EVALUATION AND REHABILITATION OF THE KNEE

7.0 Contact Hours

This course is open to all physical therapists
and physical therapist assistants

Course Description

This is a basic/intermediate level course that focuses on lower extremity biomechanics and manual therapy techniques to treat the common knee disorders of anterior knee pain, ACL tear/repair and total knee replacement. There will be significant amounts of lab time so the participants will have plenty of opportunities to practice and get comfortable with the different techniques. Treatment techniques include joint mobilization, taping techniques and therapeutic exercise.

Course Objectives

At the conclusion of this course, participants will be able to:
1. Understand the biomechanics of the lower extremity and how they will effect rehabilitation of the knee
2. Understand the difference between open chain and closed chain biomechanics and exercise and when it is appropriate to use each
3. Properly assess the mobility of the knee joint
4. Properly apply manual therapy techniques to the knee joint
5. Assess and treat anterior knee pain
6. Apply treatment techniques for anterior cruciate ligament injuries
7. Apply treatment techniques for total knee replacements

Course Schedule:

8:00-8:30 Registration
8:30-9:30 LE Biomechanics, Gait and Open vs Closed Chain
9:30-10:00 Mobility Testing
10:00-10:15 Break
10:15-11:00 Mobilization Lab
11:00-12:00 Anterior Knee Pain
12:00-1:00 Lunch
1:00-1:30 Anterior Knee Pain, continued
1:30-2:30 ACL
2:30-2:45 Break
2:45-3:30 TKA
3:30-4:00 Questions, Review


2009 Schedule

October 10, 2009
@ Radisson Hotel Chicago O’Hare
1450 E. Touhy
Des Plaines, IL

About the Instructors

John R. Christiansen, MS PT, OCS, ATC

John is a Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist since 2004 from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists. He received his M.S. in Physical Therapy from the University of Osteopathic Medicine and Health Sciences in Des Moines, IA. John also has a B.S. in Kinesiology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with an emphasis in athletic training
Mr. Christiansen is currently a partner of Advanced Rehabilitation Clinics, a private physical therapy practice treating orthopedic and sports medicine. He has lectured extensively on various orthopedic topics.
John is the Co-Director of the Healthcare Referral Network for USA Gymnastics, reviewing resumes of healthcare providers who wish to be part of national network of sports medicine providers for USA gymnasts. He has extensive experience as a physical therapist/athletic trainer for USA Gymnastics and the US Olympic Committee and has been the Sports Medicine Team Coordinator for the Illinois Gymnastics Institute Chicago Style Meet, a meet with over 3,000 gymnasts.

J. Patrick Chapman, MS, PT, OCS, ATC, CSCS

Pat received his BS in Physical Therapy, with Honors, from the University of Illinois in Chicago. He has a MS in Sports Medicine from the University of Illinois and a BS in Bioscience/Kinesiology from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. He is a Certified Athletic Trainer; Level 2 Gold Medical Professional TPI; Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist; and is certified in Throwing Mechanics by the National Pitching Association.
Mr. Chapman has lectured on numerous topics in the orthopedic field and is dedicated to advancing the profession of physical therapy through evidence based practice, mentorship and education.

Treatment Programs for PTA’s

Translating the evaluation into treatment.

14 Contact hours

(11 live and 3 home study)

Finally! A course designed for PTA’s. This course provides dozens and dozens of treatment ideas for a variety of adult rehab disorders. Also great for the PT looking for more treatment options! This course is open to all physical therapists and physical therapist assistants.


Course Description
This course is designed as a beginning to intermediate level course. It provides a variety of treatment options for the following types of rehab patients:
· The geriatric debilitated patient.
· Parkinson’s Disease
· CVA
Exercises are specifically designed to achieve optimal functional outcomes. Specific functional tests to measure improvement will be discussed including the 6 Minute Walk Test; Dynamic Gait Index; Berg Balance Test; Get Up and Go Test.
Specific treatment protocols will include gait training, general strengthening programs, functional training including balance training techniques, as well as, stretching and home programs. Loaded and unloaded exercises will be defined and participants will learn when to use each type.
A section on orthotics including types of AFO’s and how and when to recommend them will also be presented.
Problem solving will be emphasized with case studies and video presentations of gait deviations. Participants will be provided with numerous pictures of exercises to use in their practice setting.
The home study portion of the class will be mailed or emailed to each participant before the class begins. The skills learned in this course will have immediate application within the clinical environment. This is an ideal course for physical therapist assistants, therapists returning to practice, home health therapists, and therapists with limited rehab experience.


