IPTA

This #THIRDTHURSDAY delves into the possible ways to improve your patients’ (and your) eating patterns to assist in eating healthier, more nutrient dense foods. Learn the effects that healthier eating can have on our overall health and how it can assist us in preventing and treating chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and various cancers.

This presentations talks about the complex topic of nutritional science, and strategies we can use with our patients and ourselves to improve eating patterns, as well as when to refer.  Better eating is one of the key pillars of Lifestyle Medicine to living healthier and longer!

Dr. Sarah J. Haag PT, DPT, MS, WCS, DipACLM & Dr. Jeffrey A. Damaschke PT, DPT, PhD, DipACLM share insights and expertise on "Teaching Our Patients (and ourselves) to Eat Better and Live Longer! A Lifestyle Medicine Approach."

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

Dr. Sarah J. Haag PT, DPT, MS, WCS, DipACLM has been a Physical Therapist since 2002, when she graduated with a Master of Physical Therapy from Marquette University. Since then, Sarah’s clinical practice has evolved to have a focus on pelvic health and chronic pain. After becoming a board-certified Women’s Health Physical Therapy specialist, Sarah co-founded Entropy Physiotherapy and Wellness, LLC in 2013. While working with patients at Entropy, Sarah realized that she wanted to have a larger impact on healthcare and the profession of physical therapy. In 2019, Sarah joined the faculty at Rosalind Franklin University. At Rosalind Franklin University, Sarah has been involved in the Interprofessional Community Clinic, teaching students in several professional programs in anatomy, healthcare simulation, and pain. In alignment with her passion to improve outcomes for people in pain, Sarah became a board-certified Lifestyle Medicine professional in 2023. She is now integrating lifestyle medicine into her clinical practice and teaching.

Dr. Jeffrey A. Damaschke PT, DPT, PhD, DipACLM is an Associate Professor and Chair of Lifestyle Medicine Department at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. Dr. Damaschke received his BS in Physical Therapy from The University of Texas Medical Branch. He subsequently completed his MS in Physical Therapy with an emphasis in orthopedics at Finch University of Health Sciences and his Doctor of Physical Therapy from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. In 2016, he completed his Doctor of Philosophy from Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Dr. Damaschke’s clinical practice has been performing primary musculoskeletal care and prevention, health promotion and wellness within the United States Navy for 20 years. He currently practices at the Rosalind Franklin University Health Clinic performing sports/orthopedic and neurologic physical therapy and incorporates Lifestyle Medicine. Dr. Damaschke is a Diplomat in the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. He serves as the Director of ICC Clinical & Community Care and is an active faculty member teaching in the Doctor of Physical Therapy and is Department Chair of the Lifestyle Medicine Department where he teaches and advises students.

This program was originally recorded October 17, 2024.

You can even earn 2 hours of CE (Self- Study):  

This course addresses the key information and issues that PT practice should know in the event the practice is approached by a larger company or another PT practice with interest in buying their practice, or alternatively if a PT practice is interested in expanding and buying other practices.

Key discussion points include understanding the transaction process and what to expect, key deal terms that often pop up in negotiations, and current trends in the PT market consolidation.

Chris DeGrande, Healthcare Attorney at Benesch shares his insight and expertise on "PT Transactions: What to Know When Selling Your Practice or Buying another Practice."

Objectives: 

• Understand the basics of understanding the transaction process for buying or selling your practice.

Christopher DeGrande, Healthcare Attorney at Benesch

Chris DeGrande specializes in healthcare law with a strong emphasis on physical therapy, encompassing transactional, regulatory, and corporate matters. His practice involves navigating state and federal licensing requirements, Anti-Kickback and Stark issues, corporate practice of medicine prohibitions, and transactional diligence review, all tailored specifically to the needs of physical therapy providers. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges facing this field, Chris excels in structuring and drafting contracts and transactions that ensure compliance and foster growth for physical therapy practices.

