Prosthetics And Orthotics CEU Courses for PTs

Acute and chronic trauma is very prevalent in the United States, and have been tied strongly to adverse health behaviors and outcomes. This course provides the rehabilitation professional with an overview of the physiology of trauma, as well as practical tools to work with patients who are experiencing trauma. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and is therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA.

The static splinting 4-course series consists of an overview of the history of splint fabrication, the advances in the splinting and orthotics arena, and an anatomical review of key structures and landmarks. A detailed demonstration of wrist orthotics is presented as well as radial gutter/thumb spica splints, dorsal and volar wrist cock-ups, functional position with an intrinsic plus modification option, hand-based thumb spica, finger gutter and MP joint blocking splints. The application and use of a spring finger extension splint, oval 8 splints as well as static progressive finger flexion and extension splints are included.Finally, the fabrication of a footplate for external fixator application, the application of lower extremity splints and orthotics as well as splinting considerations for specific diagnoses including burn injury occurs in part 4.

Please note: This course series is comprised of the following individual recordings: #4018, #4020, #4022, and #4024

This course will instruct on examination and treatment of foot and ankle involvement for patients with pediatric health conditions including cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophies, and toe walking. Evidence-based interventions will be covered, including joint and soft tissue mobilizations to promote adaptive relative flexibility; improving intrinsic stability through progressive strengthening of the "foot core"; interventions to positively impact neuroplastic changes; and design of orthoses to support function and optimal development. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and is therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA.

This course will provide participants with essential tools for determining appropriate orthotic management with an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) based on detailed gait analysis. Evidence-based orthotic interventions will be presented and participants will have opportunities to see orthotic examples and practice application of information through video/paper cases. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy 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.

Very little research exists documenting the practice and evidence of the physical therapist’s role in recommending an ankle foot orthosis (AFO). The comprehensive examination should be patient-centered and collaborative in nature with the orthotist, but is often absent in rehabilitation practice. This course will review components of a physical therapy AFO examination as presented in the literature and provide evidence of what should be included, deleted or modified based patient impairments, social determinants of health and the presenter's experiences in AFO fabrication. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and is therefore appropriate for the PT and PTA.