This course will provide an overview of physical rehabilitation for persons with traumatic brain injury (TBI) across the continuum of care. Evidence based interventions for both Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy will be reviewed, along with information for referral to the most appropriate level of care. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and is therefore appropriate for the PT and PTA.

The subject matter of this course will include (1) a review of concussion and whiplash injuries, (2) an introduction to sensorimotor interventions, and (3) sensorimotor intervention progression for patients with concussion and whiplash injuries that are both acute and chronic approaches. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and athletic training and therefore appropriate for the PT, PTA and AT.

The orthopedic management of lumbopelvic pain in the athlete can be a challenge. In recent years, updated standards for examination and treatment of these patients have been published. This course will present an evidence-based update discussion of these standards. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and athletic training and is therefore appropriate for the PT,PTA and AT.

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.

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.

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). 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.

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.

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.

This course will address the similarities and differences in clinical etiology, presentation and assessment of dementia, delirium and depression in older adults. Strategies to improve clinical engagement of people with cognitive and mental health issues will be discussed that can be implemented immediately in clinical practice.

Many patients have short hospital lengths of stay thus PTs/PTAs in home health are treating people that still have somewhat acute medical problems. This course will help clinicians learn and apply common medical complications, therapeutic assessments, and interventions for people with CAD and/or CHF. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and is therefore appropriate for the PT and PTA.