Course Objectives
At the conclusion of this course, physical therapists and physical therapist assistants will be able to:
·Understand the limiting factors in a comprehensive evaluation and be able to identify several different treatment options for a specific problem.
·Identify special problems that exist for the patients with Parkinson’s Disease, stroke or who are debilitated.
·Identify gait deviations and list a series of exercises which will correct the most common types of gait deviations
·List exercises that will improve dynamic and static balance
·List exercises that will improve functional skills such as stair climbing, transfers, and bed mobility.
·Be able to design a specific stretching program to resolve joint and muscle tightness.
·Be able to determine whether decreased range of motion is due to joint or muscle tightness.
·Be able to complete a progressive strengthening program
·Be able to complete mobilization techniques for hip, knee, and ankle joints to increase joint mobility
·Be able to incorporate cardiac considerations and monitoring into treatment programs.



Course Date: September 26 & 27, 2009
Radisson Chicago O’Hare
1450 E. Touhy, Des Plaines, IL 60016



Schedule: Day One: 8:00-8:30am Registration
Course begins at 8:30. One hour Lunch (on your own) and course concludes at 4:00pm

Day two: 8:00-8:30am registration
Course begins at 8:30 and concludes at 12:00pm

About the Instructor

Jeanne Cleary, PT, cert. MDT, cert. NDT

Jeanne Cleary received her Bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from Marquette University. She is certified in the Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment of the Spine (McKenzie method) and in Neurodevelopmental Treatment Approach (NDT) for adult hemiplegia.
Ms. Cleary is the co-founder of Creative Therapy Resource, Ltd. which is a private practice specializing in the treatment of the spine, neurological disorders, and vestibular rehabilitation. Jeanne has over 20 years of experience in a variety of settings including rehabilitation.

Tai Chi for Physical Therapists

An evidence based approach to incorporate this ancient art into your current practice

7.0 Contact Hours

Course Description
This fun, dynamic introductory lab course will demystify Tai Chi and allow you to immediately use it in your practice. Current research showing the specific benefits of tai chi will be reviewed to allow you to use this evidence in your clinical decision-making. Basic and intermediate tai chi exercises will be taught and modifications for these exercises will be discussed. No previous understanding of this ancient art is necessary. Participants should come prepared for exercise, as the majority of the course is spent learning Tai-Chi moves.

Course Objectives
At the conclusion of this course, participants will be able to:
— Understand the history and philosophy of Tai Chi
— Perform and instruct basic and intermediate Tai Chi movements
— Adapt traditional Tai Chi movements for the needs of your individual patients.
— Have a firm understanding of the current research for this topic.

Comments from previous participants:
-Fun, plus easy to see benefits for all! Another tool in my toolbox
-Love courses where I can take my shoes off!
-Great job! Well organized!
-Great course!

Why Tai Chi?
The ancient Chinese discovered the health benefits of Tai Chi over 5,000 years ago. This art form remains a mystery to most physical therapists and physical therapist assistants in this country. Current research has proven tai chi exercise has the following clinically relevant benefits:
— Improved balance
— Increased flexibility
— Increased strength
— Improved muscular endurance
— Increased cardiovascular fitness
— Decreased risk and fear of falling
— Increased functional independence

Evidence based practice is the gold standard of patient care. This fun and dynamic course will allow you enhance your treatments for your neurological, orthopedic, geriatric and chronic pain patients immediately upon completing this course.

