SUMMARY: The special needs client often presents a unique set of challenges for therapists. The coexistence of multiple disabilities, including impaired mobility, sensory dysfunction, limited range of motion, and compromised coordination, strength and tone, calls for a paradigm shift in assessment and treatment. It is important for therapists to utilize a multilateral approach to evaluation and treatment, thinking beyond traditional protocol and integrating the most effective techniques from different models in order to help individuals with disabilities achieve the greatest functional outcomes — physically, emotionally and socially. Participants in this seminar will acquire practical strategies for assessment and treatment of clients with special needs, from both the neurological and sensory perspectives, to form a systems model approach. You will examine therapeutic techniques to improve tone, balance, coordination, strength, range of motion, focus and communication, and you will learn multilateral observation methods to help write appropriate goals for a better overall evaluation and assessment. Home and classroom exercise programs will be outlined to help foster continued progress. These skills can be used immediately to help the client with special needs experience greater function, independence and improved self-esteem that will allow them to succeed in a variety of environments.

SUMMARY: Using Yoga for Treatment Goals Living a life of increased energy and vitality is a challenge for most of society today. And given the demands and challenges that the health care profession presents, rehab and medical professionals need to take time to nourish themselves even more. Immune systems are often compromised and stress related disorders are on the rise. We need time to nourish ourselves and rediscover our innate wisdom and awareness of our bodies.
There has been recent widespread recognition of the contribution that the practice of yoga brings to health, and the ability of the mind, body, and spirit to improve health. This course will focus on using yoga for self-healing and for healing our clients. Becoming aware and practicing these simple, highly effective tools from the practice of yoga can bring more joy, peace, and greater enjoyment into one’s life. The class incorporates multiple hands-on labs and group exercise sessions for a hands-on learning experience as well as the latest information on how to receive optimal reimbursement when utilizing yoga therapeutically.

SUMMARY: Our Posture has an effect on how we see the world. Treating musculoskeletal conditions of the extremities is the same as treating musculoskeletal conditions of the spinal column and trunk. There is a complex functional relationship of the muscles and joints. Many painful conditions of the extremities, balance disorders, poor endurance, decreased eyesight, behavioral disorders, headaches, TMJ, and other disorders can be linked to poor posturing. Scoliosis is one deformity of the spine, if undetected and untreated, that can lead to appearance changes; structural abnormalities of the pelvis, extremities and thoracic cage; and even a shortened lifespan. Posture screening programs can help to prevent many posturing syndromes through early postural awareness: self correction and positioning exercises; and exercises that are focused on improving flexibility, building endurance, and strength. In this session, we will identify major components of spinal structure, define terminology related to scoliosis and explain possible factors that can lead to the development of scoliosis and other postural disorders, and learn to design the best possible therapeutic exercise and treatment program so patients can be in the best anatomical alignment for greater function, independence, and safety.