Recorded Webinars

Northern Speech Services (www.northernspeech.com)

Redeveloping Procedural Memories to Address Deficits in Swallowing, Communication and Rapid Decision Making

This program explains how to reduce or eliminate the need for constant supervision to maintain communication and swallowing goals. At the highest level, athletes have stored procedural memories ready to use in their sport. They can adjust these movements in the context of the game with consideration of fatigue, situation, environmental conditions and opponent. Can your patients do this with more basic activities in life (find the right word, count, swallow, make a normally automatized decision)? If not, why not? Are our current rehabilitative approaches encouraging patients to re-automatize these skills, or are we encouraging patients to THINK ABOUT, rather than subconsciously process skills that were once procedural memories?

In the most skilled athletes, these movements are resistant to environmental distractions (crowd, opponent taunting, pain). After a stroke, concussion, MS exacerbation, or other – can we help people to become skilled and automatized again? In this course, we will review, APPLY, and ADVANCE the science of procedural learning and learn how to use dual task (DT) testing and training to decide when recovery is feasible AND facilitate recovery of the same. SLPs are in the optimal position to test, prescribe and deliver this approach – and lead the rehabilitative team in the same. Get ready for a course full of applications more than theories! This course is offered for 0.35 ASHA CEUs – 3.5 contact hours.

Course created on May 30, 2018

PhysicalTherapy.com

Visit any of the following links to arrive at my physicaltherapy.com webinars. PhysicalTherapy.com members enjoy unlimited CEU access to 275+ evidence-based courses in over 20 topic areas for $99/year. Course completion certificates are provided.

GeriATHletics: How PTs are Uniquely Positioned to Support Aging Athletes

This course will debunk some of the myths of aging and sport performance through evidence-based recommendations. Learn how to begin to test, train and develop your local geriATHletes. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and athletic training and therefore appropriate for Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants and Athletic Trainers. This course is part of the Issues in Geriatric Physical Therapy Conference during National Falls Prevention Awareness Week.

Editor’s Note: Regarding Pennsylvania credits, this course is approved by the PA State Board of Physical Therapy for 2 hours of General CE Credit from 7/15/17-12/31/18.

Course created on September 25, 2017

 

Elevating the Intensity Stroke Rehabilitation: Locomotor, Functional Mobility and Exercise Applications

This course will reveal a novel and intense clinical approach built specifically for persons that are 6 months or more in recovery post cerebrovascular accident (CVA).This approach includes Interventions that are designed and built directly from evidence and are adapted with consideration for the unique attributes of changes in the body and brain months and years after CVA. Additionally, this application will reveal incorporation of recent advances in motivation, motor learning, and practice – displaying all through videotape case study demonstration. Attendees will be engaged in a thought-provoking presentation that challenges previous misconceptions about the timeline of recovery and potential for improvement years after CVA. This presentation builds on recent controversies of body weight supported treadmill training (LEAPS) and recent advancements in circuit training (Canadian Stroke Protocol), as well as the SIRROWS study. In combination with video case studies, this course provides the learner from all practice points with tools to rehabilitate clients regardless of equipment and technological availability. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and athletic training and is therefore appropriate for the PT, PTA and AT. This course is open caption.

Course created on May 10, 2018

 

High Intensity Exercise: The Evidence and Application in Parkinson’s Disease

Physical Therapy treatment for Parkinson’s Disease is often oversimplified and defined as by one or two global approaches. This course will further the discussion of the various subtypes of Parkinson’s Disease and explore the evidence supporting high intensity exercise in all forms of PD and Parkinsonism’s. Strength, muscular endurance, cardiopulmonary endurance, balance and agility will be addressed as related to PD. We will provide videotape and case study application across 4 different classifications of Parkinson’s Disease and reveal applicable treatment strategies within each.

Course created on October 17, 2017

 

Cognitive Impairment in Parkinson’s Disease: Understanding the Problem and Unlocking the Solution to Freezing of Gait.