2009 SCHEDULE

September 12
@Creative Therapy Resource, Ltd
1683 Elk Blvd, Des Plaines, IL 60016

** Space is limited! Reserve your spot early**

Course Schedule:
8:00-8:30 Course registration
8:30 Course begins
12:00-12:45 Lunch on your own

4:00 Course ends

Treatment Options for the Debilitated General Rehab Patient

14 Contact Hours

(11 Contact hours plus 3 Home Study hours)

Course Dates: August 29 & 30, 2009
Chateau of Bloomington
1601 Jumer Dr. Bloomington, IL 61704

December 5 & 6, 2009
Radisson Hotel Chicago O’Hare
1450 E. Touhy Des Plaines, IL 60016

Course Description
This course is an entry to mid-level course which provides a variety of treatment options for the debilitated general rehab patient. The course will provide the pathway from evaluation to specific treatments to achieve optimal functional outcomes.

Various rehab diagnoses will be spotlighted including the general debilitated patient, Parkinson’s Disease, and CVA. Specific treatment protocols will include gait training, general strengthening programs, functional training including balance training techniques, as well as, stretching and home programs. Loaded and unloaded exercises will be defined and participants will learn when to use each type.

Orthotic management of the rehab patient will be included:

• Types of AFO’s
• How and when to recommend AFO’s
• How to check-out a new AFO for fit and proper fabrication.
  

Gait evaluation and treatments to correct gait deviations will be presented in detail. Video presentations of various gait deviations greatly aid in the learning process. Problem solving will be emphasized with case studies and examples. Participants will be provided with numerous pictures of exercises to use in their practice setting.
The skills learned in this course will have immediate application within the clinical environment. This is an ideal course for therapists with limited rehab experience, home health therapists, therapists returning to practice and physical therapist assistants.

Course Objectives
At the conclusion of this course, physical therapists and physical therapist assistants will be able to:

• Identify main limiting factors in a comprehensive evaluation and use them to formulate a treatment plan
• Evaluate gait and list a series of exercises which will correct the most common types of gait deviations including orthotic management
• List exercises that will improve dynamic and static balance
• List exercises that will improve functional skills such as stair climbing, transfers, and bed mobility
• Be able to design a specific stretching program to resolve joint and muscle tightness
• Be able to determine whether decreased range of motion is due to joint or muscle tightness
• Be able to design a progressive strengthening program
• Be able to complete mobilization techniques for hip, knee, and ankle joints to increase joint mobility
• Identify special considerations for the person with deconditioning, Parkinson’s Disease and stroke
• Be able to incorporate cardiac considerations and monitoring into treatment programs.

Course Schedule: Day One: 8:00-8:30 Registration
8:30 course begins
12:00-1:00 Lunch on your own
4:00 course ends.
Day Two
8:00-8:30 Registration
8:30 course begins
12:00 course concludes

This course has a 3 hour home study component that will be mailed or emailed to each participant prior to the course.

About the Instructor
Jeanne Cleary, PT, cert. MDT, cert. NDT

Jeanne Cleary received her Bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from Marquette University. She is certified in the Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment of the Spine (McKenzie method) and in the Neurodevelopmental Treatment Approach (NDT) for adult hemiplegia. Ms. Cleary is the co-founder of Creative Therapy Resource, Ltd. which is a private practice specializing in the treatment of the spine, neurological disorders, and vestibular rehabilitation. Jeanne has over 20 years of experience in a variety of settings including many years in a large rehabilitation hospital. Jeanne has been the instructor for numerous continuing education courses for physical therapists.

Principles of Vestibular Rehabilitation

Contact Hours: 14.0
(11 Contact hours plus 3 Home Study hours)

Dates:

• August 29 & 30, 2009 in Bloomington, IL
• September 26 & 27, 2009 in Des Plaines, IL
• December 5 & 6, 2009 in Des Plaines, IL
  
  Course Schedule: Both days: 8:00-8:30 registration
  
  Day One: Course begins at 8:30am and ends at 4:00pm (one hour lunch on your own)
  Day Two: Course begins at 8:30 and concludes at 12:00.
  
  
  Location: For Des Plaines, IL: Radisson Hotel Chicago O'Hare
  1450 E. Touhy, Des Plaines, IL

For Bloomington, IL: Chateau of Bloomington 1601 Jumer Dr. Bloomington, IL 61704

Intended Audience: This course is designed for therapists with minimal to no experience treating vestibular patients. It is open to all Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants. Therapists more experienced in vestibular rehab, but wish a detailed demonstration of different types of nystagmus, evaluation techniques, and treatments will find this course beneficial.

