Full Course Description


From the Ground Up: A Joint-By-Joint Approach to Assess & Treat Back and Leg Injuries

A multidisciplinary approach is the gold standard of patient care, but it is hard to find a training that incorporates the best of the best from physical therapy, chiropractic, massage therapy, and strength and conditioning.

But that changes now. This is the all-star approach to a HUGE variety of manual medicine techniques, joint mobilization skills, myofascial massage, assessment, and modern pain science where you finally get it all.

With an emphasis on lower extremity and pelvis, we are going to uncover:

  • Functional movement assessments that consider the demands on the entire kinetic chain
  • How you can safely speed up the recovery process for a variety of orthopedic diagnoses including: plantar fasciitis, achilles tendinosis, patellar tendonopathy, Iliotibial Band
  • Syndrome, thoracic and lumbar sprain/strains, and more!
  • Advanced drills & exercise progressions to confidently return your patients to unrestricted activity or sport!
  • DOZENS of new strategies to accelerate your outcomes for patients of any age/ability

We’ll take today’s peer-reviewed research and translate it into real-world and practical solutions you can implement the very next day. You’ll also learn proven low-tech & simple techniques you can start using immediately for your patients in any setting.

Program Information

Objectives

  1. Assess the “joint-by-joint approach” and understand how to use it to better assess their clients symptoms.
  2. Inspect the signs of a dysfunctional big toe and how it can lead to a wide range of back and leg injuries.
  3. Determine the most common ankle range of motion dysfunctions and understand the proper way to improve its mobility.
  4. Differentiate the most common groups of muscles that limit range of motion in the hips and understand the best methods to improve their function.
  5. Determine the two most common dysfunctions in the thoracic spine and learn several mobility drills to give clients.
  6. Apply kinesiology tape safely and properly to improve stability and motor control.
  7. Demonstrate the best strengthening exercises for the intrinsic muscles of the foot and how that can improve function throughout the entire body.
  8. Categorize the “big 3” knee rehabilitation exercises are and how to perform them safely and effectively.
  9. Investigate “Integrated Model of Sacroiliac Joint Function” and how it is crucial to minimizing injury to the lower back and pelvis.
  10. Analyze motor control dysfunctions in the lumbar spine and hips that may be leading to poor treatment outcomes in clients.
  11. Differentiate what “anti-movements” are, and how they can be implemented to decrease low back pain in clients.
  12. Utilize a “hip hinge” to protect the lower back from injury.

Outline

Reframe Your Patient Evaluation

  • Joint-by-joint approach
  • Functional assessments
  • Stop chasing symptoms
  • Consider myofascial chains
  • SIJ biomechanics (form vs force closure)
All Star Approach to Therapy: Integrate Principles from Renowned Leaders
  • Stuart McGill - The Back Mechanic
  • Dan John - Weightlifting
  • Craig Liebenson - Functional Training
  • Mike Boyle - Elite Performance
  • Lorimer Moseley & David Butler - Pain science
  • Gray Cook - Functional Movement
  • Brian Mulligan - Manual therapy
Effective and Evidence-Based Solutions for Common Diagnoses
  • ITB syndrome
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Achilles tendinosis, patellar tendinosis
    • Patellofemoral tracking disorders
    • Lower back pain / Sciatica thoracic
    • Spine sprains/strains
Improve Lower Extremity Joint Mobility Techniques for Big Toe & Ankle
  • Mobility drills
  • Joint manipulation
  • Soft tissue massage
Hip and Thoracic Spine
  • Mobility drills
  • Self soft tissue massage
    • Roller
    • Balls
Exercise Progression and Regressions
  • Stability drills and strengthening exercises for the foot, knee, hip and lumbar spine
  • Strengthening exercises
  • Best glute exercises to reduce low back injury
  • Best way to strengthen the “core”
    • Antimovements and abdominal bracing
  • Teaching the hip hinge
  • Exercise progressions to strengthen hip hinge
Expand Your Treatment Toolbox
  • Kinesiology taping applications for:
    • Foot
    • Knee
    • Lumbar spine
  • Manual therapy
  • Trigger point release
  • Joint mobilization
  • Myofascial massage

