3501 – Spinal Cord Rehabilitation Going Vertical

Advanced / Pre-Conference Full-Day Workshop

Houston, TX / Thursday, March 18 – 7:30 am-4:30 pm – 8.0 credit hours equal to 8.0 CECs/.8 CEUs

Pool: 7:30-9:30 am

Classroom: 9:30-11:30 am

Lunch on own: 11:30 am-12:30 pm

Classroom: 12:30-3:00 pm

Pool: 3:00-4:30 pm

Faculty: Beth Scalone, PT, DPT, OCS

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

As humans we function primarily in the vertical position, therefore rehabilitation techniques must incorporate the upright position to improve a person’s function. This course will review the pathology of SCI, and how new thinking has changed the traditional approach to rehabilitation. Instead of focusing on how to function in the wheelchair, this approach challenges the individual to experience and strengthen their body in the vertical position. The basic principles of the Burdenko Method are introduced and applied to the SCI client. Based on body weight supported treadmill studies we take shallow and deep water exercises one step forward in facilitating gait patterns with individuals with SCI. Logistics of transfers, water temperature and use of equipment are discussed. Participants are encouraged to bring reports of their own successes and case studies for group discussion.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

1. List at least five benefits of water exercise especially for individuals with SCI.

2. Design water exercises utilizing the basic principles of the Burdenko method.

3. List three key elements to facilitating gait in chest deep water.

4. Demonstrate proper hand placement and stabilization techniques for gait facilitation.

5. Develop a plan of progression for gait facilitation and exercise for individual clients.

6. Recognize specific precautions related to water exercise and the individual with SCI.

7. Assess and modify equipment needs for individual patients in order to achieve adequate flotation and alignment with water exercise.

FACULTY: Beth Scalone, PT, DPT, OCS, is a licensed physical therapist with over 18 years of experience in orthopedic and aquatic therapy. As the owner of North County Water and Sports Therapy Center in San Diego (www.waterpt.com), she continues with hands-on clinical care in addition to her role as educator. Since graduating from the University of Connecticut in 1991, Beth has belonged to the American Physical Therapy Association and has achieved certification as a Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy. In January 2006, she graduated from Boston University with a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Additional certifications include Certified STOTT Pilates™ instructor and Master Instructor for the Burdenko Method.

Beth not only provides continuing education for health care professionals, she is an adjunct faculty in the San Diego Mesa College PTA program, teaching Orthopedic Rehabilitation and Introduction to Pathology courses. She also provides the learning module/instruction on aquatic therapy to the University of St. Augustine San Diego Campus DPT program.