Course Description: The purpose of this introductory course is to provide a general overview of the vestibular system, common vestibular diagnoses and causes, a detailed explanation of a vestibular evaluation and assessment, and examples of typical exercise programs for the most common vestibular disorders.

The therapist completing this course should be able to complete a basic vestibular evaluation, be able to determine the correct physical therapy diagnosis, and develop a treatment program to correct the most commonly seen deficits.

The following tools will be provided for immediate use in the clinic: a vestibular evaluation template; gaze stabilization exercises handouts; postural balance handouts; step by step canalith repositioning techniques for posterior and horizontal canal BPPV; After-care instructions for canalith repositioning techniques; and balance exercises.

This course includes a home study component which will be mailed or emailed to each participant prior to the course.

Course Objectives: At the conclusion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Understand the anatomy and physiology of the vestibular system
2. Be able to identify the signs and symptoms of a vestibular deficit
3. Understand the causes of dizziness
4. Be able to complete a thorough vestibular evaluation
5. Be able to interpret and analyze data from the evaluation and determine a physical therapy diagnosis
6. Design and progress a treatment plan for peripheral vestibular deficits, central vestibular deficits, and postural balance deficits.
7. Identify posterior canal BPPV and complete an Epley maneuver for treatment
8. Identify horizontal canal BPPV and complete a log roll canalith repositioning technique

About the Instructor:

Cynthia Flosi, PT, DPT, cert. MDT, cert. NDT

Cindy Flosi received her Bachelor's degree from St. Louis University 25 years ago. She received her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Arizonal School of Health Science at A.T. Still University. Dr. Flosi has extensive education and experience in treating vestibular disorders. She is the co-owner of Creative Therapy Resource, Ltd., a private practice in suburban Chicago specializing in the treatment of the spine, neurological deficits, and vestibular disorders. Dr. Flosi has treated and lectured about vestibular disorders for over 15 years. She is NDT certified in adult hemiplegia and McKenzie certified in mechanical diagnosis and treatment of the spine.

Dr. Flosi has authored six home study courses for PT's and OT's. She has also published ten article reviews on neurological topics for the American Physical Therapy Association’s Hooked on Evidence Project.

Yoga for Low Back Pain: An evidence-based approach to incorporate Yoga into your physical therapy practice.

Contact Hours: 14 hours.
This course has been approved by the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation for 14 contact hours.


Intended Audience: Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants

Course Description: This two day introductory lab course will allow you to utilize Yoga in your physical therapy treatment for patients with acute and chronic low back pain. Basic and intermediate yoga exercises will be presented by a McKenzie certified physical therapist in a format that can be utilized with or without a directional preference. Also, modifications of these exercises, breathing techniques, and meditation will be taught. Current literature will be reviewed to allow you to use this evidence in your clinical decision making. No previous knowledge of yoga is necessary.

2009 Schedule:

• March 28 & 29, 2009
• June 27 & 28, 2009
• October 24 & 25, 2009

8:00-8:30 course registration. 8:30 course begins, 4:00 course ends. One hour lunch each day (on your own).

Location: Radisson Hotel Chicago O'Hare

1450 E. Touhy Ave, Des Plaines, IL

Course Objectives: At the conclusion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the history, philosophies, and the different types of yoga
• Perform and instruct basic and intermediate exercises, breathing techniques and meditation.
• Adapt traditional exercises for the needs of your individual patients.
• Have a firm understanding of the current research for this topic.

Why Yoga for Low Back Pain? Low back pain can be one of the most frustrating diagnoses encountered in physical therapy. Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years for its health benefits. Current research has shown Yoga to be highly effective in reducing low back pain. After this course, you will be able to decrease spinal pain from any of the following diagnoses:

• Herniated or bulging discs
• Lumbar radiculopathy
• Lumbar spinal stenosis
• Lumbar spondylosis
• Degenerative disc disease
• Chronic pain/fibromyalgia
• Lumbar instability
• Mechanical back pain
• Chemical back pain

Evidence based practice is the gold standard of patient care. This course will allow you to enhance your treatment of low back pain for a wide variety of patients immediately upon completing this course.