Throughout his career, Chris has demonstrated his expertise in transactional and regulatory issues across a diverse range of healthcare fields. While his focus remains on physical therapy, he has also worked with entities in hospital settings, dermatology, ambulatory surgery, orthopedics, home health, behavioral health, ophthalmology/optometry, dentistry, women’s health, telemedicine, and veterinary medicine. Prior to entering the legal profession, Chris gained valuable industry insights as a consultant at Cerner Corporation, a global leader in health information technology solutions. He further honed his legal skills through externships with the Presence Health General Counsel and the State of Illinois Circuit Court of Cook County.

Chris's comprehensive background uniquely positions him to provide strategic and informed legal counsel tailored specifically to the needs of physical therapy providers.

This program was originally recorded September 10, 2024.

You can even earn 1 hour of CE:  

1. Purchase the recording by visiting IPTA's Virtual Library . (FREE FOR IPTA MEMBERS / CE Subscribers - log in to ipta.org so it knows who you are!) Non-member cost is $25. You can earn 1-2 hours of CE, depending on the length of program.

Feeling undervalued and burnt-out is a significant challenge facing physical therapists today - 1 in 3 rehab professionals are burnt-out and 2 in 3 rehab professionals are contemplating a career move.

This #THIRDTHURSDAY delves into the scope of burnout in the physical therapy profession, the difference between stress and burnout, and how to identify signs of burnout within yourself.

Through interactive discussions and practical exercises, participants will learn valuable tools and strategies to combat and prevent burnout. This includes learning to set healthy boundaries, advocate for their own worth within the field, and develop a personalized self-care plan. We will also explore effective communication techniques for navigating challenging workplace dynamics and fostering a more fulfilling and sustainable career in physical therapy.

Dr. Ricky Fernandez, PT, DPT, certified Burnout coach shares insights and expertise on "Thriving, Not Just Surviving: Strategies to set boundaries and beat burnout in the physical therapy profession."

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Analyze the impact of burnout on the Rehab workforce.

Dr. Ricky Fernandez, PT, DPT, certified Burnout coach who believes that healthcare workers deserve tools to help them cope with the stress of being miracle workers.

Dr. Fernandez learned the hard way that burnout lies around the corner for any clinician who works in our healthcare system and lacks the safeguards to protect their energy and mental health. Now Dr. Fernandez is committed to helping clinicians ditch their chronic stress, implement effective boundaries, and practice healthcare in a way that works for them, not against them.

Dr. Fernandez graduated in 2022 with a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Washington University in St. Louis.

This program was originally recorded September 19, 2024.

You can even earn 2 hours of CE (Self- Study):  

1. Purchase the recording by visiting IPTA's Virtual Library . (FREE FOR IPTA MEMBERS / CE Subscribers - log in to ipta.org so it knows who you are!) Non-member cost is $45. You can earn 1-2 hours of CE, depending on the length of program.

This #THIRDTHURSDAY presentation will focus on advanced knee cartilage treatments beyond the usual 'joint replacement'. Participants will learn and discuss operative and non-operative treatments for knee cartilage injuries, from transplant to replacement. 

Dr. David Saper, MD, FAAOS, Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon shares insights and expertise on "Advanced Cartilage Treatments for Knee Injuries"

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the biomechanics of cartilage, a living tissue;

David Saper, MD, FAAOS, is a board certified and fellowship trained orthopaedic surgeon and the founder and director of Edens Orthopaedic Center Ltd. Dr. Saper opened Edens Orthopaedic Center Ltd after many years practicing orthopaedics on the north side of Chicago.

He has advanced training in a variety of both non-operative and minimally invasive procedures to treat and repair sports and orthopedic injuries and arthritis of the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and ankle.

Dr. Saper completed both medical school and an Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Fellowship at the prestigious University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine and served as an assistant physician for the University of Chicago Maroon's Athletic Department.

Dr. Saper also has considerable experience with fracture and trauma care and spent over five years treating patients with complex fractured bones in Chicagolands busy Level 1 trauma centers. Dr. Saper is active on the medical staff in both the Advocate and North Shore University Hospital systems.

In addition to clinical care, Dr. Saper has presented multiple research presentations at national orthopedic conferences including the 'Orthopaedic Trauma Association,' the 'American Society for Surgery of the Hand,' and the 'American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.' He continues to teach orthopaedic residents and is a faculty member who volunteers instructing orthopaedic surgeons in advanced techniques for both the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine and the Arthroscopy Association for North America.

