Webinars

Register early as space is limited!

Concepts of Therapeutic Exercise I

November 30, 2015 7:30-9:30pm

Presented by Lee N Marinko, PT, ScD, OCS, FAAOMPT

Course Fee: $100

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The course will provide an overview of the Systems Theory of Motor Control and will describe the principles of motor learning that should be implemented into exercise prescription/ instruction and functional training activities by the manual physical therapist. The student will learn that the nature of movement is based on the interaction of the individual, the task, and the environment and how to manipulate, or intervene, in each area to facilitate new movement patterns.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be prepared to:

  • Describe how an understanding of motor control shapes clinical physical therapist practice
  • Describe the Systems Approach to Motor Control and its clinical implications
  • Describe impaired movement strategies in terms of constraints at the level of the individual, task, and/or environment and how these might be altered
  • Implement principles of motor learning into functional training and exercise prescription including task-based practice
  • Use the optimal type of feedback to facilitate learning under various conditions
  • Determine which practice conditions will optimize motor learning with a given patient
  • Structure functional training +/or therapeutic exercise sessions to maximize acquisition +/or recovery of function

Concepts of Therapeutic Exercise II

December 30, 2015 7:00-9:00pm

Presented by Lee N Marinko, PT, ScD, OCS, FAAOMPT

Course Fee: $100

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This course is designed to build on the physical therapist’s knowledge of functional anatomy of the human body, principles of biomechanics, and the structure and function of connective and muscle tissue and the load needed for optimal health. Types of therapeutic exercise will be covered with an emphasis on the specific goals of each type of exercise. Task-based practice will be emphasized. Students will be taught to use exercise testing to develop the appropriate exercise prescription. Parameters needed to meet desired goals will be discussed.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be prepared to:

  • Develop and exercise program that achieves the desired goal with the appropriate parameters
  • Describe the functional anatomy and biomechanics (including forces) associated with any given exercise and how the exercise meets the desired goal
  • Recognize when an exercise is not meeting the desired goal and implement modifications as needed
  • Demonstrate communication skills that will improve the patient’s self-efficacy and adherence to the physical therapy program
  • Implement principles of motor learning into functional training and exercise prescription

Diagnostic Imaging

Part I: Principles -Thursday, January 14, 7-9 p.m.
Part II: Extremities – Thursday, January 21, 7-9 p.m.
Part III: Spine – Thursday, January 28, 7-9 p.m.

Presented by Diane M Heislein, PT, DPT, MS, OCS

Course Fee: $100 each

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Diagnostic imaging is an important compliment to the diagnostic process for patients presenting to physical therapy with musculoskeletal pain and disorders. This three-part Webinar series will explore the various imaging modalities that are commonly used in musculoskeletal practice and discuss the relevance of these tests to physical therapy practice including plain film radiography, CT, MRI, bone scan, and ultrasound. Clinical indications, algorithms for the selection of appropriate tests, relative risk of imaging, and interpretation of results in the context of physical therapy practice will be discussed.

Upon completion of this course the participant will be able to:

  • Define common radiologic terminology and tests.
  • Describe radiographic densities and the relevant anatomical phenomena contributing to these densities.
  • Perform a basic plain film radiologic review using the ABCs of radiology interpretation.
  • Label the relevant regional anatomy of the appendicular and axial skeleton.
  • Summarize the benefits and limitations of various radiologic modalities diagnostic imaging techniques used for musculoskeletal pathology.
  • Identify the appropriate imaging modality to evaluate common musculoskeletal complaints.
  • Discuss the impact of imaging on physical therapy care.

Introducing Wellness Concepts into the Outpatient Physical Therapy Setting

Presented by Lori Duran, MA, Certified Holistic Health Counselor and Mike Severo, MSPT, OMT

Course Fee: $100

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The course will provide an overview of the importance of wellness behaviors and their impact on health as related to the Affordable Care Act. Students will be introduced to how physical therapists can begin to discuss wellness behaviors directly related to recovery of musculoskeletal disorders. Students will also be introduced to the importance in wellness for prevention of future injuries. The student will learn how to gauge important wellness behaviors through the patient interview and how to provide the patient with strategies to change behaviors in a non-threatening or judgmental way.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be prepared to:

  1. Describe how wellness behaviors are linked to the three major tenets of healthcare reform.
  2. Describe the role of sleep, stress, dehydration and general lack of activity can negatively affect the rehabilitation process.
  3. Identify anti-inflammatory foods and their role in the rehabilitation process.
  4. Acquire the skills to garner general wellness behaviors from patients in a non-threatening or judgmental way
  5. Understand the concepts of “add ins” to encourage patients to change wellness behaviors
  6. Choose the most appropriate “add in” for the patient and discuss progress over the course of the treatment