About the Instructor: Sarah Wendel, PT, cert. MDT

Sarah received her Bachelor's degree in physical therapy from Northern Illinois University. She is certified in the Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment of the Spine (McKenzie method). Ms. Wendel is the Senior Therapist at Creative Therapy Resource, Ltd. where she specializes in the treatment of the spine, neurological disorders, and vestibular rehabilitation. Ms. Wendel has practiced Yoga and used it in her practice for over seven years.

Advanced Techniques for Treatment of the Shoulder

Contact Hours: 14.0 hours

Intended Audience: Physical Therapists , Physical Therapist Assistants, Athletic Trainers, Occupational Therapists

2009 Schedule: All courses are Sat. & Sun.

• April 25 and 26 2009
• October 3 and 4, 2009

Location for both dates:

Creative Therapy Resource, Ltd 1683 Elk Blvd Des Plaines, IL 60016 Location phone number: 847-390-0999

This course has been approved by the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation for 14 contact hours for PT's and PTA's. Certificates of attendance are provided upon successful completion of the course. Other professionals should check with their professional organizations

Course Description: This shoulder course is designed to be an advanced, modern course that bridges the gap between scientific research and clinical practice. Its focus is on a combination of evidence-based manual therapy and exercise, along with an update of the literature on shoulder evaluation and pathology. This course will present a comprehensive approach to assist with treating both common shoulder dysfunctions and the difficult shoulder. It is designed to give the therapist tools for immediate clinical application to improve outcomes and patient satisfaction. Lecture and lab topics will include treatment for all patient types, from couch potato to the throwing athlete.

Course Objectives
At the conclusion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Understand the biomechanics of the joints of the shoulder complex and how they integrate together
2. Perform a comprehensive examination of the shoulder
3. Review the literature of recent research on shoulder evaluation and treatment strategies
4. Understand the implications of the spine on shoulder pathology
5. Know the biomechanics of the throwing motion and its implications on pathology and treatment
6. Explain the evidence-based rationale and general concepts of shoulder pathologies
7. Construct an evidence-based functional rehabilitation program for the treatment of shoulder injuries
8. Understand the treatment stages for treating both the hypermobile and hypomobile shoulder
9. Be able to instruct other therapists and doctors of the available research on modalities
10. Be able to efficiently perform new techniques on Monday

Day One:
8:00 – 8:30 Registration
8:30 – 10:00 Anatomy
Biomechanics
Examination, Medical Screening & Special Tests
10:00 – 10:15 Break
10:15 – 12:00 Lab: Special Tests
Adhesive Capsulitis Lecture
12:00 – 1:00 Lunch
1:00 – 2:45 Lab: Joint Mobilization of the Glenohumeral Joint
Manual Therapy Principles
2:45 – 3:00 Break
3:00 –4:00 Lab: Joint Mobilization of the SC, AC, & Scapulothoracic Joints
Soft Tissue Mobilization

Day Two:
8:00- 8:30 Registration
8:30 –10:00 Questions / Review of Day One
Implication of the Spine on Shoulder Pathology
Lab: Thoracic Mobilization / Manipulation for Treatment of Shoulder Pain
10:00 – 10:15 Break
10:15 – 12:00 Impingement Lecture
Lab: Scapular Stabilization
12:00 – 1:00 Lunch
1:00 – 2:45 Shoulder Dysfunction in Overhead Athletes
Evidence-Based Treatment for Shoulder Pain: Exercise, tape, and modality review
2:45 – 3:00 Break
3:00 – 4:00 Lab: Therapeutic Exercise for the Shoulder and Thoracic Spine

About the Instructor

Ryan Perry, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS, MTC, FAAOMPT

Dr. Perry graduated from Bradley University in 2001 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Physical Therapy (BSPT). Since then, he received his Certified Strengthening and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification in 2002. Ryan then completed the Clinical Certification Program (Manual Therapy Certification, or MTC) through the Ola Grimsby Institute in April 2004.