Target Audience

  • Physical Therapists
  • Physical Therapy Assistants
  • Chiropractors
  • Exercise Physiologists
  • Strength and Conditioning Coaches
  • Athletic Trainers
  • Other movement professionals

Copyright : 05/11/2023

State of the Art Examination of Knee Injuries: Translational Research and Current Best Evidence for 2023 and Beyond

One of the best ways to help patients is to perform a comprehensive examination to identify the impairments and most importantly, when applicable, the CAUSE(S) of the problem. There are several new evaluation techniques and tests currently being used to establish the subjective, objective and functional data base during the examination of the patient with a knee injury. The scientific and clinical rationale for performing and interpreting these tests will be described and how they guide selected treatment interventions for the patients.

Program Information

Objectives

  1. Determine the components of a comprehensive examination of the knee (which involves the regional interdependency approach).  
  2. Differentiate the best examination tests of the knee based on the best evidence. 
  3. Design the best examination scheme based on the patient’s expectations, best research based on the psychometric properties of the examination techniques, and your clinical experience and expertise.   

Outline

EXAMINATION 

  • Interview Process: Subjective exam
    • Demographic Information 
    • Chief Complaint 
    • Past History  
    • History of Present Illness or injury (MOI): 
    • Medical History: 
    • Surgical History: 
    • Subjective Examination: VAS, NPRS 
    • Laboratory Tests: 
    • Imaging & Radiology Tests:  
    • Medications: 
    • Health Status: 
    • Social History: 
  • Systems Review
    • CV/Pulmonary System  
    • Integumentary System 
    • Neuromuscular System 
    • Musculoskeletal System 
    • Communication, Affect, Orientation, Cognition and Learning 
    • Patient Reported Outcomes (PROs)
    • General, Quality of life, condition specific, and joint specific 
    • Kinesiophobia evaluation (ACL-RSI) 
  • MUSCULO-SKELETAL PHYSICAL (OBJECTIVE)  EXAMINATION TEMPLATE
    • Observation/posture 
    • Integumentary 
    • Gait Evaluation (Walking/running)  
    • Related/Referral Joints (Regional Interdependency)  
    • Anthropometric measurements/LLD 
    • Palpation (Bones, joints, ligaments, muscle-tendon unit, etc.) 
    • Neurological Exam: sensation, reflexes, ULTT, LLTT 
    • Balance/Proprioceptive Testing (static, dynamic)  
    • Active ROM 
    • Passive ROM: (Physiological, accessory/component/joint play) 
    • Flexibility Tests of MTU 
    • Core testing 
    • Resisted ROM Testing (MMT, Dynamometer Testing: HHD, Isokinetic Testing)  
    • Special Tests 
    • Movement Assessments  
    • Functional Performance Tests (ADL’s, transfers, mobility, ergonomic, recreational or competitive sport specific)  
EVALUATION

DIAGNOSIS (Problem list)  

PROGNOSIS 

PLAN OF CARE/PT INTERVENTIONS  

OUTCOMES (SCALES)(FU TIMES) 

Q&A

Copyright : 07/07/2023

Gait Happens: Gait Cycle Assessment & Intervention for Lifelong Mobility

Your clients’ everyday movements play a significant role in their pain. Simplify the process of assessing gait with this systematic approach that helps you to identify and treat the 6 most common dysfunctional gait patterns.  Get a better understanding of each of the foot rockers and integrate exercises to improve mechanics and enhance foot function and strength.  With these comprehensive strategies that work for every sole, you can reduce pain, enhance function and performance of ADLs, and eliminate unnecessary procedures.   

Program Information

Objectives

  1. Differentiate the phases of the gait cycle and utilize specific treatment techniques to target change in each phase to improve functional outcomes. 
  2. ​​​Identify common dysfunctional gait patterns and how to treat them for improved participation in activities and treatment.    ​​ 
  3. Construct and implement a return to walking/running program to improve function for clients. 

