Neuroplasticity for Orthopedic Recovery and Pain Relief

Credits

Speaker

Karen Pryor, PhD, PT, DPT, CH, CFPS Related seminars and products

Health Sphere Wellness Center

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Karen Pryor, PhD, PT, DPT, CH, CFPS, has a doctorate in physical therapy and has practiced for 40 years in the field. Dr. Pryor is the owner of Health Sphere Wellness Center, an integrative therapy clinic in Nashville, Tennessee. Involved with early intervention in the birth-three population for over 30 years, she has developed neuroplasticity techniques that are used in a wide variety of settings, including homes, childcare centers, and school systems, to advanced pediatric therapy programs. Dr. Pryor serves on several boards, including the Leadership Interagency Council for Early Intervention (2014-2019), a position to which she was appointed by Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam. In 2010, she received the President's Volunteer Service Award for her contributions to the advanced treatment of children from President Barack Obama. In addition to her work with children, Dr. Pryor has served as an adjunct professor at the Tennessee State University Occupational Therapy Assistant program. She is a clinical instructor for several universities and colleges. With her years of experience and passion for complete wellness, Dr. Pryor advances a more expansive view of how to integrate therapy throughout the lifespan by using neuroplasticity techniques.

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Karen Pryor is the owner of Health Sphere Wellness Center, LLC and is a field examiner for PDMS-3. She has employment relationships with Tennessee State University, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Physical Therapy School, the Daymar Physical Therapy Assistant School and the Volunteer State Community College. She is a paid consultant for Evergreen Certifications. Karen Pryor receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Karen Pryor is a reviewer with Tennessee Physical Therapy Association and American Physical Therapy Association. She is an Ambassador for National Down Syndrome Society.

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Objectives

1. Analyze neuroanatomy and brain function in relation to injuries using a multilayer approach. 
2. Examine the correlation between orthopedic trauma and brain dysfunction to determine potential implications for occupational performance. 
3. Differentiate between strategies for modifying low and high tone qualities in relation to optimizing motor control and functional movement. 
4. Assess the impact of central nervous system dysfunction on daily activities, explain the concept of "practice makes pathways," and devise strategies to enhance adherence to home exercise programs. 
5. Evaluate the presence of tremors, eye misalignment, and nystagmus, and determine their potential effects on visual and motor functions during functional tasks. 
6. Appraise the significance of maintaining positive treatment sessions and utilizing effective verbal cues to enhance motivation and engagement in occupational therapy interventions. 
7. Formulate strategies for integrating therapeutic techniques into home programs for both patients and caregivers, considering the context of daily life and routines. 

Outline

Principles and Mechanisms of Neuroplasticity Related to Injury and/or Surgery 

• 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 & Improve Your Clinical Reasoning 

• 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 & Integrate Multimodal Approaches 

• 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 
• Motor imagery – How to move/mirror the motion 
• Virtual reality and other technology 
• Mindfulness and mental health – Fight, flight, freeze interference with coordination and balance 
• Considerations for special populations: geriatric, athletes or neuro 

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 
• Chiropractors 
• Occupational Therapists 
• Occupational Therapy Assistants