Dr. Saper has published numerous peer-reviewed research papers, novel surgical techniques, and review articles in the orthopedic literature on the topics of sports and trauma, and currently serves as a reviewer for the highest impact orthopedic journal, The American Journal of Sports Medicine. Dr. Saper is dedicated to the complete care of the individual and stays up to date with the latest techniques, technologies, and treatments to treat bone, cartilage, and joint disorders. He aims to collaborate with patients to help restore their mobility so they can reach their maximal potential in sport, work, and life.

This program was originally recorded August 15, 2024.

You can even earn 2 hours of CE (Self- Study):  

1. Purchase the recording by visiting IPTA's Virtual Library . (FREE FOR IPTA MEMBERS / CE Subscribers - log in to ipta.org so it knows who you are!) Non-member cost is $45. You can earn 1-2 hours of CE, depending on the length of program.

This course will discuss common pediatric spinal deformities, treatment options and impact of deformity on the child’s overall development.

Roberta Kuchler OShea, PT, DPT, PhD, & David Diers, PT, EdD, MHS, ATC share insights and expertise on "Pediatric Spine Deformity Conditions"

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Discuss the complex structure of the spine 

Dr. Roberta Kuchler OShea, PT, DPT, PhD, Professor Emeritus has been a PT for over 35 years working across a variety of pediatric settings and in academia. Although retired from full time teaching she maintains a small clinical practice and continues to be active in the field of physical therapy. She is the author of several articles, textbook chapters and textbooks.

Dr. David Diers, PT, EdD, MHS, ATC has been a PT for over 30 years and working in a variety of outpatient and sports settings. He is the current Program Chair for Physical Therapy at Governors State University. 

This program was originally recorded July 18, 2024.

You can even earn 2 hours of CE (Self- Study):  

1. Purchase the recording by visiting IPTA's Virtual Library . (FREE FOR IPTA MEMBERS / CE Subscribers - log in to ipta.org so it knows who you are!) Non-member cost is $45. You can earn 1-2 hours of CE, depending on the length of program.

June is recognized as National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month. Headaches are among the most common disorders of the human nervous system and can often wreak havoc on a sufferer’s daily life. Headaches can cause pain in the neck, sinuses, face, and head and can last for hours or days.

This #THIRDTHURSDAY lecture will review etiology and classification of headaches disorders - focusing on how to obtain a neurologic history and perform a headache focused exam. Headache 'red flags' (worrisome complaints) will be discussed along with some basics of headache treatment along with physical therapy modalities that may help headache patients.

Dr. Smriti (Simi) Wagle, D.O. shares insights and expertise on "Overview of Headache Evaluation and Treatment for Physical Therapists"

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Describe common headache types and understand how to perform a headache focused exam

Dr. Smriti (Simi) Wagle, D.O. is a practicing general neurologist at Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, Illinois. She completed her training in 2003 and sees patients in the outpatient and inpatient settings, reads EEGs and also performs EMG/nerve conduction studies. She is originally from Iowa and did her undergraduate and medical school training there. She completed her neurology residency through the Michigan State Health System and then an EMG/neurophysiology fellowship through the Mayo Clinic Health System.

Since completing her training, she has chosen to practice general neurology and cares for patients with all type of neurologic disorders including: seizures, strokes, Parkinson's, memory loss, neuropathy and of course, headaches. She is an associate professor and the assistant clerkship director for Neurology at the Rosalind Franklin University Medical School. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, running 5Ks, reading, traveling to fun locales and cooking.

This program was originally recorded June 20, 2024.

You can even earn 2 hours of CE (Self- Study):  

1. Purchase the recording by visiting IPTA's Virtual Library . (FREE FOR IPTA MEMBERS / CE Subscribers - log in to ipta.org so it knows who you are!) Non-member cost is $45. You can earn 1-2 hours of CE, depending on the length of program.

In recent years greater attention has been given by our profession to the role of diagnostic imaging in physical therapy (PT) practice. Educational content related to diagnostic imaging is now required for PT program accreditation. Military PTs and all other civilian first contact providers routinely utilize diagnostic imaging in this critical decision-making process.