Evidence Based Practice

Presented by Renee Christie, PT, DPT, FAAOMPT

Course Fee: $100

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This course is designed to bridge the gap between the art of manual therapy and the fundamentals of evidence based practice (EBP). It will explore the concepts of the five steps of EBP as a dynamic process. The emphasis of this Webinar will be pragmatic and provide the clinician with a better understanding of the constant interplay between clinical expertise, best evidence and patient values. This course will be case based and utilize practical information, using the 5 steps of EBP, which can be applied immediately to daily practice.

Upon completion of this course the participant will be able to:

  • Perform a comprehensive search of common databases to answer specific clinical questions.
  • Appraise literature to ascertain meaning and clinical utility.
  • Make informed decisions regarding examination, diagnosis, prognosis and intervention using current EBP.
  • Describe the 5 steps of EBP and the dynamic nature of this process.

What is the Biopsychosocial Approach to Musculoskeletal Care and How Do We Use it?

Presented by Diane Dalton, PT, DPT, OCS, OMT

Course Fee: $100

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This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to the biopsychosocial approach to musculoskeletal disorders and concepts related to care provided by an orthopaedic manual physical therapist. An introduction to contemporary pain science is provided with neurophysiological changes that occur in those with persistent pain and the relationship to contemporary pain management. The Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change will be described and description of how to assess a patient’s readiness to change will be provided. Psychologically informed physical therapist practice that uses a patient-centered approach will be described as well.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be prepared to:

  1. Compare/contrast the Biomedical and Biopsychosocial Models of healthcare
  2. Describe the impact of adopting a Biopsychosocial model of care on PT practice
  3. Understand the complex nature of pain
  4. Describe the CNS changes in persistent pain and how this effects treatment strategies
  5. Determine adaptive/maladaptive coping mechanisms
  6. Describe the stages related to behavior change
  7. Assess the patient’s readiness for change
  8. Understand how self-efficacy and expectations play a role in adherence to PT recommendations
  9. Describe concepts and components of psychologically informed PT practice

Communication: The Heart of a Patient Centered Approach and a Biopsychosocial Model

Presented by Mike Severo, PT, OMT

Course Fee: $100

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This course is designed to develop the biopsychosocial approach to musculoskeletal disorders and to expand on the use of motivational interviewing as a communication tool.  The course will provide a clear link between effective communication, the patient experience and improved outcomes.  Included will be information on skills related to patient-centered interviewing and facilitating behavior change.   The participants will be challenged to self-reflect on their own beliefs and to consider how those might affect their communication to patients.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be prepared to:

  • Describe key concepts in rapport building and communication
  • Facilitate reflection on participant beliefs vs patient beliefs
  • Understand how self-efficacy and expectations play a role in adherence to PT recommendations
  • Describe several patient-centered communication skills – including expanding on motivational interviewing techniques – and how they facilitate behavior change
  • Provide strategies to overcome patient ambivalence and improve adherence
  • Describe how the patient experience and improved outcomes are linked to healthcare reform

Healthcare Policy & Professional Advocacy

Presented by Matt McManus, PT
Co-owner and Regional Clinical Director Professional Physical Therapy
APTA of MA Public Policy Committee

Course Fee: $100

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Today’s healthcare landscape is a dynamic one. Though physical therapy services account for only 1% of the healthcare dollar spent in the United States, physical therapists can have a significant influence in helping to control downstream costs. The healthcare consumer of today is more educated, informed, and selective. As physical therapists, we are faced with the daily challenge of providing the highest quality of care resulting in the best functional outcome, ensuring a high level of patient satisfaction, and doing so in the most cost-effective manner possible.

At both the state and national level, we are facing reimbursement constraints, patient access issues, and capped insurance plans (Medicare). Insurance companies have shifted to a more shared-risk model (high deductible/co-insurance/co-pay plans). We must have a seat at the table when these policies and laws are forming. This can be accomplished through advocacy for our profession and our patients. Awareness of theses issues is the first step in understanding how to engage the decision makers.

Upon completion of this course the participant will be able to:

  • Understand current bills proposed in Massachusetts that may affect our ability to practice.
  • Understand what you can do as a professional to influence the decision makers.
  • Learn where to find this information and how to stay connected to your professional organization.
  • Discover who your legislator is and how to communicate with their office.