2024 ROCKY MOUNTAIN ANNUAL CONFERENCE & PT EXPO: Full Schedule

This presentation will provide information helpful for all physical therapists regardless of specialization in assisting clients with common pelvic health issues that impact their lives. Anatomy of the pelvic floor and its interplay with the spine and hip will be presented. Simple management ideas will be discussed on managing constipation, delaying urgency to use the bathroom, and specific exercises and body mechanics recommendations to protect the pelvic floor especially when prolapse is present. Hands on assessment of a diastasis recti will also be provided with treatment ideas. This presentation will be delivered in a lecture format with a demonstration of the interplay of the pelvic floor muscles and the spine.

Speakers

Sharon Petty, PT, DPT, OCS, WCS

Sharon Petty, PT, DPT, OCS has been a physical therapist for over 40 years, and worked with pelvic health clients for over 20 years. She currently works at the Adult Outpatient Physical Therapy and Rehab clinic for UCHealth in Fort Collins, CO. Sharon treats men and women for urinary... Read More →

S 9am Forest Sharon Petty constipation2 handout pdf

S 9am Forest Sharon Petty SharonPetty Pelvic Floor pdf

Saturday September 28, 2024 9:00am - 10:30am MDT
Forest

General Topics

9:00am MDT

Neuroplasticity Gone Wrong: Treating the Sensory Side of Balance and Gait - Lessons from studying Mal-de-Debarquement

Saturday September 28, 2024 9:00am - 10:30am MDT

Aspen/Blue Spruce

This session will begin with recent evidence about primary sensory influences on head and body verticality, sensory selection for differing balance requirements in everyday life, and problems of single system sensory dependence. There will be an interactive discussion focused on examinations and effective interventions for specific problems, discussion of how to sequence and progress visual, vestibular (particularly otolithic), somatosensory and proprioceptive interventions, especially those relating to verticality perception. Interventions for head righting through cervical proprioceptors and ankle proprioception retraining will be included. Interventions will progress from single system treatments to exercises integrating sensory input. The presentation is based on research of successful interventions for people with Mal de Debarquement, a problem of sensory integration, reweighting and likely sensory inhibition. Techniques for retraining sensory selection, integration and reweighting are applicable to people with neurologic problems including TBI, CVA, MS, and dystonia.

Speakers

Sarah Gallagher

Dr. Sarah Gallagher PT, DPT, NCS graduated with her doctorate from MGH Institute of Health Professions in Boston, MA and completed an internship at Massachusetts General Hospital in acute care. After working several years in hospital settings, focusing in trauma, she transitioned... Read More →

Patricia Winkler

Patricia Winkler P.T.,M.S.,D.Sc.,NCS (emerita) is a physical therapist who has worked in hospital and rehabilitation settings, owned a neurological-focused private practice and as an Assistant Professor at Regis University. Her interest in healthcare came from parents who were both... Read More →

S 9am Aspen BS Pat Winkler and Sarah Gallagher APTA CO 2024 Neuroplasticity Gone Wrong Revised 9.15.24 pdf

Saturday September 28, 2024 9:00am - 10:30am MDT
Aspen/Blue Spruce

Neurologic

9:00am MDT

A Novel Approach to Hernia Repair: Pre- and Post-Operative Care through Return to Sport

Saturday September 28, 2024 9:00am - 10:30am MDT

Elevation

Review the elements of hernia anatomy, hernia risk factors, differential diagnoses, and surgical interventions as it pertains to post-operative care. Identify key differences between robotic, laparoscopic, and open procedures in rehabilitation. Discuss the current state of research for post-operative care following hernia surgery. Introduce novel pre-surgical screening to evaluate functional and regional deficits that may impact recovery and return to sport. Discuss goals and plans for progressive post-operative hernia care and provide an overview of rehabilitative benefits following hernia surgery. Provide detail of criteria-based care to address post-operative hernia care through return to sport, which is currently underreported in the literature.

