Rehab for the Post-Surgical Ortho Patient:UE (3rd ed)-#411

This course is a resource and reference guide on the rehabilitation of the upper extremity following common orthopedic surgical procedures. Included in this text are acromioplasty, anterior capsular reconstruction, rotator cuff repair, superior labral anterior posterior repair, total shoulder arthroplasty, extensor brevis release and lateral epicondylectomy, reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament with ulnar nerve transposition, primary flexor tendon repair, and carpal tunnel release. Details regarding the surgical procedures with illustrations are given, as well as detailed guidelines for an effective rehab program for both the non-athletic patient and the athlete returning to competitive sports. Precautions as well as potential troublesome areas are identified with appropriate ways to address the problems. Written by orthopedic surgeons, PT’s, and OT’s, this is an excellent resource and reference guide for all therapists. This is the updated 3rd edition of this popular course, newly published in 2013, with updated evidence based guidelines for rehab following surgical repair.

Heart Disease and the Therapist #1015

This course is designed to familiarize the therapist with heart disease, introduce the typical drugs used by cardiac patients, and instruct the therapist how the use of these drugs may impact therapy in the clinic. A definition of the disorder, background, cause, signs and symptoms, long term complications and treatment strategies (non-pharmacological and pharmacological) are included. Cardiac disorders included in this course are: hyperlipoproteinemia (Type II and Type IV), hypertension, angina, MI, and CHF. Practice activities containing practical information help the therapist apply the information to the clinical setting. The course also identifies factors that the therapist should bring to the attention of the attending physician.

#413 Rehab of the Postsurgical Spine (3rd edition)

This course is a resource and reference guide on the rehabilitation of the spine following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, posterior lumbar arthroscopic discectomy, lumbar spine fusion, and lumbar spine disc replacement. Details regarding the surgical procedures with illustrations are given, as well as detailed guidelines for an effective rehab program. Precautions, troublesome areas, clear illustrations, and case studies are included in this updated 3rd edition of this popular course, newly published in 2013. Contains the latest surgical techniques and updated evidence based guidelines for rehab following surgery of the spine.

Neural Tissue Pain Disorders: Eval & Treat #467

This course is based on Chapter 30 from Orthopaedic Physical Therapy by Robert A. Donatelli and Michael J. Wooden (4th Edition). The chapter presents a thorough discussion of pain related to disorders of neural tissue. It describes the origins and types of neuropathic pain, describes many useful clinical examination techniques, and presents evidence-based considerations for treatment (including when manual therapy is appropriate and when it is not). This course will be useful to any therapist who treats patients with CNS sensitization, denervation, or peripheral nerve sensitization. Case Studies are included. Instructional Level: Intermediate AOTA Category: 2 Contact Hours: 2 hours

Exercises for the Trunk, Shoulder, Hip & Knee: EMG Evid #466

This course is based on Chapter 29 from Orthopaedic Physical Therapy by Robert A. Donatelli and Michael J. Wooden (4th Edition). The work by Richard Ekstrom and Roy W. Osborn gives detailed descriptions of EMG evidence for a wide variety of exercises, discusses their relevance to orthopedic practice, and explains their use in the clinic. This course is a must for any clinician who wants to understand guidelines for exercise prescription, in order to more effectively plan an exercise program. Learn how specific exercises may affect the patients you treat. If you have ever wondered what the evidence says about how you can be most effective in prescribing exercises for the trunk, shoulder, hip and knee, this course is for you. Instructional Level: Advanced AOTA Category: 2,3 Contact Hours: 3 hours

Somatosensory, Vestibular, and Visual Sensory Int #465

This course is based on chapter 28 from Orthopaedic Physical Therapy by Robert A. Donatelli and Michael J. Wooden (4th Edition). This work by vestibular therapist Kenji Carp is a detailed appreciation of the relevance of sensory integration to orthopedic practice, with thorough explanations of how the somatosensory, vestibular, and visual components contribute to control and balance issues. This course will help any orthopedic rehab clinician understand and treat these conditions in the orthopedic patient with balance issues. Instructional Level: Intermediate AOTA Category: 1, 2 Contact Hours: 2 hours

