and vibration
- Vision and vestibular impacts

Screen, Assess and Intervene

CDC’s STEADI initiative
Romberg Test
Treatments and interventions to improve proprioception
Case study: significant proprioceptive deficits

Neuroplasticity

Drivers of neuroplastic changes
Behavior and its impact on rehab
10 principles of neuroplasticity

Science behind Exercise

Impact on neuroplasticity and neuroprotection
Evidence based programs
Appropriate exercise RX for older adults
Exercise and balance recommendation

Target Audience

Physical Therapists
Physical Therapy Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Athletic Trainers
Exercise Physiologists

Copyright : 07/29/2020

Neuroplasticity & the Physiology of Stress: A Mindfulness Perspective

Program Information

Objectives

Analyze the physiology of stress and articulate why our body’s natural response to the demands of the modern world results in a predisposition toward increased stress and anxiety.
Evaluate current literature on the mechanisms by which mindfulness and meditation can relieve stress, regulate emotions, improve attention, and reduce self-referential thought.
Analyze the concept of neuroplasticity and evaluate the latest research validating how mindfulness meditation can change the structure and function of our brains in response to environmental experience.

Outline

Increased Stress and Anxiety in the Modern World

Physiology of stress: evolution for survival, not happiness
Inherent negativity bias: amygdala
Emergency response system, and why it never gets a rest
Pitfalls of self-referential thought
Gaining an experience of your own mind – experiential

Mechanisms of stress relief: mindfulness and meditation

Powerful antidote: current research
How much meditation is enough?
Functional MRI: benefits are dose dependent
Rapid recovery from stress: the hallmark of resilience
Cultivate the skills of self-awareness and emotional regulation

Brain Remodeling: The Science of Neuroplasticity

Change the structure and function of the brain in response to environmental experience
Telomeres, meditation and the science of epigenetics
12 easy ways to cut stress during your workday

Target Audience

Physical Therapists
Physical Therapy Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Speech/Language Pathologist
Athletic Trainer
Massage therapists

Copyright : 07/30/2020

Ethics in Therapy: Protecting Me, My Clients, & My Profession

Program Information

Objectives

Demonstrate the purpose of a code of ethics and the difference between ethics and law
Assess each ethical principle in the code, the standard of conduct, and the application of each principle through case studies
Demonstrate the steps for reporting an ethics complaint, a licensing concern, or a compliance concern

Outline

Purpose of a Code of Ethics

Two-fold purpose
Free-standing guide
Purpose of a “code”
Law versus ethics
- CFR
- State Law
- Administrative rule
Is the code Law in your state?

Ethical Principles

Identify each principle
Standards of conduct
Application of each principle through case studies

Steps for Reporting

Compliance reporting (entity, corporation)
- Actual compliance reporting example
- Confidentiality vs anonymity
License reporting (individual)
Ethics reporting (association)

Target Audience

Physical Therapists
Physical Therapy Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Speech/Language Pathologist
Athletic Trainer

Documentation Success: The 5 Best Platforms for Simplifying the Process & Maximizing Revenue

Program Information

Objectives

Demonstrate knowledge of how payers review documentation, who reviews documentation, and the general process of review.
Assess the three documentation areas most commonly reviewed including good and bad examples in all three areas.
Analyze the five platforms required for successful documentation and how the platforms address the commonly reviewed areas.
Complete actual documentation examples with common therapeutic interventions utilizing the platforms.

Outline

Why Reviews Happen

Purpose of RAC and documentation review
General process of review
Identify red flags
- Billing
- Rends (OP- Medicare B, In-patient – Medicare A, HH)

Most Commonly Reviewed

Top three areas
- Qualified clinician
- Skilled level of care
- Medical necessity
Appeals process: what to do if a review is requested
Requirements of a “maintenance program”

Five Platforms of Successful Documentation

Underutilized terminology
Trap phrases to avoid
Address commonly reviewed areas
Case studies:
- Joint mob
- Gait ther-ex
- Transfer training

Target Audience

Physical Therapists
Physical Therapy Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Speech/Language Pathologist
Athletic Trainer