Michael Shacklock has developed a method of treatment and written a book entitled Clinical Neurodynamics describing this method. The reader is introduced to new diagnostic and treatment techniques using Neurodynamic testing and movements. The system provides a means by which to evaluate the contributions of the mechanical interface, the innervated tissue as well as the neural tissue in order to create a scheme of treatment. Additionally, he has created a method of staging the sensitivity of the condition based on physical examination findings.

Course Content -

• The concept of neurodynamics
• Neurodynamic sequencing
• Effect of bilateral neurodynamic testing on neurodynamics - SLR and upper limb neurodynamic tests
• Neuropathodynamics - expanding the boundaries and classification of different dysfunctions
• Neurodynamic testing - MNTl, MNT2, RNT, UNT, RSNT and sensitisation
• Planning the physical examination - how NDT to provoke pain but still treat the neurodynamic component. How to sensitize the examination and treatment for hidden neurodynamic problems, level 1, 2 and type 3a, 3b, 3c and 3d examinations
• Diagnosis of neurodynamic tests - differentiating neural tissue from neuromusculoskeletal tissues, establishing what is normal and abnormal
• Classification and diagnosis of specific dysfunctions - sliding dysfunction, tension dysfunction, pathophysiological dysfunction, mechanosensitivity dysfunction, mechanical interface dysfunctions, hyperactivity protective muscle dysfunction, innervated tissue dysfunctions
• Method of treatment - system of technique progression, hypersensitivity problems, hidden neural component and sensitised examination
• Treatment progressions - cervical nerve root foraminal opening and closing dysfunctions, neural tension dysfunction, combined neural tension and reduced closing dysfunctions (level/type 3c), thoracic outlet syndrome treatment combinations, medial and lateral elbow pain, carpal tunnel syndrome. Neural tension dysfunction, specific neural siding dysfunctions

Dr. Moffat, currently the President of the World Confederation for Physical Therapy, is a recognized leader in the United States and internationally, is a practitioner, a teacher, a consultant, a leader, and an author. She received her baccalaureate degree from Queens College and her physical therapy certificate and PhD degrees from New York University.

She has given over 800 professional presentations and she has taught and provided consultation services in Taiwan, Thailand, Burma, Viet Nam, Panama City, Hong Kong, and Puerto Rico.

Dr. Moffat is a Catherine Worthingham Fellow of the APTA. She has been the recipient of the WCPT's Mildred Elson Award for International Leadership amongst several other awards.

Course content

• Changes of Aging
• Clinical Decision Making Aerobic Tests and Measures
• 6 MWT, 2 MWT, 400 Meter, 2 Minute Step
• Gait, Locomotion, and Balance Tests and Measures
  • Balance Tests - ABC, Falls Efficacy, OLS, Forward Reach, Berg Balance Score, 4 Square Step Test, Tinnetti Narrow Corridor Walk
  • Gait Tests - TUG, Gait Speed, 001
• Rom Tests and Measures
  • Back Scratch, Sit and Reach
• Muscle Performance Tests and Measures
  • Chair rise - 30 sec and Timed 5 Rep, Heel Rise Test, Toe Tap, Biceps Curl Supine Hip Extension
• Posture Tests and Measures
  • Wall/Occiput Distance, Rib/Pelvis Distance
• Muitipurpose Tests and Measures
  • PPT, Modified PPT
• Benefits, Results, Role of Exercise for Aging Adult, Physical Stress Theory
• Responses to Exercise in Healthy and Impaired Aging Adults
• Exercise Prescription
• Application to Special Populations

Sara Meeks, POS., M.S., G.C.S., graduated with a B.S. in Physical Therapy from Ithaca College, NY in 1962, received her M.S. in Physical Therapy in 2000 and has been a certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist since 1994. A frequent, and award-winning, presenter for the American Physical Therapy Association, Sara is self-employed, teaching seminars on osteoporosis management through Physical Therapy, Yoga and Pilates. She has presented across the United States, in Canada and Australia (at the 2005 IPPA conference of WCPT.) An active athlete, Sara has competed in the sport of Olympic Weightlifting and' has run 4 marathons. Diagnosed with osteoporosis herself, she brings passion to her stated mission of improving safety in movement for persons with osteoporosis.

Description and Relevance to Clinical Practice

Osteoporosis is occurring in epidemic proportions around the world in children, young adults, the elderly, men and women. Rehab professionals regularly see patients with osteoporosis in their treatment settings; yet, they seldom get osteoporosis as part of the patient's diagnosis.

Safe management of this condition is imperative both from the standpoint of preventing fracture in the patient population and also from the standpoint of a reduction in the financial impact to the patient and to society. When a patient sustains a vertebral compression or hip fracture, quality of life changes dramatically and the mortality rate and costs are very high.

In this course OSTEOPOROSIS: A Comprehensive Treatment Strategy, an innovative, effective, safe, site-specific comprehensive program for Physical Therapy management of the patient with osteoporosis is presented. All levels are continually updated with the latest literature and information on bone health.
The therapist who completes this course will be able to identify an at-risk population in the treatment setting, will be able to treat safely and according to identified Patterns of Postural Change© and will be able to make appropriate referrals as indicated and necessary. They will also be able to guide patients in appropriate movement choices in the gym and other exercise settings.

Cathy Hazzard, MBA, B. Sc. PT, is a Physiotherapist, working on the Neurosciences / Rehabilitation Service, with the Calgary Health Region, at Foothills Medical Centre, in Calgary, Alberta. Cathy has 16 years experience working with adults with neurological impairments in the acute, rehabilitation and outpatient phases of care. She began assisting on NDTA courses in 1995 throughout Canada and the USA. She has been an NDTA Inc. PT Instructor since January 1998 and a Coordinator Instructor since 1999. She has taught NDT courses extensively throughout North America and internationally.

Course content

This workshop will explore the intricate relationship between trunk and shoulder girdle alignment and movement and the importance of these coordinated movements to upper extremity function and recovery. The concepts of working from closed kinetic chain to modified chain and eventually to open chain activities will be discussed. The workshop will explore this recovery framework while incorporating functional tasks in various postures and through transitions.

The NDT Enablement Model of Health and Disability framework and terminology will be used throughout the workshop. The session will include analysis of movement, provide participants with an opportunity for hands-on practice of facilitation skills and use video clips to demonstrate application to assessment and intervention of the upper extremity of individuals following stroke or brain injury.

The goals of the workshop will be to enhance the clinician's knowledge of the impact of thoracic and rib cage alignment and movement on upper extremity function as well as the impact of scapula-thoracic alignment and movement on the upper extremity. Additionally the workshop will facilitate the clinician's ability to develop management strategies promoting the recovery of upper extremity function, specifically as it relates to use of the limb for active and modified support post-stroke or brain injury. The emphasis will be on management of the low tone upper extremity. Impact of treatment on secondary impairments will also be discussed.