A select subgroup of persons with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) experience the phenomena known as Freezing of Gait (FOG). People who experience FOG exhibit impairment in specific cognitive domains, including attentional control and conflict resolution1,2. These cognitive deficits are related to reduced mobility and quality of life. Understanding cognitive deficits and their relationship to mobility can yield insights into effective treatment. However, to date clinical interventions to arrest or reduce the frequency of FOG are largely transient or contrived – with limited carryover3. This presentation will help clinicians and educators alike understand the physiology of FOG, and cognitive impairments typical of PD in persons with and without FOG. The authors will present a two-fold approach to reducing falls and functional impairment from FOG: 1) rehabilitative- through restitutive dual task and cognitive training4,5,6; and 2) compensatory- through education (awareness and prioritization)7. Additionally, we will provide videotape case studies and specific examples of how to apply each approach and to translate this information into interventions that will improve cognition and FOG. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and is appropriate for the PT and PTA.

Course created on October 20, 2017

 

Concussion: Conditioning the Brain and Body for Return to Sport

Concussion rehabilitation is perhaps the most emergent science in rehabilitative medicine. We recognize a concussion and understand the physiology of injury and of recovery better now than we did just 5 years ago. When the goal is to return to the athletic field, concussion rehabilitation is complicated by the myths, the motivations (athlete, coaches, parents), and the unique notion of returning a patient back to a potentially threatening environment requiring a very high level of skill to be safe, much less to perform. In this webinar, we will use evidence in concussion rehabilitation to tackle these complications in an effort to help clinicians navigate the recovery protocol and decision-making processes toward an optimal outcome and timely return. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and athletic training and is therefore appropriate for the PT, PTA and AT.

 

Editor’s Note: Regarding Pennsylvania credits, this course is approved by the PA State Board of Physical Therapy for 2 hours of general CE credit from 2/26/2017-12/31/2018.

Course created on November 15, 2017

 

The Science of Fall Prevention

What is the difference between screening and testing? What is the science of imbalance? What are the differences between unsteadiness, imbalance, dizziness, lightheadedness, and vertigo? How do I document to prove my worth, my role, or this patient’s potential? What is the evidence for helping someone improve balance? What is the best method to select the most sensitive and responsive balance test for each patient? What psychological influences could be involved with this person? The answers to these questions and more are in this seminar intended for advanced dizziness management- differential diagnostics and treatment. Expect practical techniques, readily applied to the clinic, incorporating current evidence and revealing future advances in balance and dizziness rehabilitation. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and is therefore appropriate for the PT and PTA.

Editor’s Note: Regarding Pennsylvania credits, this course is approved by the PA State Board of Physical Therapy for 1 hour of general and 1 hour of Direct Access CE credit from 3/23/2018-12/31/2018.

Course created on November 27, 2017

 

Allied Health Education

The following links direct to webinars through alliedhealthed.com

Debunking myths of dizziness and balance – present AND future clinical applications for fall prevention and dizziness management in aging

Course Description

This presentation will include practical clinical applications of the latest evidence in the rehabilitation of geriatric patients with imbalance and dizziness. Participants completing this course will be ready to recognize the common causes, individualize their care (exam and treatment), and set appropriate goals. We will reveal how to systematically evaluate and prescribe an individualized program for imbalance.

Course Objectives

At the end of this course, the participant will be able to:

  • Identify the various forms and causes of dizziness
  • Identify treatable aspects in the rehabilitation of dizziness
  • Identify a logical and stepwise plan to evaluate and treat dizziness in older adults

GeriAthletes: Supporting the New Wave of Active (and Competitive) Seniors

Course Description

This course will debunk some of the myths of aging and conditioning. We will describe the emerging trend of endurance and individual sport performance in aging through evidence-based recommendations in training, recovery, nutrition, and competition.  Learn how to begin to test, train and develop your local GeriAthletes.

Course Objectives

At the end of this course, the participant will be able to:

  • Apply the latest evidence in exercise: endurance, strength, power; specific to those 55 and over
  • Explain how to perform performance-based assessments through observation, standardized testing and instrumentation
  • Describe age-related considerations for training and competition in GeriAthletics.
  • Develop an individualized training program for a competitive GeriAthete in various competitive and recreational sports and activities.

 

Cognitive Impairment in Parkinson’s Disease: Understanding the problem and unlocking the solution to freezing of gait

Course Description

A select subgroup of persons with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) experience the phenomena known as Freezing of Gait (FOG). People who experience FOG exhibit impairment in specific cognitive domains, including attentional control and conflict resolution.  These cognitive deficits are related to reduced mobility and quality of life. Understanding cognitive deficits and their relationship to mobility can yield insights into effective treatment. However, to date clinical interventions to arrest or reduce the frequency of FOG are largely transient or contrived – with limited carryover.