As more therapists continue to step into direct access roles, it may be beneficial to evaluate how referral for diagnostic imaging may impact clinical decision making and ultimately enhance patient care.

According to Illinois law, PTs are required to determine what conditions fall outside our scope of practice and to make referrals to appropriate healthcare providers when necessary. At times, a radiologist will be the most appropriate provider to refer to.

This #THIRDTHURSDAY session will explore how the referral for diagnostic imaging studies by PTs can impact clinical decision making and ultimately lead to enhanced patient care. Multiple cases will be reviewed in which imaging results directly led to an alternative course of management.

Dr. Aaron Keil PT, DPT share insights and expertise on "PTs Who Order Diagnostic Imaging"

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Cite appropriate research that supports granting physical therapists privileges to order imaging studies directly.

Dr. Aaron Keil PT, DPT, currently serves as clinical professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago.  He has spoken at national conferences on the topics of direct access and diagnostic imaging and has provided guidance to several institutions across the country who are pursuing these initiatives. 

Dr. Keil served on the authorship committee for the APTA-sponsored white paper ‘Diagnostic and Procedural Imaging in Physical Therapist Practice’ and he has published articles on this topic.

He has functioned as a first-contact provider at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington D.C., the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore Maryland and the University of Illinois at Chicago.

This program was originally recorded May 16, 2024.

You can even earn 2 hours of CE (Self- Study):  

1. Purchase the recording by visiting IPTA's Virtual Library . (FREE FOR IPTA MEMBERS / CE Subscribers - log in to ipta.org so it knows who you are!) Non-member cost is $45. You can earn 1-2 hours of CE, depending on the length of program.

Maintaining a safe and healthy work environment is a vital role for all employees and employers. This course will review sexual harassment in the workplace including various forms and manifestations of sexual harassment.

IPTA's Ethics Committee will review steps to take if one experiences or witnesses sexual harassment in the workplace including how to report harassment to workplace supervisors, anonymous call in lines, and state agencies. Whistleblower protections will be reviewed for employees that report sexual harassment in the workplace. Case examples will be provided to apply course concepts on recognizing and reporting harassment.

This course meets the 1 hour Sexual Harassment Prevention training required by the State of Illinois.

Following completion of the course, participants will be able to:

• Describe sexual harassment.

1. Purchase the recording by visiting IPTA's Virtual Library . (FREE FOR IPTA MEMBERS/ CE SUBSCRIBERS - log in to ipta.org so it knows who you are!) Non-member cost is $30. 

Note to nonmembers: In free CE opportunities alone, your APTA/IPTA membership can pay for itself! Do the math – we welcome you to explore the various benefits of IPTA membership by clicking here. You too can be a part of your professional association, click here to join!

Demetra John PT, PhD received her physical therapy training from Northwestern University and her PhD in Public Health from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). She is retired after working more than 30 years at UIC in multiple faculty and administrative roles. Demetra is a member of the IPTA Ethics Committee and the IPTF Pro Bono Committee. She has provided pro bono physical therapy services to the uninsured for over 25 years.

Lauren Parsons, PT, DPT, CLT is a physical therapist with 10 years of experience. Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, Lauren Parsons graduated from Mississippi State University then went on to receipt her doctorate at University of Tennessee. Lauren is a Certified Lymphedema Therapist and has a professional background and interest in endurance. She is a Orthopedic Pediatric Physical Therapist with training in Video Gait Analysis and is Graston Certified. Lauren currently lives in Andersonville on the north side of Chicago.

Ann W. Jackson, PT, DPT, MPH is a physical therapist who received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Therapy from Georgia State University, a Masters of Public Health from the University of South Carolina and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Rosalind Franklin University. Her clinical interests include: children and adults living with neuromuscular conditions, rehabilitation needs following a cancer diagnosis/care, integration of community resources into long term care plans. Her research interests include: efficacy of service delivery models and outcome measures.

This program was originally recorded February 22, 2024.

