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.
