Moving Nevada: Empowering Our Community with Physical Therapy

In this conversation, Ashley Scott, a physical therapist assistant and center manager, discusses the challenges faced in pediatric therapy, particularly regarding policy and insurance limitations. She emphasizes the importance of timely access to therapy for children with developmental needs and the impact of administrative hurdles on their progress. The discussion also highlights the emotional toll on families and clinicians, the necessity for advocacy, and the hope for future policy changes that could improve access to care.

Takeaways

• Pediatric therapy requires a dynamic and hands-on approach.
• Policy decisions can significantly impede therapy access for children.
• Prior authorization processes delay necessary treatments for kids.
• Parents often become patients themselves in navigating care.
• Insurance limitations can prevent children from receiving needed services.
• Burnout is a concern among pediatric therapists due to high demands.
• Advocacy is crucial for improving therapy access and outcomes.
• Recent policy changes in SLP services offer hope for future improvements.
• Clinicians and families must work together to influence policy change.

Just us as we speak with Kalani Kauwe, PT who is sharing his story of working at Sunrise Hospital, leading his colleagues into unionization, and discussing the remarkable gains they made as a result.

In this episode of APTA Nevada's podcast, host Jen Nash speaks with pediatric physical therapist Dr. Amanda Arevalo about her journey into the field, the rewards and challenges of working with children, and the importance of family-centered care in pediatric therapy. They discuss various birth defects, including clubfoot and spina bifida, and how physical therapy can support children with these conditions. Dr. Arevalo emphasizes the need for therapists to listen to families and integrate therapy into their daily lives, as well as the significance of teaching future therapists about these values.

Key takeaways

• Dr. Arevalo's early exposure to physical therapy shaped her career path.
• Pediatric physical therapy is rewarding for both the child and family.
• Children with disabilities often learn to accept life as it is.
• Working with families in denial can be a significant challenge.
• Clubfoot treatment involves both surgery and ongoing physical therapy.
• Spina bifida requires a focus on strength and adaptive equipment.
• Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita presents unique challenges and opportunities.
• Family-centered care is essential in pediatric therapy.
• Therapists should use natural environments for effective therapy.
• Building therapy into daily life is crucial for success.

In this episode we have the privilege of chatting with APTA Nevada's lobbyist, Paul Young, from Tom Clark Solutions about the 2025 legislative session.

Tune in to find out all about the wins achieved for PT this year!

Are you appropriately challenging your patients with a neurologic condition?

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Michelle Young, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Clinicial Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy and Dr. Victor Hung,  PT, DPT, Board-Certified Clinicial Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy who provide their expertise on how to utilize high intensity exercise for clients within this population.

Do you know APTA NV's Mission and Vision?

It recently changed! In this episode, we interview Dr. Susan Priestman, PT, DPT, the APTA NV President about the changes and what implementation of this new plan will look like!

Do you know what's going on in terms of the NACs or Nevada Administrative Codes that you must abide by as a PT or PTA?

Tune into this episode to find out more!

Do you have student loan debt and are unsure what to do about it?

Tune into this episode to hear from Paul Backofen, a financial advisory from WestPac Wealth Partners right here in Nevada, as he talks about how to navigate the unknowns of financial planning.

If you would like to reach out to Paul directly, his email is [email protected]

Are you a recent grad? Congratulations!

Tune into this episode to learn from two clinicians what they believe are important truths to know before entering the profession!

In this episode, we have the honor of talking with Meredith Chaput, PhD, DPT, SCS and Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy at University of Central Florida, about her article,  From Control to Chaos: Visual-Cognitive Progression During Recovery From ACL Reconstruction, published in JOSPT.

Gain insights into how you can utilize this unique approach to helping your clients recover following ACL reconstruction!