By presenting latest research respect to spine stabilization and aquatic therapy for individuals with lumbar spine dysfunction, this course aims to assist the clinician in utilizing the unique properties of water to improve their patient’s outcomes. Clinical applications discussed include; aquatic exercise progressions to reduce pain and improve function. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and athletic training and is therefore appropriate for the PT and PTA.

Research indicated that in inpatient rehab "The largest percentage of time in physical therapy sessions was spent on gait activities" (Jette, et al., Physical Therapy, 2005; 85(3): 238-248, p. 241). Ankle foot orthotics (AFOs) are not issued in inpatient rehab due to the costs and interim interventions such as stabilizing the foot with an ace bandage are not adequate. Facilities do not have access to pre-fabricated AFOs or electrical stimulation units now being used as walking aides to replace AFOs. Focused rigidity casting is widely used in the orthopedic population and can be applied to the neurologic population. This course will provide insight on the use of focused rigidity casting to fabricate training an AFO. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and is therefore appropriate for the PT and PTA.

This course will include advances in the surgical techniques for less invasive and outpatient hip joint arthroplasty. The advances in technique are improving expected outcomes in rehabilitation and recovery. It is important that physical therapy professional understand how this impacts the patient’s abilities and rehab potential. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and is therefore appropriate for the PT and PTA.

Diastasis rectus abdominus is a common orthopedic complaint during and after pregnancy and after abdominal surgeries. As physical therapists in all settings, we need to be able to diagnose this muscle separation and be able to treat our patients appropriately. A diastasis rectus abdominus can contribute to our patients’ back, hip, and low back pain, as well as pelvic floor complaints.

In this webinar, participants will discuss how emerging motor behaviors in infants and toddlers bring opportunities for learning, leading to more opportunities for moving and doing. Caregiving routines, environments, and interactions will be examined to understand differences in the way infants and toddlers form new skills that potentially affect their developmental outcomes. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and is therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA.

Why are some movements "automatic", processed without direct and consistent conscious control, or even resistant to environmental distractions? How do movements become automatic in the unimpaired learner and begin again in those with brain injury or other impairment? In this course, we will review, APPLY, and ADVANCE the science of procedural learning (regaining automatic function) in gait, speech, ADL, athletics and more! We will review how the best applications of dual-task facilitate the transfer of experiences into procedural memories. Additionally, attendees will get a sneak peek into the emerging world of Dual Task Fitness, for the benefit of fall prevention, ADL, speech for those with fall risk, MCI, concussion, some PD, MS, ALS, and stroke.

How do postural alignment and breathing patterns affect spinal stability and core muscle endurance? This presentation will distill concepts from yoga therapy, sports medicine, and physical rehabilitation to reveal novel treatment techniques that can improve relaxation, breathing mechanics, and core muscle recruitment. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and athletic training and is therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA and AT.

Upper extremity pathology is common in the general population and even more frequent with overhead athletes. To be successful in this specialized population it is important to understand the rehabilitation progression for a safe return to the demands of overhead activity. The purpose of this presentation is to present an evidence-based review of current physical therapy practice for the management and treatment of shoulder and elbow pathology in the overhead athlete. The principles of dynamic stabilization as it relates to an overhead athlete population will be discussed. Criteria for a safe progression to overhead sport following injury will also be included.

Involvement of female athletes after the age of 40 has exploded in distance events such as the half marathon and IronMan triathlon. This course will discuss several aspects of the master female including physiology, musculoskeletal concerns and training recommendations. The content of this course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and athletic training and is therefore appropriate for the PT, PTA and AT.

Incontinence is often times ignored, not addressed, or considered ‘normal’. Physical Therapists are well positioned to identify, refer, and treat urinary incontinence. This course will cover what incontinence is, what physical therapy professionals can do, not just in home health, but in any setting to help cure incontinence, and make appropriate referrals for people who present with urinary issues. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and therefore appropriate for the PT and PTA.