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Continuing Education Courses

Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Examination and Treatment of the Lumbar Spine

Course Dates: April 8, 15, 22 and 29, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Registration Cost: $500

Audience: Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants

CEUs: 16 Total Hours

This CEU course is designed to foster the development of knowledge and skills germane to the examination of the lumbar spine and the physical therapy management of patients with a variety of lumbar conditions. Evaluation of the data gathered during examination should lead to the development of a physical therapy diagnosis and/or to the identification of manifestations that warrant communication with a physician.

Section content includes regional anatomy, biomechanics, examination tests and measures such as joint integrity and mobility, muscle performance and range of motion (including muscle length). In addition, physical therapy interventions including manual therapy techniques (soft tissue/joint mobilization/manipulation), and therapeutic exercise intended to improve strength, range of motion, and motor function are covered.

This course has been approved by APTA Georgia for continuing competency hours that are required for physical therapy and physical therapy assistant licensure.

Section Objectives

Upon completion of this section the participant will be able to:

Describe the relevant clinical anatomy of the lumbar spine to allow for accurate clinical examination
Describe the clinical biomechanics of the lumbar spine and its relation to forming an impairment-based diagnosis and treatment program
Differentiate the common sign and symptom patterns associated with disorders of the lumbar spine
Perform a lower quadrant scanning exam in order to screen for non-musculoskeletal conditions and identify the need for a biomechanical exam.
Safely and accurately perform the tests and measures listed on the lumbar spine supplement and demonstrate the ability to select the appropriate test, adapt the test to the patient’s disability and functional limitations, and interpret the findings
Synthesize data from the examination and analyze data to make clinical judgments regarding patient/client management
Formulate a physical therapy diagnosis that guides patient/client management
Safely and accurately perform and guide the interventions (including manual therapy techniques and therapeutic exercises) and demonstrate the ability to adapt the techniques to the patient’s disability and functional limitations
Determine patient/client prognosis and establish/manage a plan of care
Demonstrate clinical decision making skills, including clinical reasoning, clinical judgment, and reflective practice
Incorporate evidence/consensus-based practice in the management of patients/clients

Method of Instruction

Lecture/discussion time: 8 hours
Lab/practical time: 8 hours

Time Stamped Outline

Day 1:

8 – 9 a.m.: Anatomy and Introduction (Slides 1 – 104)
9 – 10 a.m.: Lab #1 – Observation, Lumbar AROM w/ and w/o OP
10 – 11 a.m.: Examination Principles
11 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Lab #2 – Quadrant, H/I testing

Day 2:

8 – 9 a.m.: : Lumbar Spine Management Using Current Evidence (slides 105 – 194)
9 – 10 a.m.: Lab #3 – Palpation, PIVMs
10 – 11 a.m.: Treatment-based Classifications, CPGs, Examination Continued
11 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Lab #4 – PAIVM, Radiographic Instability Testing

Day 3:

8 – 9 a.m.: Lumbar Interventions and Special Conditions (slides 195 – 264)
9 – 10 a.m.: Lab #5 – Neurological Testing, Fracture Special Testing
10 – 11 a.m.: MDT Lecture
11 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Lab #6 – Muscle Function, Wedge Mobilizations

Day 4:

8 – 9 a.m.: Spinal Manipulation
9 – 10 a.m.: Lab #7 – Traction, Self-mobilization, Mobilizations and Manipulations Part 1
10 – 11 a.m.: Lumbar Imaging and Case Studies
11 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Lab #8 – Mobilizations and Manipulations Part II

Instructors

Faith M Stokes, PT, DPT, PRPC, WCS, OCS, FAAOMPT
Faith graduated from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2017. She completed fellowship training through Bellin College’s Orthopaedic and Manual Physical Therapy (OMPT) Fellowship, Residency Training with Evidence in Motion, and is double board certified in pelvic health and orthopedics.

Jacob Forsythe, PT, DPT, OCS, CMTPT
Jacob graduated from University of Dayton in 2019 with his Doctorate in Physical Therapy. He completed orthopedic residency training through Carolinas Rehabilitation's Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency and is a Certified Myofascial Trigger Point Therapist through Myopain Seminars.

Evan Spahr PT, DPT, OCS
Evan graduated from the University of Dayton Ohio in 2022 with his Doctorate in Physical Therapy. He completed orthopedic residency training through Carolinas Rehabilitation's Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency.

Nathan Arnett, PT, DPT
Nate graduated from Mercer University in 2023 with his Doctorate in Physical Therapy. He completed his orthopedic residency training through Mercer University’s Residency in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy

Questions

If you have questions or need additional information, call 706-509-3400 or email us.

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