Speakers

Turner Lisle

Haley Leo, PT

Haley earned her Bachelor of Exercise Science at University of Delaware and her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Drexel University. Haley pursued work as a physical therapist in San Francisco with opportunities to work the Rugby World Cup 7s, p1440 volleyball tournaments, and the US... Read More →

Andrea Malagon

Andrea earned her Bachelor of Athletic Training at Azusa Pacic University and emphasized collegiate athletics and industrial sports medicine prior advancing her education at Baylor University, in which she earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy. Currently, she works at Vail Health... Read More →

S 9am Elevation Haley Leo APTA CO Hernia Prez 1.1 pdf

Saturday September 28, 2024 9:00am - 10:30am MDT
Elevation

Orthopedic

9:00am MDT

Nourishing Development: Exploring the Link Between Early Feeding and Motor Milestones

Saturday September 28, 2024 9:00am - 10:30am MDT

Tarn

This presentation will provide attendees with a review of primitive reflexes and milestones in early infancy through the progression to early childhood, discuss the interplay between feeding and motor development, and offer evidence-based treatment interventions to support the transition from reflex-driven movement to voluntary movement patterns. A review of current literature, case scenarios, and demonstration of hands-on techniques will be utilized via lecture, review of videos, and in-person demonstration of techniques.

Speakers

Shaheen Larson

Shaheen Larson is an Occupational Therapist with 16 years of experience addressing feeding and swallowing disorders across childhood. She has AOTA Advanced Practice Certification in Pediatrics, AOTA Specialty Certification in Feeding, Eating, and Swallowing, and is a Certified Lactation... Read More →

S 9am Tarn Shaheen Larson APTA 2024 Larson Final [Autosaved] pdf

Saturday September 28, 2024 9:00am - 10:30am MDT
Tarn

Pediatric

10:30am MDT

Morning Break with Sponsors and Exhibitors

Saturday September 28, 2024 10:30am - 11:00am MDT

Atrium

Saturday September 28, 2024 10:30am - 11:00am MDT
Atrium

Meals/Networking Events (Non-CEU)

11:00am MDT

A Multi-Disciplinary Approach to the Assessment and Treatment of Breathing Pattern Disorder (BPD).

Saturday September 28, 2024 11:00am - 12:30pm MDT

Tarn

This presentation will provide attendee with updates on current evidence on methods of assessment and treatment of breathing pattern disorder. This will include introduction to BPD and why PTs should know about it, differentiation of BPD from other lung and upper airway diseases, medical and clinical assessment tools, primary and secondary treatments, PT specific rationale for BPD referrals, and carryover of treatment strategies into PT sessions for other primary medical diagnoses.

Speakers

Amy O'Connell

Amy O’Connell, MS, CCC-SLP is a Speech-Language Pathologist with 30 years of experience who first began working with disorders of the upper airway in 1998. She has been an SLP at National Jewish Health (NJH) for the last 8 years, where she is privileged to lead the NJH Speech Pathology... Read More →

Allison Zangle

Allison Zangle, PT, DPT earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Stony Brook University in 2016. She has been a physical therapist at National Jewish Health for the last 4 years where she specializes in outpatient pulmonary physical therapy. At National Jewish Health she treats... Read More →

Cori Fratelli

Cori Fratelli is a Nurse Practitioner, who has a unique background in both basic science, clinical research, and Eastern medicine, which has informed her practice in clinical Western medicine. She has been at National Jewish since 2003. Her clinical time is divided between the Interstitial... Read More →

S 11 am Tarn Amy O'Connell Final APTA CO Expo 9.2024 submitted 8.30 pdf

Saturday September 28, 2024 11:00am - 12:30pm MDT
Tarn

General Topics

11:00am MDT

Trunk Stabilization Motor Priming to Treat Balance and Walking in the Neurologic Population

Saturday September 28, 2024 11:00am - 12:30pm MDT

Aspen/Blue Spruce

This presentation will provide attendees with evidence-based understanding and background knowledge of normal trunk stability, abnormal trunk stabilization within the neurologic population, and motor priming concepts. Then the presentation will lead more into clinical-based methods specifically for trunk stabilization motor priming as a way to treat abnormal balance and walking with the goal such that the attendees are able to directly carryover treatment ideas into their own clinical practice.

