Physicourses Pain

Chronic Whiplash Associated Disorders and Pain Science by EIM

Chronic pain after a motor vehicle collision (MVC) is very common with an estimated 30% of patients developing persistent pain and disability. New emerging science show that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms of hyperarousal, re-experiencing the accident, avoidance and numbing is very common in chronic whiplash-associated disorders. The addition of PTSD symptoms, along with well-described comorbid depression and anxiety may indicate why traditional, tissue-only focused physical therapy treatments struggle to produce successful outcomes. Newly designed psychologically informed treatments aiming at fear-avoidance, pain catastrophizing, trauma, depression, anxiety, and PTSD-symptoms have shown some potential benefits alongside physical treatments offered by physical therapists. The use of these psychologically informed treatments, along with movement-based treatments of exercise and manual therapy may hold the key to a more successful outcome. New research shows that patients in MVCs prefer psychologically informed treatments delivered by physical therapists, versus psychologists and overall prefer it over a pharmaceutical approach to their pain. This session will discuss the various factors associated with poor outcomes, screening tools that should be used by clinicians and various treatments to help decrease pain and disability.

The Latest Integrative Research and Approaches in the Successful Treatment of Chronic Pain Conditions

Brian Trzaskos, PT, LMT, CSCS, CMP, MI-C

The National Institute for Health reports that 25.3 million Americans live with chronic pain, while health economists estimate that the cost of chronic pain in the United States is $635 billion annually. Current research is revealing the broad ineffectiveness of pharmaceutical strategies and strongly suggests that successfully treating the multifactorial nature of chronic pain requires an integrative, holistic approach including attention on key emotional, psychological, and behavioral factors. Integrative approaches including Tai Chi, breath-work, graded movement and mindfulness are widely recognized body- mind modalities and research supported, non- pharmacological approaches in treating chronic pain conditions.This course has been designed to outline the scientific and physiologic basis of key body- mind components, instruct simple integrative practices shown to be effective in remediating chronic pain, and review the evidence base for validating these approaches in the treatment of patients dealing with chronic pain conditions.Highlights Consistently improve painful symptoms, even in long standing issues Understand the coupled nature of emotional, psychological, and behavioral factors in dealing with chronic pain Immediately apply novel treatment approaches that organically increase patient referrals

Treating Shoulder Pain

Dr. Darren Smith, PT, DPT

The lifetime prevalence of shoulder pain is approximately67% with data suggesting these numbers continue to increase. Furthermore, data demonstrates a 50% patient recovery rate over 12-18 months with about half of patients experiencing recurrence within a year. This webinar will present how to analyze scapular dysfunction focusing on anatomical considerations to optimize patient outcomes. These include, but are not limited to, the contributions of muscle-length relationships and motor control in shoulder impairments. This course will outline how to analyze scapular impairments and provide corrective exercises. These techniques will be presented in a way that will allow you to immediately incorporate these concepts into your practice.Highlights Immediately improve your client's functional shoulder outcomes using practical treatment techniques Practical assessment and re-assessment strategies to treat common syndromes of the shoulder

Neck Pain

William Oswald, PT, DPT, OCS

The cervical spine presents unique challenges to rehabilitation professionals because of the varied and complex presentation of patients with cervical spine pain. Evaluation and treatment approaches vary amongst clinicians and can be improved by incorporating the current best evidence into clinical practice. This course will provide professionals with the knowledge needed to properly evaluate and treat patients with symptoms commonly found in the cervical spine.Highlights Immediately improve your examination and treatment strategies for the cervical spine Incorporate the current best evidence into the treatment of cervical spine pathologies Effective, evidence-based interventions for a common diagnosis

Cervicogenic Headache: Evaluation and Treatment Strategies

William Oswald, PT, DPT, OCS

The prevalence of cervicogenic headache has been reported to be as high as 20% of the headache population. The diagnosis of cervicogenic headache can be challenging due to the potential overlap with more serious conditions along with the unique quality and behavior of symptoms. When cervicogenic headaches are assessed systematically, it can become much less daunting. In this course we will provide evaluation and treatment strategies to manage this condition safely and effectively.Highlights Improve your examination and treatment for cervicogenic headaches Review and discuss potential causes of cervical and head symptoms Effective, efficient, evidence-based interventions for headaches related to cervical spine pain