Outline

The Science of Walking and Why it is Important for Longevity 

  • Normal parameters in the walking gait cycle  
  • The big picture in functional gait assessment 
  • Understanding the foot rockers 
  • Identify 6 common dysfunctional gait patterns
  •  

 

Exercises to Improve Gait Efficiency & Foot Function 

  • Navigate how to improve dysfunctional patterns  
  • Exercises to facilitate each of the foot rockers  
  • Solutions so simple the assessment can also be the treatment 
  • Powerful exercises that don’t require any equipment 

Target Audience

  • Physical Therapists
  • Physical Therapist Assistants
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Occupational Therapy Assistants
  • Athletic Trainers

Copyright : 10/28/2023

Foot Foundations: Anatomy, Footwear & Enhancing Function

Optimize function from the ground up! Deepen your understanding of foot and ankle anatomy from nationally recognized expert, Dr. Courtney Conley, founder of Gait Happens, 178k followers on Instagram.  If you aren’t considering how a shoe impacts your functional goals – think again! Footwear has a HUGE impact on gait patterns, muscle, tendon load, bone turnover and more! Learn how to expertly recommend footwear that is functional – allowing the foot to be in the correct position and get stronger.  Explore modifications for the common diagnoses: plantar fasciosis, posterior tibial tendinopathy, Achilles tendinopathy, ankle sprains and more!  

Program Information

Objectives

  1. Develop a thorough understanding of ankle and foot anatomy and how it pertains to function and clinical decision making. 
  2. Employ assessment strategies to aid clinical decision making for common lower extremity injuries and dysfunction to enhance condition management.  
  3. Investigate the role of footwear choices and how it can delay or facilitate lower body healing, mechanics and client participation in activities and treatment.  

Outline

Anatomy & Pathophysiology of Foot/Ankle Dysfunction 

  • Foot and ankle anatomy 
    • Extrinsic muscles of the foot and their function 
    • Intrinsic muscles of the foot and their function 
  • The role in differential diagnosis 
  • Acute vs Chronic Presentations 
  • Common assessments and findings in lower extremity pathology 
  • How foot shape is connected to back pain 

 

All Things Shoes!  How to Choose Appropriate Footwear 

  • What is functional/natural footwear 
  • Considerations for toe box, heel rise, cushion and more 
  • Shoes and their impact on feet – MSK impact of high heels 
  • What you need to know about the minimalist shoe movement 
  • Orthotics/orthoses – if you have a pathway in, you need a pathway out 
  • Diagnosis-based recommendations 
    • Post tibialis 
    • Achilles tendonitis/tendinosis 
    • Ankle sprain 
    • Plantar fasciitis 
    • Bunions 

 

HOT Topics! Bust Common Myths About Feet and Shoes! 

  • Why you should be assessing your client’s ….SHOES! 
  • Arch supports – friend or foe? 
  • Simple toe mobility exercises to enhance function 
  • Trending products: toe spacers, balance boards, insoles and more! 

Target Audience

  • Physical Therapists
  • Physical Therapist Assistants
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Occupational Therapy Assistants
  • Chiropractors
  • Massage Therapists
  • Athletic Trainers
  • Strength and Conditioning Coaches
  • Exercise Physiologists

Copyright : 10/28/2023

Patella Femoral Pain. Problem Solved

PFP – there are a multitude of factors that contribute to the condition and a litany of unproven strategies to address it. Providers throw the kitchen sink at these patients – just hoping that something will work.  With these strategies, you’ll gain clarity on how to narrow in on the true limiting factors and align specific interventions in clinic.  No matter how the patient presents, you can get them back to activities and sport pain free with this consistent approach.

Program Information

Objectives

  1. Determine contributing factors of PFP.
  2. Evaluate kinetic force and load tolerance.
  3. Utilize interventions that address the local and systemic factors.
  4. Implement strategies to achieve consistent better outcomes.