In June 2006, Ryan became board-certified by the American Physical Therapy Association as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS). In the same year, he completed his Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from the Ola Grimsby Institute. He completed his Fellowship training through the Ola Grimsby Institute in December 2006 and became the first practicing (non-professor) Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists (FAAOMPT) in the city of Chicago in February 2007.

Ryan has enjoyed teaching locally and nationally for HealthSouth / NovaCare since 2004 while remembering himself to never forget learning. He has been very active in Continuing Education, usually receiving 100-150 CE hours per year.

Evaluation and Treatment of Low Back Pain

Improving Outcomes by Sub-Grouping Patients

Contact Hours: 7.0

This course is approved for 7 contact hours for PT’s and PTA’s by Illinois Department of Professional Regulation.

Instructor: Jess Brown, PT, MS, OCS

Intended Audience: This course is open to all PT’s and PTA’s

Dates:

May 2, 2009

July 11, 2009

November 7, 2009

Location for all dates:

Radisson Hotel Chicago O'Hare

1450 E. Touhy

Des Plaines, IL

Course Description:

This course is designed to familiarize clinicians with the concept of sub-grouping patients with low back pain. Sub-grouping patients places an emphasis on identifying important signs and symptoms that allow the clinician to confidently determine the intervention that is most likely to result in an optimal outcome.

The sub-grouping method is in contrast to the currently prevalent patho-anatomical model, where the emphasis is on the often difficult, if not impossible, task of identifying a single structure or tissue as the pain generator.

Relevant research regarding sub-grouping will be discussed and there will be laboratory sessions instructing the participants in how to perform the primary interventions of each sub-group:
· Lumbo-pelvic thrust technique
· Extension and flexion oriented treatment algorithms
· Lumbo-pelvic stabilization exercises

Course Outline

8:00-8:30 Registration
8:30-10:00 Low Back Pain – An Epidemic
Where do Physical Therapists fit in? Where should they?
Why should we sub-group our patients?
Current Classification Systems for treatment of LBP
The Treatment-Based Classification (TBC) System
10:00-10:15 Break
10:15-11:00 Evaluation of the patient with LBP using the TBC - Lab
11:00 – 11:30 Evidence for Traction sub-group
11:30-12:00 Evidence for Manipulation sub-group
12:00-1:00 Lunch (on your own)
1:00-1:30 Manipulation – Safety, Indications & Contraindications
1:30 – 2:15 Lumbo-Pelvic Regional Thrust Manipulation – Lab
2:15-3:00 Evidence Supporting Directional Preference/Specific Exercise Sub-Group
3:00-3:15 Break
3:15-4:00 Evidence Supporting the Stabilization Sub-Group
4:00 Course concludes

About the Instructor:
Jess Brown, PT, MS, OCS

Mr. Brown graduated from Beaver College in Pennsylvania in 1998 with a MS in Physical Therapy. Since then, he has been pursuing post-graduate certification in manual therapy through the North American Institute of Manual Therapy. He has completed advanced training in the evaluation and treatment of the spine including :
· high velocity, low amplitude thrust manipulation of the spine, pelvis, and thorax
· differential diagnosis of the spine
· evidence-based approach to manipulation.

In 2006, Jess became board-certified by the American Physical Therapy Association as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS). He is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, Orthopedic Section and the Association for Ethics in Spine Surgery. He is currently employed as the Facility Manager/Physical Therapist for Accelerated Rehabilitation Centers.

Jess has enjoyed teaching for Accelerated Rehab, as well as, several Grand Round lectures for Georgetown Hospital/National Rehabilitation Hospital PM&R and the Chesterfield Family Medicine Residency program.

Infectious Disease Update

Contact Hours: 7.0 hours

Intended Audience: Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants

2009 Schedule: New Price for this 7 Contact Hour course:
$99.00 Early Bird
$110 Regular

• April 18, 2009 @ LOCATION CHANGE: Creative Therapy Resource, Ltd, 1683 Elk Blvd, Des Plaines, IL
• October 10, 2009 @ Radisson Hotel Chicago O'Hare; 1450 E. Touhy, Des Plaines, IL

This course has been approved by the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation for 7 contact hours for PT's and PTA's. Certificates of attendance are provided upon successful completion of the course.