Shoulder, Wrist, and Hand: Dysfunction, Eval & Treat #462

This course is for any therapist who wants to review or improve knowledge and diagnosis skills for treatment of the shoulder, wrist, and hand. It is based on two comprehensive chapters (10 & 12) from Orthopaedic Physical Therapy by Robert A. Donatelli and Michael J. Wooden (4th Edition). These chapters, The Shoulder and Dysfunction, Evaluation, and Treatment of the Wrist and Hand, cover a wealth of information on approaches to treatment of shoulder, wrist, and hand conditions, including anatomy and biomechanics, examination techniques, non-operative treatment considerations, post-surgical rehabilitation protocols, and useful case studies. Instructional Level: Intermediate AOTA Category: 2 Contact Hours: 4 hours

The Core: Evaluation and Training #461

This course is based on Chapter 15 Evaluation and Training of the Core from Orthopaedic Physical Therapy by Robert A. Donatelli and Michael J. Wooden (4th Edition). This course is for any therapist or therapy assistant who wants a thorough understanding of core evaluation techniques and evidence-based rehabilitation protocols. The authors provide in-depth discussion of observation tips, screening tests, sacroiliac joint and hip dysfunction tests, measurements of core stabilization, balance tests, and manual muscle tests. The course also discusses evaluation of maximum strength, power tests for athletes, and principles of evidence-based core stabilization training. The appendix to this course presents a trunk and hip core evaluation sheet that will be immediately useful in the clinic. Instructional Level: Intermediate AOTA Category: 2 Contact Hours: 2 hours

Ethics and Medicare #100a

Physical therapists, occupational therapists, and assistants often find themselves in the middle of ethical issues in the workplace. In this course several topics related to ethical conflicts are addressed: the four general principles of ethics, physical and occupational therapy ethics and Medicare’s approach to ethics. Multiple case studies demonstrate the relationship between the APTA/AOTA code of ethics and Medicare rules regarding fraud and abuse. How to report fraud and abuse is addressed.

Improving Functional Outcomes in Physical Rehab #1513

This course is a guide to improving functional outcomes in adult patients with neurological diagnoses. The course covers foundations of clinical decision making and provides strategies and interventions used to improve motor function, including task specific, neuromotor, and compensatory approaches. Specific interventions are presented to improve function in bed mobility and early trunk control, sitting balance, kneeling, transfers, wheelchair skills, standing balance, locomotor skills, upper extremity skills, and constraint-induced movement therapy. Real life case studies (both written and DVD format) are included for patients with traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, peripheral vestibular dysfunction, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke. The DVD captures each patient at evaluation, during a treatment session, and near discharge. This course is designed for physical and occupational therapists who desire to enhance their neuro rehab skills based on the latest research available. Neurological rehab approaches in this course include motor learning, PNF, NDT, and sensory stimulation techniques. Course includes the text Improving Functional Outcomes in Physical Rehabilitation by Susan Sullivan and Thomas Schmitz. Contributing authors include both PTs and OTs.

Designing Effective Resistance Training Programs #423

As insurance continues to reduce physical and occupational therapy visits and patient co-pays continue to escalate, patients and providers alike demand more rapid outcomes in therapy. Without question, therapeutic exercise progression is the hallmark of physical and occupational therapy prescription. It is imperative that the therapist have a sound rationale for exercise progression to maximize patient outcomes, whether it is a pediatric or geriatric patient or a high-level athlete. In order to do that, a review of foundational principles of resistance exercise is warranted. Next, a proper understanding of rehabilitation objectives--endurance, strength, and power--will enable the therapist to understand how to appropriately progress a patient. Furthermore, the therapist will understand how to manipulate training variables like load, rest periods, set structures, and repetition schemes to promote variability in program design, maximize treatment sessions, and minimize the risk of boredom and plateaus. This course provides a framework for progressing patients with upper and lower extremity conditions as well as how to appropriately test progress with evidence-based outcome measures.

Ethics and Jurisprudence: A Practical Application#153a

This course covers medical ethics, ethical principles, and laws that govern occupational therapy. By taking this course you will learn how to apply the AOTA Code of Ethics in everyday practice. Learn how to determine if a situation is a legal or ethical issue, the difference between fraud and abuse, and how to use a model to analyze and make decisions regarding ethical issues in the workplace. Legal issues related to fraud and abuse are addressed including how to report those issues. This is a MUST course for all OTs and OTAs.