Speakers

Jessica Ford, PT

Jessica Ford is a practicing PT in the Denver area currently in the outpatient neuro setting. She graduated with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2015. After graduation, Jessica went on to pursue further post-professional development via... Read More →

S 11am Aspen BS Jessica Ford Trunk Stabilization Motor Priming final lecture pdf

Saturday September 28, 2024 11:00am - 12:30pm MDT
Aspen/Blue Spruce

Neurologic

11:00am MDT

Strut Your Stuff: Working with Dancers and Performing Artists for Non-Dance PTs

Saturday September 28, 2024 11:00am - 12:30pm MDT

Elevation

This presentation will provide attendees key elements of working with dancers or other performing artists, including dance medicine-specific evaluation and assessment processes. We will also discuss common injuries and healthcare concerns, as well as cultural contexts. With prevailing perceptions that healthcare providers don't understand dancers or offer unhelpful advice, the aim of this session is to provide information to attendees to start helping change that narrative. The presentation will be delivered in a lecture format.

Speakers

Alyssa Arms

Dr. Alyssa Arms, PT, DPT, OCS is a physical therapist, educator, and dancer. She is the owner of Back in Step Physical Therapy, where she specializes in working with dancers of all ages and genres. Dr. Alyssa works with dancers and dance teachers in her clinic, in the studio, and... Read More →

S 11am Elevation Alyssa Arms Strut Your Stuff APTA CO 2024 9.16.24 pdf

Saturday September 28, 2024 11:00am - 12:30pm MDT
Elevation

Orthopedic

11:00am MDT

The Pelvic Floor, Diaphragm, the Core and their Role in Postural Development in Children

Saturday September 28, 2024 11:00am - 12:30pm MDT

Forest

This educational session is designed to understand the development of the diaphragm and pelvic floor muscles (PFM) as it relates to core function and continence in children. Special needs children or those with musculoskeletal asymmetries frequently have a weak core, postural compensations and develop poor bowel and bladder habits. Did you ever consider activating a child’s pelvic floor musculature to increase their core strength and control, and improve their functional ability? Learn how to connect the ribcage, the diaphragm, and the pelvic floor for proper core activation. Focus on assessment and treatment of the core/breathing and the PFM in a school-based setting will be provided. This includes how to identify constipation and/or dysfunctional voiding habits and understanding how managing constipation can improve posture core control and breathing. The information presented in the course applies to children who have been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, ASD, Hypotonia and more.

Speakers

Dawn Sandalcidi PT, RCMT, BCB-PMD

Dawn Sandalcidi PT, RCMT, BCB-PMD is a trailblazer and leading expert in the field of pediatric pelvic floor disorders. She has been practicing since1982 and is actively seeing patients at Summit Pelvic Health is Frisco, CO. Dawn is a national and international speaker in the field... Read More →

S 11 am Forest Dawn Sandalcidi CO APTA 9 2024 pdf

Saturday September 28, 2024 11:00am - 12:30pm MDT
Forest

Pediatric

12:30pm MDT

Lunch and Chapter Meeting

Saturday September 28, 2024 12:30pm - 2:00pm MDT

Elevation

Saturday September 28, 2024 12:30pm - 2:00pm MDT
Elevation

Meals/Networking Events (Non-CEU)

2:00pm MDT

From Stage to clinic! PTs and Musicians Present an Interactive Session Addressing Performers’ Health Needs

Saturday September 28, 2024 2:00pm - 3:30pm MDT

Elevation

This presentation will make treating musicians more accessible to clinicians by bringing professional musicians as presenters alongside an experienced PT. Together, presenters will demonstrate their craft, discuss personal experiences with PRMDs and MPA and successful solutions they’ve encountered regarding resources, education, and treatment. Participants will have unique opportunities to collaborate on live case studies of the presenters, participate in movement analysis of live performances, and design interventions specific to the physical and mental demands of musicians. By collaborating with musicians in this novel way, attendees will gain both knowledge and practical experience of the unique complexities of treating musicians. PTs will leave feeling better equipped to provide resources and evidence-based care for this niche population.

