3602 ~ Spasticity Inhibition Protocol

Advanced / Pool Workshop

Washington, DC / Friday, Oct. 31 - 7:45-11:00 am - 3 credit hours equal to 3.0 CECs /.3 CEUs

(Classroom: 7:45-8:50 am / Pool: 8:50-10:10 am /Classroom: 10:10-11:00)

Faculty: Luis Vargas, PhD, PT

Participants: Please bring nose clips and ear plugs to the pool. Thank you.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

The Aquatic Spasticity Inhibition Protocol was designed and developed by Dr. Luis G. Vargas using inhibitory techniques from three popular aquatic therapy interventions: The Bad Ragaz Ring Method, Watsu® and Adapted Pediatric Wassertanzen. This workshop will instruct participants on the neurophysiologic and pathophysiologic foundations leading to the onset of spasticity and the effective tone inhibition techniques featured in this protocol. Participants will have the opportunity to practice the inhibitory maneuvers during the pool session.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

· Discuss the neuroanatomical and neurophysiologic foundations that support the onset of spasticity.

· Describe the potential inhibitory effects resulting from the application of selected patterns and maneuvers featured in the protocol.

· Apply the tone inhibition techniques, patterns and maneuvers featured in the protocol.

FACULTY: Dr. Luis G. Vargas has been a physical therapist for 30 years. Clinically, he brings a wealth of experience and expertise in the areas of cardiopulmonary physical therapy, oncology, infectious disease and, most significantly, aquatic rehabilitation. Academically, he is an experienced anatomist at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. He is the author of the book “Aquatic Therapy: Interventions and Applications”. Dr. Vargas is the recipient of the 2004 Aquatic Therapy Professional of the Year Award and the 2000 Dolphin Award from the Aquatic Therapy and Rehabilitation Institute for his contributions to the aquatic rehabilitation industry. He has created numerous interventions and protocol for various diagnostic groups and has completed several research studies to establish clinical validity for given aquatic therapy interventions.