Documenting Occupational Therapy Practice (#850)

This course is an ideal resource for occupational therapists and assistants to improve the critical skill of documentation. Explanations are provided in detail from a simple contact note, screening or referral, to evaluations, progress notations & discontinuation of services. SOAP notes & other forms of documentation are included with sample reproducible forms. Also included are Medicare & third party payer guidelines along with ethical, legal & language issues in relation to Occupational Therapy. The author addresses spelling & grammar and provides proper word usage as examples for accurate & readable documentation. Documentation requirements are included for both the clinic and school settings. Impact of OT models & frames of reference are addressed. This course is vital to OT’s and assistants who desire to improve their documentation skills for ethical, legal, and reimbursement reasons. Course includes text: Documenting Occupational Therapy Practice (2nd ed) by Karen Sames, OTR/L.

Medicare and the Therapist (#812a)

This course provides the therapist with a brief history of Medicare, a general description of various Medicare plans, rules and requirements that apply to anyone delivering services to Medicare beneficiaries, and the rules and requirements that are specific to practice of physical therapy and occupational therapy. Essential elements regarding the practice of physical and occupational therapy are addressed in ten different settings (acute care, long term care hospital, inpatient rehab, SNF, home health, hospice, private practice, CORF, hospital outpatient, rural health clinics). Special sections on how to avoid Medicare fraud and abuse, and understanding how to use G-Codes are included. Written in an easy to read format, and recently updated in 2013, this course will greatly assist any therapist working with Medicare patients.

Occupational Therapy with Elders: Strategies fo the COTA#300

Skilled nursing facilities are the number one employer of COTA's, and this trend of working with elders is likely to continue as the elder population grows. It is important that COTA's possess a strong knowledge base that allows them to provide the best care possible for our elder population. This course includes the updated (2012) text with information and case studies to instruct the COTA in specific applications of OT strategies. Topics included in this course are: the aging process, cultural diversity, ethics, sexuality, medications, restraint reduction, wheelchair seating, fall prevention, vision and hearing impairments, eating disorders, incontinence, and specific diagnoses such as CVA's, Alzheimer's, orthopedic conditions, cardiopulmonary conditions, and cancer. Case studies are included in this course specifically designed for the COTA.

Obesity, Insulin Resistance, Diabetes and their Consequences

This course is designed to help you understand the link between obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes. The course provides information and skills to improve the therapist’s understanding of insulin resistance and its consequences; the relationship between obesity, insulin resistance, prediabetes, metabolic syndrome and diabetes. The therapist will learn how to develop a treatment program for patients with this condition, understand how exercise can affect insulin resistance, and recognize the effect of therapy on clients with this condition.

Therapy and the Sleep Deprived Patient (#905)

This course will assist the therapist in understanding how the loss of sleep interferes with activities of daily living and has adverse effects on the body's ability to recover from illness or injury. The course discusses the importance of sleep, instructs in the stages of sleep, includes specific common sleep disorders, and discusses how lifestyle factors, medical illnesses and medications affect sleep. Included is a section on the therapist's role which specifically addresses therapy assessment, setting goals, and therapy intervention for patients who have been sleep deprived.

Pediatric Power Mobility: Assessment and Training

The purpose of the course is to review the benefits of power mobility, discuss the types of power wheelchairs, learn how to assess power mobility, and how to complete the education and training necessary for proper use. A power mobility screening form developed by the author as well as a power mobility training assessment form are included in the course. ILLINOIS EARLY INTERVENTION CREDIT APPROVED Course available in a mail, email or online format.

Pediatric Motor Development:Ages 0-3 (#610)

Motor Development (0 to 3): This course covers the sequence of normal development from birth through the toddler years. It addresses points in development by month. It covers areas of concern, by month, that may signal a later dysfunction. The course also covers how motor development affects hand use, breathing and oral motor skills. Strategies for children with neuromotor deficits are addressed. ILLINOIS EARLY INTERVENTION CREDIT APPROVED Course available by mail, email or online.

