2319 – Lumbar Stabilization Specialty Certificate Program

Intermediate / Pool Workshop / 3-Day Program

 

Chicago, IL / Friday-Sunday, April 30-May 2 – 15.0 credit hours equal to 15.0 CECs/1.5 CEUs

Faculty: Marty Biondi, PT, CSCS, ATRIC / Mary Wykle, PhD, ATRIC

Friday, April 30: Classroom: 9:30-10:30 am / Pool: 10:30 am-1:30 pm / Lunch on own: 1:30-2:45 pm / Classroom: 2:45-4:15 pm

Saturday, May 1: Pool: 7:30-10:00 am / Classroom: 10:00-11:30 am / Sit-down Luncheon: 11:30 am-1:30 pm / Classroom: 2:00-4:00 pm

Sunday, May 2: Classroom: 8:30-10:00 am / Pool: 10:00 am-12:00 pm

 

PREREQUISITES:

1. Experience with LBP patients.
2. Intro to Aquatic Therapy as a minimum - need additional instruction on the physiological implications of immersion.
3. Basic anatomy and physiology of the spine and musculature with assessments.
4. Understanding of buoyant vs. resistive moves, bounding vs. grounded moves.

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

The significance of aquatic intervention in the management of low back pain (LBP) while widely accepted appears to have the greatest benefit for those whose pain is mechanical. This class will discuss the theory of lumbar stability; the anatomical relationships that impact stability; the impact of a specific exercise regime to address instability; and the criteria involved with water therapy. In addition, specific tools will be utilized to demonstrate stability within the lumbar spine, followed by a prediction test indicating who might benefit from exercises vs. those who would be better served by manual interventions. Lastly, the aquatic component will be addressed, including properties of water as they relate to the rehab process; exercise sequences; and case studies. Current research with respect to water therapy and specifically the treatment of LBP will conclude this program.

 

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

A.  Review the Pathophysiology of the Spine  

  1. Summarize role of genetics and environmental factors on LBP.
  2. Examine types of spinal instability and proper evaluation tools.
  3. Address a multi-disciplinary approach to lumbar stability and low back pain to customize a rehabilitation treatment plan according to pain phases specific to the patient.

B.  Examine the theory of lumbar stabilization and low back pain based on PanjabiÕs Theory

  1. Distinguish various diagnoses with phases of lumbar stability and exercise focus for each phase.
  2. Distinguish between local and global muscle function and control.
  3. Discuss phases of lumbar stabilization and exercise focus for each phase.

 

C.  Benefits of Water Therapy as it Relates to Lumbar Stability

1.    Overview of the Progression: Use of land and water to treat and to provide an evaluation tool.

2.    When to consider aquatic therapy

3.    When to consider equipment:

á       Chose equipment to facilitate or challenge aquatic lumbar stabilization exercise.

á       Choose proper equipment to facilitate and progress exercise for various diagnoses.

4.    How to set accurate neuromuscular programs

5.    When to terminate back to land

6.    How to integrate the functional piece as water is not our natural environment

7.    How to chose appropriate level land and water exercises for clients with lumbar spine dysfunction

D.  Develop appropriate protocols for the phases of rehabilitation based on presented case studies.

E.  Review current research on low back pain and current on-going studies.

 

FACULTY: Marty Biondi, PT, CSCS, ATRIC, is co-owner of Therapeutic & Wellness Specialists, an outpatient orthopedic clinic with two locations and contracts to perform aquatic therapy. She has been involved in various aspects of aquatics for over 30 years including pool administration, design and program implementation, risk management, and now as a physical therapist using water to treat various diagnoses.

 

FACULTY: Mary O. Wykle, PhD, ATRIC, is a professor of physical education at Northern Virginia Community College. She holds multiple certifications in aquatics and fitness. Her company, MW Associates, offers consulting workshops in health and aquatics. Mary is a long-time faculty member and serves on varied committees for ATRI, AEA/IAFC, and WAHC. She is the author of Risk Awareness and Safety Training and the Aqua Pi-Yo-Chiª course.