Outline

  • Multifactorial Contributors for PFP: Differential Diagnosis
    • Impact of growth and mature skeleton
    • Understand kinetic load and energy transfer
    • Assess the Arch, ITB, and Hip in a multidimensional way
    • Contributions from the trunk and Spine
  • Treatment Modalities & Interventions
    • Local manual tissue strategies for pain and tendon adaption
    • Tissue load principles and clinical strategies to elicit change
    • Pattern retraining to address the kinetic chain
    • Programming interventions
    • The when and why: injection, bracing, taping, specific immobilization

Target Audience

  • Athletic Trainers
  • Chiropractors
  • Massage Therapists
  • Physical Therapists
  • Physical Therapy Assistants

Copyright : 05/12/2022

Rehabilitation of the Knee: Introducing Neurocognitive Reactive Testing for Return to Activity & Sports

Discover scientific and clinical rationale for the design of therapeutic exercise programs for knee injuries. Explore innovative interventions based on recent research and neuroplasticity for ACL rehabilitation.  You’ll also integrate a functional testing algorithm on the newest testing criteria that utilizes neuro-cognitive-mechanical reactive tests. Learn how to perform the tests to better simulate ecological validity of patients’ return to activities/sports.

Program Information

Objectives

  1. Evaluate the best current evidence for design of a therapeutic exercise program for rehabilitation of the knee. 
  2. Appraise the criteria being used for return to activity/sports and why only approximately 50% are returning to the same level of performance with a 20-30% reinjury rate following ACL reconstructions.  
  3. Create a functional testing algorithm, based on your equipment, experiences and patients, that has increased ecological validity for clinical reasoning and decision making for returning patients back to activity/sport  

Outline

Scientific and Clinical Design of Therapeutic Exercise Program for Patients with Knee Injuries. 

  • Introduction
  • Quality of continuing Education Courses                            
  • Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template (CERT) 
  • Knowledge of Strength & Conditioning 
  • Hierarchy of therapeutic exercises
  • Soft Tissue Healing Constraints
  • Multiple angle isometrics
  • Short (limited ROM) Arc exercises  
  • Full (ROM) Arc exercises 
  • Elftman proposal for mode of exercise 
  • Design of specific components of exercise programs (reps, sets, rest, frequency, duration, etc.)
  • OMNI-RES Scale 
  • Innovative interventions based on recent research and neuroplasticity for ACL rehabilitation
  • Q&A
Functional Testing Algorithm for Return to Activity/Sport  
  • Introduction
  • Checklist of progression of a patient through the rehabilitation program to testing for discharge    
  • Jump test
  • Hop Test (single, triple, cross-over, timed) 
  • Side hop tests
  • Change of lateral direction tests (Variations)
  • T-Drill Hop Tests (Variations)
  • Lower Extremity Functional Test (LEFT)(Fatigue Factor)
  • Agility Tests
  • Neuro-cognitive-mechanical reactive tests (Missing Link)     
  • Use of a reactive light system  
  • Specificity Testing
  • Fatigue Index Testing (Missing Link)
  • Q&A

Copyright : 07/07/2023

Practical Screening and Assessment Strategies for the Hip

Whether you're a new grad or you've been working the clinic for decades - the hip and its relationship with the pelvic complex can be, well, complex! Within this recording, we discuss clinically practical screening and assessment strategies for the hip. These findings and information you collect from the assessment is critical in setting the tone for your treatment strategies or interventions. With an accurate and thorough assessment, you will no longer have to wonder what the next treatment step is.

Program Information

Objectives

  1. Evaluate current research on pathology and etiology of hip anatomy and injuries.
  2. Determine normal and abnormal hip range of motion as it relates to producing athletic movement for clients or patients.
  3. Utilize both local and global assessment methods for the hip, pelvis, core, and overall lower limb stability and mobility.
  4. Choose and illustrate assessment concepts for the body and its entire kinetic chain.