Speakers

Emily Gee

Dr. Gee is a PT, yoga instructor, and former professional cellist in Denver, CO. Playing-related injuries including focal dystonia forced her to leave her music career in 2010. During her rehabilitation, she saw a need for healthcare providers who truly understood the multifactorial... Read More →

Dmitri Pogorelov

Violinist/violist Dmitri Pogorelov is a member of the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, and has performed at prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center, Ravinia Festival, Red Rocks Amphitheatre and National Gallery of Art. He has recorded and performed with renowned jazz... Read More →

Daniel Kurganov

"As a violinist, pedagogue, and recording artist, I am passionate about sharing the great tradition of violin playing using new and old methods. I’ve performed at venues like Lincoln Center and The Boston Conservatory and performed in The Violins of Hope project, playing a violin... Read More →

S 2 pm Elevation Emily Gee APTACO presentation pdf

Saturday September 28, 2024 2:00pm - 3:30pm MDT
Elevation

General Topics

2:00pm MDT

Is there a Zebra in Your Room?: Recognizing and Treating Joint Hypermobility and Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (Part 1)

Saturday September 28, 2024 2:00pm - 3:30pm MDT

Forest

Do you ever feel like you're missing a vital piece of the puzzle when it comes to diagnosing and treating your patients? Join us for an unforgettable CME lecture, ""Is there a Zebra in Your Room?: Recognizing and Treating Joint Hypermobility and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)"", where you'll discover the tell-tale signs of joint hypermobility and Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes, common but frequently under-recognized connective tissue disorders.

Current literature and estimated prevelance of EDS in the general population will be reviewed. The class will differentiate between Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) and Hypermobile Spectrum Disorder (HSD), provide visual and verbal instruction on how to recognize joint hypermobility in the clinic and implement the Beighton Scale and the Diagnostic Criteria for Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

In addition, the class will help attendees recognize common co-morbidities of hEDS such as cervical instability, cerebrospinal fluid leaks, venous outflow disorders, etc., and corresponding treatment strategies based on clinical reasoning and problem solving skills.

Don't miss this opportunity to transform your practice and the lives of your patients. Register now for ""Is there a Zebra in Your Room?: Recognizing and Treating Joint Hypermobility and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)"", and unlock the secrets of these common, but complex conditions.

Speakers

Caroline Creager, PT

Dr. Caroline Corning Creager, PT, DPT owns Physical Therapy Doctors, Inc and the Berthoud Athletic Club in Berthoud, Colorado. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Montana and her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Colorado... Read More →

Caroline Creager 2024 CO APTA Is There A Zebra In the Room 2 pdf

Saturday September 28, 2024 2:00pm - 3:30pm MDT
Forest

General Topics

2:00pm MDT

How to Accelerate Functional Independence and Reduce Falls from the Ground Up

Saturday September 28, 2024 2:00pm - 3:30pm MDT

Aspen/Blue Spruce

Medically complex and frail patients are rapidly rising because of an aging population with chronic conditions, compounded by COVID-19. Healthcare providers need evidence-based strategies that can restore balance and mobility safely and efficiently while reducing fall risk. Join us to explore why building joint mobility and stability at ankles and feet is the foundation to accelerating functional outcomes like gait speed and the ability to perform activities of daily living. Proprioceptive training that includes range of motion and strengthening exercises will be reviewed and practiced during this interactive lecture.

Speakers

Cate Reade, MS, RD, CES

Optimizing the balance and mobility of older adults so they can move more freely and live more fully is Cate's passion and mission as a Balance & Health Coach, group fitness instructor and educator. Cate has been teaching, writing and prescribing healthy eating and exercise programs... Read More →

S 2pm Aspen BS Cate Reade Accel Func Ind Reduce Falls Ground Up 1Final 083024 pdf

Saturday September 28, 2024 2:00pm - 3:30pm MDT
Aspen/Blue Spruce

Geriatric

2:00pm MDT

Neurodiversity Affirming Practice: Where are we?

