Course Description

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This introductory lecture and lab course is designed to teach the  licensed physical therapist, physical therapist assistant, and athletic trainers assessment and treatment techniques for patients with curvature of the spine.  Participants will gain a greater understanding of scoliosis, based on the current evidence,  as a 3-dimensional, torsional, asymmetry with attention given to effects of scoliosis on the sagittal, frontal and transverse planes.   We will cover contributing developmental factors, risk of curve progression, spinal precautions, contraindications, safe performance of activities of daily living, x-ray review, and typical scoliotic curve pattern identification with specific treatment techniques.  Best practice recommendations for exercise dosing, bracing (TLSO) and surgical recommendations will also be covered.  Assessment and treatment techniques are supported by the Postural Restoration Institute®.

Course Objectives:

By the end of the course, the attendee will be able to:
* Understand the development and progression of scoliosis in both children and adults,

* Determine risk of curve progression and therefore prescribing appropriate level of intervention,

* Realize and incorporate specific spinal precautions/protections and bracing guidelines into treatment programs,

* Learn new assessment tests specific to scoliosis as a 3-dimensional deformity, in addition to standard scoliosis measures (x-ray interpretation, scoliometry, spirometry and others),

* Identify typical and atypical scoliosis curve patterns,

* Develop safe, appropriate and effective treatment plans for patients with scoliosis.