On the date of the course, registration is from 8:00-8:30 am. Course begins at 8:30 and concludes at 4:00pm. A one hour lunch will be scheduled (on your own).


Course Description:

Have you ever wondered whether a disease contracted by your patient is contagious to you or other patients? Have any of your pediatric patients not been immunized? If so, is there a risk to other patients, to a pregnant woman, to yourself?

This course will provide participants with the current guidelines developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the treatment of infectious diseases. Strategies will be discussed to prevent and control common infectious diseases that are likely to be encountered in the clinic.

This course covers the requirements for annual blood borne pathogen training as outlined by OSHA.

Course Outline:
Facts About Infectious Diseases

• Bacterial
• Viral
• Vaccine Preventable
• Food borne and water borne

OSHA Blood Borne Pathogen Training

• OSHA standard
• Epidemiology and symptoms of common blood borne pathogens
• Modes of transmission
• Exposure control plan
• Purpose of the Hepatitis B vaccination
• Personal protective equipment
• Recognition of exposures, management, and post-exposure follow-up.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

• MRSA
• Avian Influenza
• West Nile Virus
• Tuberculosis
• SARS
• Norovirus

Effective Infection Control Practices

• Impact of Nosocomial Infections
• Hand-washing
• Appropriate disinfection practices
• Types of isolation

Immunization

• Immunization 101
• Immunization myths and misinformation
• Immunization for health care workers

About the Instructor:

Melody Bockenfeld, MPH, BSN

Melody has more than 25 years experience in nursing with nine years in Public Health Administration. She holds a Masters degree in Public Health from the University of Illinois and a Bachelors degree in Nursing form the University of Illinois.

Melody is currently the Manager of the Public Health Division of the Outagamie County Department of Health and Human Services in Wisconsin. She is in charge of programs including Public Health Nursing, Environmental Health, Maternal-Child health, and WIC.

Melody has taught as an adjunct instructor for the University of Wisconsin Green bay Nursing school, has been a mentor in the Community Health Intern Program for the Wisconsin Area Health Education Centers, and has served as President of the Wisconsin Association of Local Health Departments and Boards.

Evidence Based Evaluation and Treatment of Parkinson's Disease

Contact Hours: 7.0 hours

Intended Audience: Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants. The course is designed as lecture and lab. A portion of the day will be spent exercising. Please dress in comfortable exercise attire.

2009 Schedule:

• June 20, 2009 @ Creative Therapy Resource, Ltd; 1683 Elk Blvd, Des Plaines, IL


• November 7, 2009 @ Radisson Hotel Chicago O'Hare; 1450 E. Touhy, Des Plaines, IL

This course has been approved by the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation for 7 contact hours for PT's and PTA's. Certificates of attendance are provided upon successful completion of the course.

On the date of the course, registration is from 8:00-8:30 am. Course begins at 8:30 and concludes at 4:00pm. A one hour lunch will be scheduled (on your own).

Course Description:

This evidence based course will allow you to effectively evaluate and treat patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) at all levels of function. Current research regarding assessment and treatment of PD will be reviewed to allow you to use this evidence in your clinical decision-making. The use of evidence-based evaluation tools will be included.

The pathophysiology of Parkinson’s and other movement disorders will be discussed including the effects of medications. Treatment and assessment strategies to address all areas typically affected by Parkinson’s disease will be covered:

• Gait


• Functional mobility


• Strength


• Flexibility


• Cardiovascular function

A lab session will allow all therapists to learn and practice exercises designed for individuals with PD. Additionally, assessment of fall risk and reduction of fall risk factors will be taught. The role of physical therapy within the interdisciplinary team role will be discussed.

Course Objectives:

At the conclusion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Describe the typical characteristics of Parkinson’s disease and how they impact Physical Therapy


• Describe evidence-based evaluation tools to assess gait, balance and fall risk in people with PD


• Identify evidence-based treatment strategies to address the following domains of exercise in people with PD: gait, functional mobility, strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular.