Home Health Fundamentals, Assessment & Emergencies (#703)

This updated course (2011) provides the home health therapist with every tool needed in order to practice in the home health setting: from foundational information regarding infection control issues, personal safety tips, documentation guidelines, and ethical situations to how to handle emergency situations in the home. Included in this course is how to assess the patient’s environment, patient’s support system, psychosocial areas (cognitive, depression, dementia, motivation, pain), ADL and IADL’s, mobility, fine motor, neurological, integumentary, and cardiopulmonary systems. Of extreme value in this course is a section on how to handle emergency situations for a variety of medical conditions encountered in the home. This is a must course for therapists who frequently must make independent and immediate clinical judgments while working alone in the home health setting.

Advanced Rehab Concepts to Improve Functional Outcomes #700

This advanced course is designed for those PT's/OT's who seek a deeper understanding of movement dysfunctions encountered in the home health setting. Learn advanced rehab concepts in orthopedics and neurology including vestibular, biomechanical, proprioception and neuromuscular control during functional mobility. Develop a more trained eye and improve your clinical reasoning skills, allowing you to more accurately assess movement dysfunction as it pertains to losses in function. Specific functional exercises, case studies, and instruction on documentation are included. This is a must have course for home health therapists who desire to advance their therapeutic plan of care way beyond the preprinted protocols and boring bed and chair exercises, and who desire to improve functional outcomes in the limited time allowed by 3rd party payors.

Resistance Training for the Older Adult (#212)

We are therapists and exercise is our specialty area. As therapists, we should not be prescribing exercise without sound rationale to support every aspect of our prescription. While other wellness providers (fitness instructors, athletic trainers, etc) may be able to perform these activities in the absence of pathology, the expertise of therapists is necessary to address the special needs of older individuals or individuals with pathology to ensure safety and effectiveness. This course discusses the principles and parameters of resistance training; how to accurately assess muscle performance; how to prescribe resistance training exercises in order to increase strength, power, endurance, and hypertrophy; how to accurately prescribe a specific exercise program based on the assessment using the most up to date evidence available. This is a valuable course for both PT's and OT's who desire to safely and effectively increase muscle performance in their patients while effectively improving function in the shortest time available.

Understanding, Designing, & Implementing Functional Exercise

The field of geriatric rehab and geriatric medicine is a fast growing sub-specialty in healthcare. Many fitness trainers are teaching fitness programs to our seniors, but they are not qualified to assess functional limitations and design a program based on those findings. This course reviews the characteristics of aging and discusses the components of an appropriate functional assessment. Explanations include the four pillars of human movement and how they relate to functional activities. How to design a functional exercise program and progress the patient through manipulation of the different variables, including all the planes of the trunk, is emphasized with clear illustrations.

Geriatric Fitness: Concepts of Therapeutic Exercise (#206)

The purpose of this course is to assist the therapist in creating a realistic exercise program that is based on a comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis and prognosis for specific health issues of the individual patient. Recommendations are provided for several common conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension and others. Patient compliance is also addressed. An extensive list of references is provided for the therapist who wishes to advance their knowledge on this subject. Mail, email or online

Balance Impairment and Fall Risk: Tests and Measures (#205)

Age-related balance impairments, falls, and their consequences significantly impact the older population. As a result, all older adults should undergo periodic screening to determine fall risk. Those with risk factors for falls should receive a comprehensive evaluation to more specifically assess those areas of risk and determine which are amendable to remediation. Balance tests and measures are a key component of fall risk evaluation and numerous tools exist. Balance tests may assess static and/or dynamic balance and vary regarding equipment needs, time requirements, and target population. Three simple measures of static balance include the Romberg Test (RT), the Sharpened Romberg Test (SRT), and the Unilateral Stance Test (ULST). The Functional Reach Test (FRT) offers a quick measure of dynamic balance and limits during forward reach. The Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), and the Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA) are performance-based measures in which patient ability to execute select functional tasks is assessed. These tools each offer valid and reliable means of quantifying balance and fall risk in the older population. How these tools may be used to calculate the percent of disability for use with G-codes is included. AOTA Cat: 2 Contact Hrs: 6 Instructional Level: Advanced

Falls in Older Persons (#204)

Falls continue to be a common problem for hospital patients and nursing home residents. As of Oct 2008, CMS announced that Medicare will no longer pay for the extra cost of preventable injuries resulting from falls in acute care hospitals. Fall prevention is a multidisciplinary problem. Rehab therapists are frequently called upon to either assess for fall risk, correct an underlying problem, or serve on a committee to prevent falls. In this course the therapist will learn: consequences of falls, causes of falls, how to assess the likelihood of a patient falling, how to reduce fall risk, how to assess environments and make modifications, how to reduce mechanical and chemical restraints, and the latest evidence regarding use of bed rails, low beds, alarm systems, and hip protectors. Case studies, Q & A’s, and evidence based practice are included in this updated 4th edition by well known fall expert Rein Tideiksaar. This course is a must for any therapist who works with geriatrics.

