Course Overview
Lumbar Spine Physical Therapy Course
This course will cover current best evidence in the physical therapy management of low back pain. Laboratory sessions will focus on the safe and effective delivery of thrust and non-thrust manipulation to the lumbar spine, thoracolumbar spine, and lower ribs.
Additional labs will cover an introduction to the McKenzie approach, management of lumbar radiculopathy, thoracolumbar junction dysfunctions, and progressive exercise concepts with particular emphasis on performance and incorporation of the deadlift. Mobility and motor control exercises will be included to complement the manual therapy techniques.
Lecture material will summarize the developing body of literature regarding the subgrouping of lumbar spine patients, differential diagnosis of lumbar conditions, neurophysiology of manipulation, sleep and pain, and lumbar spine examination based on clinical practice guidelines.
Schedule
DAY ONE
8:00am - 10:00am
Subjective Exam and Clinical Reasoning
10:00am - 11:15am
Lumbar Examination and Lab
11:15am - 12:00pm
Lumbar HVLAT Lab
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Lunch
1:00pm - 2:00pm
Subgrouping / Safety / Efficacy
2:00pm - 2:30pm
Lumbar HVLAT Modification Lab
2:30pm - 3:00pm
Subgrouping and Manual Therapy
3:00pm - 3:30pm
Lumbar Non Thrust Mobilization Lab
3:30pm - 4:30pm
Introduction to Repeated Motions
4:30pm - 5:00pm
Round Robin / Student Demonstration / Q&A
DAY TWO
8:00am - 9:00am
Q&A / Exploration of Mechanisms
9:00am - 10:00am
Thoracolumbar Junction HVLAT
10:00am - 11:00am
Exercise Progressions / Deadlift
11:00am - 12:00pm
Exercise Lab
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Lunch
1:00pm - 2:00pm
Sleep and Pain
2:00pm - 3:00pm
Lumbar Radiculopathy
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Persistent Pain Management / Role of Imaging
4:00pm - 5:00pm
Round Robin Lab
Objectives
- Perform a thorough subjective and objective examination using clinical practice guidelines and current best evidence to maximize efficiency and accuracy
- Understand how to incorporate repeated movement testing and treatment in patients presenting with radiculopathy / radiculitis
- Understand the role of patient expectations, the associated research, and how to leverage these components in clinical practice
- Understand the role of key lifestyle factors such as sleep and stress in the causing and maintenance of low back pain
- Demonstrate an excellent understanding of current best evidence in regards to manual therapy, thrust and non-thrust joint mobilization techniques, in the treatment of patients with low back pain
- Demonstrate proper technique with lumbar mobilization and thrust manipulation to the lumbar and lower thoracic regions.
- Be able to incorporate therapeutic neuroscience in the care of patients with persistent pain, central sensitization, and fear related pain.
Additional Information
PREREQUISITES
- None
EDUCATION LEVEL
- Entry-level