This presentation will help clinicians and educators alike understand the physiology of FOG, demonstrate the environments that precipitate freezing; and identify the cognitive impairments typical of PD in persons with and without FOG. Participants will be presented with a two-fold approach to reducing falls and functional impairment from FOG: 1) rehabilitative – through restitutive dual task and cognitive training; and 2) compensatory- through education (awareness and prioritization). Video case studies and specific examples of how to test for FOG will be presented. Additionally video  demonstrations will be shown applying each approach and translating this information into interventions that will improve cognition and FOG.

Course Objectives

At the end of this course, the participant will be able to:

1) Identify relevant cognitive/motor changes that occur in PD and the evidence on objective testing of each impairment

2) Apply recent evidence in clinical interventions to reduce the frequency FOG and the functional limitations from cognitive impairment in PD.

3) Identify the best clinical measures to detect capacity and responsiveness in dual task cost for persons with FOG in PD.

4) Stimulate research furthering the cognitive / motor interplay in PD.

 

Applications in Stroke Rehabilitation: Taking your Intervention to the Next Level

Course Description

This presentation will include practical clinical applications of the latest evidence in recovery from stroke: acute and chronic.  Participants should be ready to engage in a discussion and see videotape case studies that may stretch your mind on how to promote neuroplasticity in all patients. 

Course Objectives

At the end of this course, the participant will be able to:

  • Be aware of recent evidence-based advances in stroke rehabilitation
  • Identify psychological principles involved in motivation and measurement in stroke recovery
  • List 4 essential variables for promoting neuroplasticity in stroke rehabilitation
  • Describe available resources OUTSIDE of the nervous system for stroke recovery
  • Describe modalities for and interventions designed for sensory neuroplasticity

 

High Intensity Exercise: The Evidence and Application in Parkinson’s Disease

Course Description

Therapy treatment for Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is often oversimplified and defined as by one or two global approaches. This course will further the discussion of the various subtypes of Parkinson’s Disease and explore the evidence supporting high intensity exercise in all forms of PD and Parkinsonism’s. Strength, muscular endurance, cardiopulmonary endurance, balance and agility will be addressed as related to PD. We will provide video and case study application across 4 different classifications of Parkinson’s Disease and reveal applicable treatment strategies within each.

Course Objectives

At the end of this course, the participant will be able to:

  • Apply the latest evidence to best individualize a balance program for individuals with Parkinson’s and Parkinsonism diseases.
  • Apply evidence for individualize interventions as related to subtypes of PD.
  • Apply principles of the ICF motivational and psychological characteristics in management of patients with PD and Parkinsonism’s.

 

Maximizing Functional Mobility in Patients with Cognitive Impairment: Attention, Memory and Awareness

Course Description

This presentation will include practical clinical applications for the physical and occupational therapist to best rehabilitate patients with cognitive impairment from stroke, brain injury and other neurological impairment.

Participants completing this course will be ready to recognize the common cognitive impairments, individualize their care (exam and treatment), and set appropriate goals. We will reveal how to systematically evaluate and prescribe an individualized program for each of the cognitive impairments addressed.

Course Objectives

At the end of this course, the participant will be able to:

  • Identify the various cognitive impairments, and appropriate examination tools
  • Identify current evidence in the treatment of cognitive impairment
  • Identify a logical and stepwise plan to evaluate and treat awareness and attention

 

Concussion management: A comprehensive course for the return to life, sport, and work

Course Description

This presentation will serve as a comprehensive educational offering on concussion, from incidence to discharge and everything between. Be prepared for an intermediate to advanced course that addresses each symptom of concussion with practical clinical applications for the physical and occupational therapist, as well as the athletic trainer. Whether you attend as a therapist or as a trainer, you will be ready to recognize the common cognitive, physical, and psychological impairments.

Some of the primary symptoms and impairments to be addressed include:

  • Dizziness
  • Headaches
  • Cervical pain
  • Blurred vision
  • Motion and visual stimuli intolerance
  • Distractibility
  • Light sensitivity
  • Weakness/deconditioning
  • Nausea

In short, this course will “help you, help them” to return to a higher quality of life at school, work, home, and sport.

Course Objectives

At the end of this course, the participant will be able to:

  • Understand contemporary evidence and protocols for activity management and return to: school, work, sport
  • Understand current evidence-based tests and measures for rehabilitation of the concussed adult and student-athlete
  • Gain future insights into concussion rehabilitation: testing, equipment, technology