Alzheimer's Disease, Dementia and Therapy(#202)

Physical and occupational therapists in a geriatric setting frequently work with patients who have dementia, therefore, it is helpful for the therapist to be familiar with the disease, pharmacologic treatments, and latest research. Difficulty in communication, behavior issues, perceptual and cognitive problems all impact therapy and the way the therapist relates to these clients. In this course you will learn normal brain anatomy and function; causes, characteristics and different types of dementia; the latest research in diagnostic testing for dementia; pharmacologic therapy for Alzheimer's; Alzheimer's research and future therapies; how to assess cognitive impairment using Instrumental Activities of Daily Living; strategies to optimize communication; how to address challenging behaviors; how to improve cognition and physical function; and how you can prevent dementia. Case studies are included.

Wound Care: Dressing Selection Made Easier (#502)

The purpose of this course is to provide the therapist with a guide that can be used in the clinic to determine the best wound care dressing to optimize healing. The course covers current dressings that are on the market, describes the different types of dressings, and points out the advantages, disadvantages, and contraindications of each.

Wound Care (#500)

The purpose of this course is to provide information and evaluative techniques to improve the therapist’s treatment of wounds from a variety of etiologies. The information incorporated in this course is based on a review of current literature; and is intended to be utilized as a guide. The course is not all-inclusive. Sample case studies are provided and multiple treatment options could apply. This course includes a brief review of anatomy and physiology of the skin, wound healing, wound infection vs. colonization, nutrition and healing, wound classification, wound assessment, wound etiology, special tests, therapeutic modalities, wound dressings and treatment guidelines.

Low Vision Rehabilitation (#3000)

The AOTA has called low vision rehab one of the top ten emerging fields in OT. In this comprehensive course the OT will learn the epidemiology & clinical model for low vision rehab, terminology, basic anatomy & physiology of the visual system, various eye diseases & disorders that cause low vision, and psychosocial issues related to visual impairment. This course provides detailed evaluation & treatment protocols for the OTR, with examples of goals & note writing & provides incredible resources covering all areas of low vision needs. Collaboration with various professionals, non-optical & optical device options & computer technology are addressed. This resource is entirely devoted to the adult client with vision impairment. This course includes a text written specifically for OT's, by OT's who are certified vision specialists, as well as other vision specialists. This is a must read for OT’s desiring to either specialize in low vision, or for OT's who simply have a client with low vision difficulties.

Pharmacology for Therapists (#1010)

Pharmacology by definition is the study of how chemical substances affect living tissue and how these substances bind to receptors to affect normal function. This updated pharmacology course (2011) is written specifically for rehab professionals. It includes valuable detailed information on various disease processes, and then introduces the reader to how these chemical agents affect the body either beneficially or adversely at the cellular and organ level. Added bonus in this course is the special application section for therapists, how specific drugs affect exercise, and specific precautions for the rehab professional. This is an updated version of a popular course which now contains sections on vitamins and minerals, drugs used in wound care, and alternative medicine. A must read and valuable reference guide for all therapists. The author is both a PT and an OTR with a PhD in pharmacology.

Rehab of the Shoulder (#438)

This course is for any physical or occupational therapy clinician who is entrusted with treating clients with mechanical or pathological shoulder dysfunction. This is an in-depth course based on the 5th Edition of Robert A. Donatelli’s Physical Therapy of the Shoulder. The comprehensive text is written by physicians and physical therapists and covers a wealth of information on diagnosis and treatment of shoulder conditions, including anatomy and mechanics, examination techniques, neurologic considerations, referred pain, rehabilitation of throwing injuries, and specific pathologies (impingement, instability, frozen shoulder, rotator cuff, total shoulder replacement, and more). The well-illustrated section on treatment approaches offers techniques in manual therapy, trigger point management, and strengthening that the therapist can use immediately in the clinic. Contains the most up to date information available to date!