Outline

  • Hip Anatomy and Injuries
    • Pathology and etiology
    • Subclinical explanation
    • Range of motion
    • Common Symptoms and Diagnoses
      • Hip, groin or low back pain
      • Bursitis
      • Stiffness or Tautness
      • Tendonitis
      • Labral tears
      • Strains/Sprains
      • Hip Impingement
      • Snapping Hip
  • Global and Local Assessment Strategies
    • Range of motion + approximating joints
    • Active, passive and restrictive tests
    • Which tests are the most effective?
    • Does the order matter?
    • Tips and tricks for tissue and joint palpation

Target Audience

  • Athletic Trainers
  • Chiropractors
  • Massage Therapists
  • Physical Therapists
  • Physical Therapy Assistants

Copyright : 05/13/2022

Addressing Athletic Hip Mobility & Stability

How do you determine what is the best tool for the job? Deciding which modality or exercise to utilize can be overwhelming because the hip houses some of our strongest and most powerful muscles yet needs to be one of the most mobile joints in the body – all at the same time! After viewing this recording, you won’t have to question where to start.  You’ll view live applications of how to address the most common dysfunctions of the hip with progressive and regressive strategies for treating pain, mobility, stability, and motor control.  Learn how to resolve hip pain with all of today’s best treatments including cupping, compression floss, kinesiology tape and corrective exercise strategies!

Program Information

Objectives

  1. Determine which modality or intervention strategy is best warranted based off of assessment findings.
  2. Apply and demonstrate evidence-based treatment techniques including decompression/cupping therapy and compression band therapy.
  3. Choose and illustrate proper use of kinesiology taping techniques for hip pain and positioning feedback for performance.
  4. Recognize and implement warranted corrective exercise interventions for patients and clients with dysfunctional hip mobility.

Outline

  • Solutions for Common Diagnoses in the Hip
    • Loss of ROM
    • Pain due to dysfunction (local or global)
    • Co-contraction and firing loss leading to decreased performance
  • Going from Exam to Treatment - What’s the first step?
    • Decompressive Therapy / Cupping
    • Pain mitigation
    • Neurofeedback
    • Compression Band Therapy
    • Pain mitigation
    • Mobility
    • Kinesiology Taping
      • Pain Mitigation
      • Posture/Positioning Feedback
  • Corrective Exercise Interventions
    • LOCAL:
      • 90/90 Position
      • Glute Biased Lunge
      • End Range Control
      • Cossack Squats
      • Side-Bridge
    • GLOBAL:
      • Anti-Rotation Deadlift
      • A-March
      • Multisegmental Forward Flexion
      • RNT or Assisted Squats

Target Audience

  • Athletic Trainers
  • Chiropractors
  • Massage Therapists
  • Physical Therapists
  • Physical Therapy Assistants

Copyright : 05/13/2022

Regenerative Medicine: Non-Surgical Options & New Tools for Orthopedics

Patients now have options to improve their outcome function and reduce their daily pain levels - without going under the knife.  Regenerative medicine is quickly becoming a viable option for many orthopedic conditions and many practices are now adding this specialty as a treatment option. In this training, you’ll take a deep dive into: 

  • Side by side recovery timetable comparisons 
  • Implications across the spectrum: from athletes to older adults  
  • Where is the industry currently on insurance coverage? 
  • Spot the imposter! Gain a crucial understanding of what constitutes credible regenerative procedures and those masquerading as regenerative procedures.  

With non-operative management for orthopedic problems of the shoulder, hip, and knee and painful joint conditions, you will propel your practice forward after attending this informative course. Discover what the future holds for regenerative medicine and accelerated healing!  

Program Information

Objectives

  1. Examine the different uses for PRP versus Stem cells. 
  2. Determine the factors of credible versus questionable of Regenerative medicine practice. 
  3. Differentiate shoulder regenerative procedures and timeline progression versus arthroscopic repair. 
  4. Determine the factors of cost comparison in ACL treatment versus conventional reconstruction. 