Saturday September 28, 2024 2:00pm - 3:30pm MDT

Tarn

This presentation will provide an evidence-based, current look at neurodiversity in relation to the impact and delivery of care in pediatric physical therapy settings. The class will involve breaking down the current barriers to providing neurodiversity affirming physical therapy practices including persistent myths, educational trends, and provider knowledge across disciplines. This class will be delivered in a lecture format with activities and reflective questioning to highlight concepts.

Speakers

Christina Miller

Dr. Miller is a practicing pediatric physical therapist and owner of Be The Change Physical Therapy, LLC. She is also alumni of the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disorders (LEND) center at Stony Brook and a LEND Equity Champion through the Early Childhood Intervention... Read More →

S 2pm Tarn Christina Miller Neurodiversity where are we pdf

Saturday September 28, 2024 2:00pm - 3:30pm MDT
Tarn

Pediatric

3:30pm MDT

Afternoon Break with the Sponsors and Exhibitors

Saturday September 28, 2024 3:30pm - 4:00pm MDT

Atrium

Saturday September 28, 2024 3:30pm - 4:00pm MDT
Atrium

Meals/Networking Events (Non-CEU)

4:00pm MDT

Is there a Zebra in Your Room?: Recognizing and Treating Joint Hypermobility and Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (Part 2)

Saturday September 28, 2024 4:00pm - 5:30pm MDT

Forest

CONTINUED: Do you ever feel like you're missing a vital piece of the puzzle when it comes to diagnosing and treating your patients? Join us for an unforgettable CME lecture, ""Is there a Zebra in Your Room?: Recognizing and Treating Joint Hypermobility and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)"", where you'll discover the tell-tale signs of joint hypermobility and Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes, common but frequently under-recognized connective tissue disorders.

Current literature and estimated prevelance of EDS in the general population will be reviewed. The class will differentiate between Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) and Hypermobile Spectrum Disorder (HSD), provide visual and verbal instruction on how to recognize joint hypermobility in the clinic and implement the Beighton Scale and the Diagnostic Criteria for Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

In addition, the class will help attendees recognize common co-morbidities of hEDS such as cervical instability, cerebrospinal fluid leaks, venous outflow disorders, etc., and corresponding treatment strategies based on clinical reasoning and problem solving skills.

Don't miss this opportunity to transform your practice and the lives of your patients. Register now for ""Is there a Zebra in Your Room?: Recognizing and Treating Joint Hypermobility and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)"", and unlock the secrets of these common, but complex conditions.

Speakers

Caroline Creager, PT

S 2pm 4pm Forest Caroline Creager 2024 CO APTA Is There A Zebra In the Room 2 pdf

Saturday September 28, 2024 4:00pm - 5:30pm MDT
Forest

General Topics

4:00pm MDT

Wading Through the Fog: A Systems Approach to Dizziness Using an Innovative Clinical Decision Support Tool

Saturday September 28, 2024 4:00pm - 5:30pm MDT

Aspen/Blue Spruce

This interactive session will expose participants to an innovative resource that supports clinical reasoning related to dizziness as a health condition. While the tool is responsive on all devices, it is recommended that participants bring a tablet or laptop. A detailed case interview will provide a framework for participants to engage in clinical reasoning independently and in small group discussion using DizzyDx. Participants will create a case file and navigate within the app to consider symptoms endorsed in the interview and the common clinical patterns associated with the symptoms described.

Participants will be prompted to discuss aspects of clinical decision making and develop a list of hypothesized impairments within DizzyDx. This can be accomplished individually while engaging in active discussion and collegial debate in small groups. The presenter will facilitate pacing of the group to promote time management and selection of the clinical tests required to rule in and out various impairments relative to the case presentation. Navigation through DizzyDx will reveal supporting evidence, critical thinking prompts, video tutorials, and a confidence interval to help prioritize impairments.