Thermal Agents in Rehab: Evidence Based Update (#435)

Thermal modalities are by far the most commonly used modality in the rehabilitation setting. They have been used for decades to provide complimentary treatment to a host of maladies. This course provides a review of the purpose and physiologic basis of the application of thermal modalities as well as the indications for and contraindications to their use. In addition, it provides a review of the available evidence about their safety, efficacy, and clinical utilization. The course covers such modalities as ultrasound, phonophoresis, diathermy, low level laser therapy, fluidotherapy, and paraffin. It also covers more readily accessible modalities such as hot packs, ice, contrast baths, and whirlpool. It is anticipated that the student will have a thorough understanding of the scientific rationale for using various types of thermal modalities and which modality is most appropriate for a given patient condition.

Pilates: How it Works (#432)

Discover why Joseph Pilates and his exercise repertoire are growing in international scope. Functional exercise is exercise that helps restore a functional movement of every day life. Learn the seven principles of Functional Exercise, which are all inclusive in Pilates' body of work. Focus on core strengthening by comprehensively reviewing the anatomy of the trunk. Learn how posture and scapular stability directly impact the biomechanics of the shoulder. Includes case studies and illustrations.

Yoga as a Therapeutic Tool (#431)

The purpose of this course is to define the benefits of yoga and how it can be utilized as part of a therapeutic exercise program. Basic yoga poses; benefits of yoga such as increasing flexibility, strength, posture, cardiac function, and sensory processing; sample yoga programs are included. Special bonus in this course is discussion on how to adapt yoga for special populations such as pediatrics (including fun adaptations), back injuries, prenatal, and chair yoga. This is a course for any therapist interested in using yoga as therapeutic exercise in multiple clinical settings

Lateral and Medial Epicondylitis (#418)

In this course you will learn to evaluate and treat tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) in the adult population. Included is a review of elbow and forearm anatomy, etiology and basic pathophysiology of epicondylitis and epicondylosis, signs and symptoms related to these tendinopathies, evaluation tips, differential diagnosis, a variety of therapeutic treatment approaches, and an overview of radial tunnel syndrome as it relates to lateral epicondylitis. A discussion of when surgical intervention may be necessary, types of surgery most often performed, post-surgical therapy care, long-term prognosis for the disorders, and preventing recurrence is included. The course is designed to help therapists achieve the best possible functional outcome, that may even incorporate returning to sports such as tennis and golf.

Aquatic Therapy: Benefits, Guidelines and Treatment

This course reviews the physical properties of water and explains how these properties can benefit the patient and enhance therapeutic techniques. The course focuses on providing a detailed introduction to the aquatic techniques of BackHab, Ai Chi, and the Bad Ragaz Ring Method. The course addresses information on general aquatic therapy progressions (for strengthening, balance, and weight bearing) in addition to the aforementioned specific aquatic techniques.

Wheelchair Evaluation: A Clinician's Guide (#1520)

This course provides a practical and concise approach for successfully evaluating and recommending a wheelchair. This course is organized to guide the clinician through a logical sequence in the wheelchair prescription process using a real world perspective. The therapist is taken through the necessary steps of patient evaluation, choice of wheelchair components, documentation, and funding using a letter of medical necessity. The course emphasizes history taking skills that can provide a wealth of information resulting in success in wheelchair prescription. Included in this course is a small portable text, small enough for the clinician to carry around in the clinic, hospital, school, nursing home, or home health setting for quick reference . (Note: print is small.) A CD complements this course to illustrate key concepts in wheelchair prescription. Written by a PT and published in 2010, this course contains the latest research available. A valuable course for both PT’s and OT’s.

Activity Analysis, Creativity and Play in Ped OT (#630)

This new pediatric OT course focuses on incorporating play & fun into the therapy session to intrinsically motivate the pediatric client to participate & meet his/her therapeutic goals. This course defines & integrates therapeutic use of self, activity analysis, frames of reference, and clinical reasoning skills, & selects/adapts meaningful therapeutic activities for the “just right challenge”. Here work is felt as play & challenges are embraced. The history of play & research related to play assessment and intervention are addressed and multiple case studies are presented. This course includes the new 2010 text written by 3 OT’s who are specialists in their field, and a DVD that demonstrates concepts from the book applied to real life sessions. Worksheets, checklists & analysis forms are also provided. A must course for pediatric OT’s.