Compliance with therapeutic exercise programs is generally poor, with over 70% of (low back) patients failing to perform their prescribed exercises. One of the many reasons for this poor compliance may be the frequent use of an internal focus exercise approach, which is often experienced as boring, repetitive, pointless, and non-productive. This course will challenge current belief systems about exercise and the way you practice and prescribe therapeutic exercise. This brief session integrates contemporary research, including the OPTIMAL Theory of Motor Learning, exergaming technology, and pain science into a new therapeutic conditioning and exercise method using primarily an external-focus approach. Compared to internal focus exercise programs, directed at the performer’s own body movements, external focus programs, directed at the effects of movement on the environment, have immediate beneficial effects on performance, retention, and transfer. Improvements are observed in movement effectiveness and efficiency, self-efficacy, confidence, automaticity of control, and overall cognitive function.

Jan Dommerholt, PT, DPT, President/CEO of Myopain Seminars shares his insight and expertise on "External-Focus Exercise & Exergaming."

Objectives: 

• Discuss three main aspects of the OPTIMAL Theory of Motor Learning

Jan Dommerholt, PT, DPT, President/CEO of Myopain Seminars

Dr. Jan Dommerholt is co-founder and president/CEO of Myopain Seminars. His early career mentors included Drs. Janet Travell, David Simons, Robert Gerwin, Richard S. Materson, Karel Lewit, and Peter Baldry, among others. Together with Robert Gerwin, Jan started teaching dry needling courses in 1996, first in Spain and from 1997 onwards also in the USA. Jan is a Dutch-trained physical therapist who holds a Master of Professional Studies degree with a concentration in both Biomechanical Trauma and Healthcare Administration from Lynn University, and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. Dr. Dommerholt has taught hundreds of courses and lectured at over 80 conferences throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, South America, Europe, Australia, and the Middle East while maintaining an active clinical practice. He is a member of the editorial board of the Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, Cuestiones de Fisioterapia, and the Journal of Invasive Therapies in Physical Therapy. Jan is an Honorary Member of the Iranian Physiotherapy Association and of the Polish Association of Invasive Physiotherapy. In 2016, he received the Janet G. Travell Excellence in Education Award from the National Association of Myofascial Trigger Point Therapists. The American Physical Therapy Association recognized his achievements by awarding him the 2014 Henry O. and Florence P. Kendall Practice Award.

Dr. Dommerholt has edited several books on myofascial pain, dry needling, and manual physical therapy, authored about 80 book chapters, and more than 140 articles on dry needling, myofascial pain, external-focus exercise, fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome, and performing arts physical therapy. From 2004 through 2021, he prepared a quarterly literature review column on myofascial pain initially with Dr. David Simons for the Journal of Musculoskeletal Pain followed by the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies with a variety of co-authors. He is president/CEO of Bethesda Physiocare® in Bethesda, MD (www.bethesdaphysiocare.com).

This program was originally recorded October 16, 2023.

You can even earn 2 hours of CE:  

1. Purchase the recording by visiting IPTA's Virtual Library . (FREE FOR IPTA MEMBERS / CE Subscribers - log in to ipta.org so it knows who you are!) Non-member cost is $45. You can earn 1-2 hours of CE, depending on the length of program.

This #THIRDTHURSDAY course will discuss the etiologies and different presentations of flatfoot deformities. The discussion will start by discussing pediatric flatfoot versus adult flatfoot. Discussion will include recommended treatment including conservative treatment options, including physical therapy, and surgical treatment options.

Clare Cormier, DPM, AACFAS, DABPM share insights and expertise on "Are all flat feet the same?"

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Discuss pediatric versus adult flatfoot deformities 

Clare Cormier, DPM, AACFAS, DABPM, is a board-certified, fellowship-trained foot and ankle reconstructive surgeon in the Chicagoland area. She currently serves patients at Neamand Foot and Ankle Center, located in Park Ridge, Illinois. Dr. Cormier graduated from Denison University with a degree in Psychology and completed her medical education from Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine - graduating at the top of her class with honors.

This program was originally recorded March 21, 2024.

You can even earn 2 hours of CE (Self- Study):  

1. Purchase the recording by visiting IPTA's Virtual Library . (FREE FOR IPTA MEMBERS / CE Subscribers - log in to ipta.org so it knows who you are!) Non-member cost is $45. You can earn 1-2 hours of CE, depending on the length of program.