Outline

Orthobiologics – Regenerative Medicine 

  • Mechanism for repair 
  • Prolotherapy 
  • PRP 
  • Growth Factors 
  • Stem cells 
Determine Most Appropriate Treatment 
  • Identifying candidates 
  • Process of PRP harvest and injection 
  • Process of Stem Cell harvest and utilization 
Treatment Comparisons and Considerations 
  • Timeline, cost, coverage 
    • ACL reconstruction vs Orthobiologic ACL progression  
    • Shoulder arthroscopic repair vs regenerative medicine shoulder progression  
  • Risks and limitations 

Target Audience

  • Physical Therapists
  • Physical Therapy Assistants
  • Athletic Trainers
  • Chiropractors

Copyright : 11/14/2021

Strength Training for Runners - Design Programs your Patients Will Actually Do!

Runners only want to run and obsess over their miles per week.   This results in tissues becoming unbalanced and eventually leads to injury.  Shin splints, plantar fascia pain, Achilles tendon issue, ITB pain… these can all often be traced back to overuse of some tissues and not enough use of others.  Create straightforward, efficient and practical exercises to help your patients develop well rounded strength with these interventions are easy, adaptable and help reduce injuries.

Program Information

Objectives

  1. Demonstrate why strength training is important for runners.
  2. Investigate common tissue imbalances and muscle weaknesses in runners.
  3. Determine how much strength training is necessary to improve performance.
  4. Construct straightforward and efficient exercise programs to improve strength and help reduce running injuries.

Outline

  • Implications for Runners: Physiological and Biomechanics
    • Running injury stats
    • Strength training benefits
    • Soft tissue imbalances
    • Postural considerations
    • Strength and stability requirements - research and clinical perspective
  • Practical Exercises and Techniques for a Balanced Training Program
    • Strength training must haves
    • Eccentric training
    • Kinesiology taping strategies
    • Dynamic exercises that address weakness and instability
  • Targeted Strategies for the Most Common Issues in Runners
    • Plantar fasciopathy
    • Patellar tendinopathy
    • Achilles tendinopathy
    • Hamstring tendinopathy
    • ITB syndrome
    • Medial tibial stress syndrome (shin splints)

Target Audience

  • Athletic Trainers
  • Chiropractors
  • Massage Therapists
  • Physical Therapists
  • Physical Therapy Assistants

Copyright : 05/13/2022

Hip & Knee Total Joint Replacement Surgery - New Options for Pain Management

Pain management that seemed impossible just a few years ago is now the new reality for today’s total joint candidate.  New advances allow for same-day surgical discharge and the reduced need for narcotic pain killers. In this session, we will examine the new strategies and techniques for total hip and knee patients’ post-op pain management. You’ll also gain a crucial understanding of the drug interactions associated with commonly prescribed post-op medications…and how you can use that to improve patient recovery. Participants are encouraged to bring laptops, tablets, and smartphones for an online activity.

Program Information

Objectives

  1. Determine pain control and nerve blocks used for LE surgery 
  2. Apply the methods used for improved post-operative pain management  
  3. Demonstrate the use online tools for pill identification and possible interactions in the post-op patient 
  4. Determine the factors of Prescription Opioid addiction and what every caregiver needs to carry 

Outline

Pain Control and Nerve Blocks for the Lower Extremity

  • Pre and post-operative oral medications
  • Difference of femoral versus obturator LE nerve block

Improved Post-Operative Pain Management

  • Pain management options
  • Use of Exparel (pain cocktail)
  • Video demonstration of intra-operative Exparel

Post-Op Medication

  • Online tool for pill identification
  • Case presentations
  • Post-Op medication list
  • Medication interactions

Prescription Opioid Addiction

  • Crisis in US
  • What makes them so addictive
  • Use and administration of Narcan

Target Audience

  • Physical Therapists
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Athletic Trainers

Copyright : 08/01/2020