• Explain 2 uses of the treadmill for people with PD


• Identify intrinsic and extrinsic fall risk factors and assessment methods for people with PD


• Identify the cognitive deficits commonly seen with PD and how they impact treatment and education


• Describe the role of the interdisciplinary team in the care of people with PD

About the Instructor: Miriam Rafferty, PT, DPT

Miriam Rafferty received her Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy from Washington University. She currently holds a research position at Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago’s Neurolocomotion Lab. Dr. Rafferty is a RIC Brown Fellowship Award recipient for her research project “Assessment and Treatment of Episodic Gait Disturbance in Parkinson’s Disease.

Additionally, she is the lead physical therapist in the in-patient rehabilitation Parkinson’s Disease program and out-patient Parkinson’s clinic at RIC. Dr. Rafferty has been an instructor at several RIC courses and has lectured to the Eastern District of the IPTA about Parkinson´s disease and her research.

Home Study Courses

Don't have time to attend a course?

Earn continuing education credits at your own pace, in the most affordable way.

PT's can complete 20 of their 40 required continuing education hours through home study courses. PTA's can complete 10 of their 20 required hours through home study.

Home study is easy to complete, just order your course, and read it at your leisure. The courses are designed to be easy to read and applicable to the clinical environment.

In order to receive your certificate of completion, the state requires that you complete a multiple choice quiz on the material. Don't get stressed out about the quiz! If you have questions, you can email us and the author will be able to clarify any issues.

Once you receive your course, you have 6 months to complete the quiz and return it to us. We allow 3 re-takes of the test if needed! Your certificate of completion will be mailed to you after we receive your test.

Special Home Study Packages

10 credit hour package: Order any combination of courses totaling 10 credit hours (a $150 value) for $127.50. (a 15% discount). Courses must be ordered at one time and registered to the same person. This is 10 credit hours for less than the price of a one day course!

20 credit hour package: Order any combination of courses totaling 20 credit hours (a $300 value) for $255 (a 15% discount) plus FREE SHIPPING. Courses must be ordered at the same time and registered to the same person. This is 20 credit hours for less than the price of a two day course!

Multiple Course Discount: The highest price course is full price, each additional course is 10% off the listed price when ordered at the same time.

Share a Course: We all love to attend a course with a friend, you can share home study courses too! Share a course allows multiple people to receive credit from a course by sharing the reading materials and each person taking their own test. The first person pays full price, then each additional person pays $10/per contact hour per person. Share a course can be ordered when the original course is ordered or at a later date. No multiple course discounts are available for share a course. The share a course package consists of one set of reading materials and testing materials for each person.

To order home study courses please call 847-520-9038

Available Courses:

Introduction to Vestibular Rehabilitation: (8 hrs) $120.00

This course outlines the basics of vestibular evaluation and rehabilitation. It explains common vestibular deficits like B.P.P.V., peripheral vestibular deficits, central vestibular deficits, and how to differentiate between them. A sample evaluation is included.

Shoulder Impingement Syndrome: Current Evidence and Treatment Principals: (5 credit hours) $75.00

This course defines shoulder impingement, current evidence supporting the best treatment, and outlines a comprehensive treatment approach.

Principals of Evidence-Based Practice: (4 credit hours) $60.00

This course explains the principals of using current evidence from the literature to make clinical decisions. The course will define formulating a clinical question; how to search the literature for information; defining search engine terms; identifying levels of evidence; how to critically read a scientific article; and defines diagnostic tests and the relevance of specificity and sensitivity.

The Female Athlete Triad: (3 hrs) $45.00

This course defines the three related symptoms that produce the damaging physical and psychological consequences unique to the female athlete. Prevention and treatment options will be covered.

Basic Pharmacology: Principals and Use in Epileptic Conditions and Parkinson's Disease: (2 hrs) $30.00

This course explains the 4 steps in drug pharmacology, how drugs are absorbed, half-life, toxicity, and the basics of antiepileptic and Parkinson's Disease drugs.



Basic Pharmacology: Principals and Use of Analgesics: (2 hrs) $30.00

This course explains the 4 steps in drug pharmacology, how drugs are absorbed, half-life, toxicity, and the basics of analgesic drugs.