At the end of the session the case summary will be saved into the user's personal DizzyDx profile. Participants will be provided clinical test results and outcomes from the case presented. Follow up discussion with Q and A will encourage feedback related to educational technology and clinical decision support tool development for rehabilitation providers.

Speakers

Nicole Miranda

Nicole Miranda, PT, DPT is an assistant professor in the hybrid DPT program at South College Atlanta, GA. Her career has involved neurological and vestibular rehabilitation across the lifespan with a dedication to movement analysis. Her passions involve mentoring physical therapists... Read More →

S 4pm Aspen BS Nicole Miranda Miranda. Wading Through the Fog Sat 4PM pdf

Saturday September 28, 2024 4:00pm - 5:30pm MDT
Aspen/Blue Spruce

Neurologic, Geriatric

4:00pm MDT

Downhill Skiing is Fun and Risky. Biomechanics, Common Ski Injuries, and Evidence Based Injury Prevention

Saturday September 28, 2024 4:00pm - 5:30pm MDT

Elevation

PTs who work with skiers should understand downhill skiing terminology, common mechanisms of injury, and return to sport considerations to treat patients or clients who would like to return to downhill skiing. This session will cover these topics using the most current high quality evidence, gathered by the authors for writing the Independent Study Course "Physical Therapist Management of the Winter Athlete: Orthopedic Management of the Downhill Skier." We will finally present an evidence based, progressive strength and conditioning program for recreational skiers looking to prevent injuries.

Speakers

Kate Spencer, PT

Dr. Kate Spencer PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS has been downhill skiing as long as she can remember. Practicing PT since 2006, she served as a PT volunteer for the US Ski Team from the start. She was a traveling PT for 10 years, working winters in Aspen/Snowmass in an on-mountain clinic where... Read More →

James Spencer

James is a 2006 graduate of Northeastern University in Boston where he spent many weekends waking at 4 AM to drive to the icy ski slopes of Maine and Vermont. Currently he is owner of Ajax Physical Therapy in Aspen Colorado and serves as Vice President of the Academy of Orthopaedic... Read More →

S 4pm Elevation Kate Spencer Skiing Injury Prevention Presentation CO Chapter FINAL pdf

Saturday September 28, 2024 4:00pm - 5:30pm MDT
Elevation

Orthopedic

4:00pm MDT

Physical Literacy Pilot Program: Movement Skills Group

Saturday September 28, 2024 4:00pm - 5:30pm MDT

Tarn

The goals of this presentation are to introduce the concept of physical literacy including differentiating between physical activity, fitness, and literacy and discuss the relevance to the pediatric population in the state of Colorado. We will review methods in which patients, particularly pediatric patients, learn movement patterns, motor control, and strengthening activities. This will include background on long-term athletic development and motor-learning principles throughout youth development. The current state of youth sports and the problems with sports specialization will also be discussed. We will suggest specific examples and methods to improve physical literacy throughout Physical Therapy practice. We will also educate on the prevalence of inactivity in the United States and provide tools to address inactivity in the pediatric population as well as education for improvements in clinical practice and educational opportunities for therapists to use for patients and families.

Speakers

Macy Winkelman

Dr. Macy Winkelman earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Creighton University. She completed the Sports Medicine Physical Therapy Residency in Houston, Texas at Memorial Hermann’s IRONMAN Sports Medicine Institute in 2018 and has... Read More →

Emma Rightmire PT, DPT

Dr. Emma Rightmire earned her Bachelor of Science in Integrative Physiology from the University of Colorado at Boulder. She completed her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine in San Marcos and has continued to work in pediatric and general orthopedic... Read More →

Shane Noffsinger

Shane has been practicing physical therapy since 2012 and has been at Children's Hospital Colorado since 2014. He is Board Certified as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. He has extensive experience working with athletes of all... Read More →

S 4pm Tarn Emma and Macy Winkelman Movement Skills Program Day APTA CO Final pdf

Saturday September 28, 2024 4:00pm - 5:30pm MDT
Tarn

Pediatric