Sensory Integration and Autism Spectrum Disorders (#629)

Sensory processing influences an individual's overall perception of the world. Sensation provides reality and meaning to our lives, connecting us to other human beings and to life itself. The way in which we interpret and integrate sensory experiences influences our interactions with the world around us and the ability to adapt to environmental demands. In the pediatric setting, the therapist will often see children diagnosed with one of 3 Autism Spectrum Disorders: Autistic Disorder, Asperger's Disorder, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. Sensory integration disorders have been identified as prevalent in children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders. In this course, the therapist will learn: diagnostic criteria for Autistic Spectrum Disorders, the relationship between ASD and sensory processing, sensory integration theory, evaluation of sensory processing in children with ASD, treatment strategies for children with sensory processing disorders and ASD, sensory integration evidence-based practice and research.

School Based Therapy (#628)

This course focuses on physical and occupational therapy in the educational environment under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and covers a wide variety of topics relevant to the therapist working in the school setting. The course also covers legislation (including the Final Regulations of the IDEA), special education, related services, Individualized Education Programs and meetings, assessments and intervention in the educational setting, assistive technology, procedural safeguards, 504 placement, and students enrolled by their parents in private schools. Resources are also provided in this course including key sections and definitions from the most recent Federal regulations as well as individual state resources to assist the therapist with IDEA implementation and other issues.

Strength Training in Children with Neuro Disorders (#615)

This course covers the benefits of strengthening children with neurological disorders. The course discusses the effects of strengthening on spasticity, common misconceptions, and how to assess strength. The course then discusses how to design and progress an exercise program and how to adapt the program for children with special needs. Typical exercises for specific weaknesses are given, as well as fun ways to exercise each muscle group. Case examples are provided. Available by Mail, Email and Online

Toticollis and Plagiocephaly (#613)

The purpose of this course is to introduce torticollis and plagiocephaly, the causes (in utero and post partum), the assessment of patients with these conditions, the variations within the conditions, and present treatment options. As medical advice has changed over the years on whether babies should sleep supine or prone, these conditions have increased in frequency, making knowledge of this critical to any therapist working in pediatrics. Course available by mail, email, or online.

Neurological Rehab: Updated Principles to Maximize Rehab

This course provides the therapist with an expanded understanding about the clinical and non-clinical factors which drive the recovery process following neurological injury of the brain. Therapists taking this course will be provided with the latest research and clinically relevant information in the areas of neural plasticity, motor learning, behavioral sciences and cognition. In addition, implications related to caregiver involvement and how self-practice and the home environment play a key role in the recovery process are addressed. This information is vital for therapists who wish to succeed in the rapidly changing health care and rehab environments where we continue to be driven to produce faster and better results for reduced reimbursement. Information provided in this course will encourage therapists to reconsider some current paradigms about the rehab and recovery process and apply updated principles in order to maximize patient functional outcomes.

Modalities for Therapeutic Intervention (#434)

Modalities should be carefully selected for their intended effect to enhance functional recovery. This course provides the therapist with the underlying rationale for selecting a therapeutic modality to be included in a therapy plan based on the known physiologic and physical effects of the agent, the safety and use of the agent, and the therapeutic goals, using the latest research available. This course covers a wide range of therapeutic agents: cryotherapy, thermotherapy, ultrasound, hydrotherapy, electrotherapy, low-level laser, diathermy, traction, pneumatic compression, & alternative modalities. The importance of modalities, as they pertain to treatment of musculoskeletal and neurological disorders, pain symptoms, and promotion of tissue healing are emphasized. Included in this course are case studies to enhance application of basic principles, key points and “tips”, clinical controversies to discuss areas of misunderstandings or disagreement, updated evidence, evaluation & documentation tips. This is a great resource for all physical & occupational therapists and assistants. Includes the comprehensive text by Michlovitz, Bellew, and Nolan (FA Davis 2012) Modalities for Therapeutic Intervention (5th ed).