DESCRIPTION:
With an aging population the prevalence of age-related spinal conditions is progressively increasing. Symptoms relatable to spinal stenosis now account for up to 30% of patients with spinal complaints in primary care. Physiotherapists who appreciate the natural course, differential diagnosis, assessment, medical/surgical, exercise and manual therapy treatment options available can safely and effectively manage this growing patient population.

The program is delivered in a hybrid learning style with ten-week online prep modules and a one-day skills lab.  In the on-line component participants work at their own pace over the ten-week access period. The ten dictated PowerPoint presentations are supported by videos, web resource links, quick reference cheat sheets and a 320-page downloadable handout. The one-day skills lab focuses on evidence-based manual therapy interventions to optimize mobility and function of the lumbar spine and hip joints.

A certificate of completion may be printed at the conclusion of the course for your professional portfolio.

ONLINE FORMAT:
Unit 1 Natural spine aging process 1
Epidemiology of stenosis
Vertebral changes with age
Disc changes with age

Unit 2 Natural spine aging process 2
Articular changes with age
Spondylolysthesis
3-phase model

Unit 3 Medical masqueraders & pathologies 1
Vascular
Cancer
Infection

Unit 4 Medical masqueraders & pathologies 2
Fractures
Radiculopathy
Cauda equine syndrome

Unit 5 Clinical investigations
Examination of the hip
Examination of the vascular system
Examination of the lumbar spine

Unit 6 Medical investigations
Standard imaging
Advanced imaging
Lab testing

Unit 7 Medical management
Medications
Injections

Unit 8 Surgical management
Spinal decompression
Spinal fusion
Spinal decompression and fusion

Unit 9 Self Treatment Exercise Program: Stenosis STEPS
Pain control
Mobility restoration
Motor control

Unit 10 Physiotherapy management 2
Manual therapy of the hip
Manual therapy of the lumbar spine
Manual therapy of the thoracic spine

OBJECTIVES:

• Know the natural aging process of the spine
• Know the differential diagnosis of spinal stenosis
• Understand the medical masqueraders and red flags associated with spinal stenosis
• Appreciate the medical and surgical options for spinal stenosis
• Know the Physiotherapy management of spinal stenosis including
• self-treatment and manual therapy options
• Develop manual therapy skills to optimize mobility and function of the lumbar spine and hip joints

INVESTMENT: $195.00

INSTRUCTOR:
Rob Werstine BA, BSc(PT), Dip MT, MSc, DPT, FCAMPT
Jack Miller BSc(PT), Dip MT(NZ), MClSc, DPT, FCAMPT