If you’ve ever assisted a spinal cord injury patient to the edge of the bed you know just how hard it is.

From supporting trunk control that is non-existent, to monitoring vitals for the slightest changes in pressure, cueing patient to engage their UEs for support, and addressing questions from family members sitting in on treatment.

Complete or incomplete spinal cord injuries can leave even the most seasoned clinician challenged, wondering how to progress function when every limitation feels immovable. Determining sensation, level of function and realistic outcomes is only half the battle, the other is challenging your patients to progress towards their functional goals while being empathic and educating every step of the way.

That’s where having the right framework makes all the difference.

Whether it’s ataxia, impaired balance, pain, fatigue, spasticity, or loss of movement, spinal cord injuries can pose life-altering circumstances for patients. But with confidence and an evidence-based approach, you can help your patients push past any barrier, reclaim independence in the activities they value most, take back control of their lives, and embrace all the emotions every step of the way.

The gap between patient limitations and achieving functional goals ends here with this comprehensive training led by Heidi Meyer, PT, DPT, a Board Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist and trained Resident from the renowned Shepherd Center.

Discover a plethora of dynamic techniques, assessments and protocols immediately applicable in every setting – Acute Care, Inpatient Rehab, Outpatient, Long Term Assisted Care, and more!

Heidi’s one-of-a-kind approach is designed to offer a solid foundation for your care plan and then get straight to the interventions, tools and techniques you can use immediately with your patients.

Transfer Training | Mat Mobility | Wheelchair Skills |  DME Selection | Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation | Blood Flow Restriction Training | Dry Needling | High Intensity Gait Training | Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation | Standing Frames | and More!

It's spinal cord rehab made simple. This is your chance to get a front-row seat to practical, evidence-based strategies you can use tomorrow!

Objectives

1. Appreciate the differences among various etiologies and syndromes of spinal cord injuries.
2. Understand expected/anticipated functional outcomes for different AIS classification levels.
3. Recognize medical complications commonly associated with spinal cord injury.
4. List at least 3 tests or measures that can be used to evaluate a patient with a spinal cord injury and offer objective measures for future participation in occupation, community activities, or IADLs.
5. Develop a skilled physical therapy plan of care for a patient with a spinal cord injury that is individualized to the patients’ occupational profile, values, and personal goals.
6. Gain familiarity with the current research and evidence-based practice interventions in the field of spinal cord injury rehabilitation to develop a care plan that supports return to purposeful activities, and meaningful ADLs.

Outline

Build the Foundation & Recover The Function

Module 1: Spinal Cord Injuries in Detail: Get Clear on What Matters, Fast

Focus: Understand SCI types, medical realities, and functional implications

Topics Covered:

• Functional impact: Tetraplegia vs paraplegia, complete vs incomplete
• UMN vs LMN signs, autonomic issues (AD, HO, DVT)
• Sensitive topics: Bowel, bladder, and sexual health

Skills Practice:

• Neuro level charting, red flag recognition
• Simulated complication response
• Patient communication strategies

---

Module 2: Master The System That Guides Your Care Pan: International Standards for Neurologic Classification

Focus: Standardize assessments using the ASIA system

Topics Covered:

• Manual Muscle Testing (MMT), sensation, and SCI specific outcomes measures
• ISNCSCI overview: What, why, and how to use it
• AIS interpretation and scoring accuracy

Skills Practice:

• AIS Worksheet use – A step further than scoring
• Motor/sensory level interpretation

---

Module 3: Mobility That Makes a Difference

Focus: Transfer training, wheelchair skills, and functional mat skills you’ll actually use
with your patients

Topics Covered:
•    New strategies for: Bed mobility, seated balance, sit-pivots, slide boards, and mechanical lifts

• Updated transfer techniques for: slide board, squat-pivot, and lift assist
• Wheelchair setup, propulsion training, and endurance – how to make it fun & functional

Skills Practice:

• Guided virtual mat mobility & transfer training
• Wheelchair setup video analysis activity – finding what’s wrong with this patient’s setup
• Interactive Case study: Structuring mobility plans across episodes of care

---

Develop a Care Plan for Performance, Occupation & Long Term
Function

Module 4: Strength, Spasticity & Functional Progress you Can Observe & Document

Focus: Treating spasticity, building strength, and translating both into real function
that matters

Topics Covered:

• Spasticity: strategies for positioning, stretching, splinting, medication awareness, and more!
• Tech tools: Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES), dry needling, Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation (TSS), and more!
• Proprioception, motor retraining, and neuroplasticity

Skills Practice:

• Tone/spasticity management demos
• Strength circuit with household items
• Case-based problem solving activity

---

Module 5: Functional Independence, Difficult Adaptive Equipment Choices, and Patient-Centered Care

Focus: Support real-life independence through purposeful & goal-oriented rehab

Topics Covered:

• Build upper body strength with a purpose
• Adaptive strategies for dressing, grooming, feeding, and more!
• Adaptive equipment changing the game
• Home modifications to redefine independence, fall proof any room, and support community reintegration
• Handy resources for patient/caregiver education: Set realistic goals & effectively support them

Skills Practice:

• Dressing, grooming, and feeding with adaptive tools
• ADL simulation: Creative ways to practice virtually at home
• Simulated home setup case: What would you recommend? And why?
• Group discussion: “What exercises would you select to effectively accommodate purposeful patient-centered goals?”

Target Audience

• Physical Therapists
• Physical Therapist Assistants
• Physical Therapy Students
• Occupational Therapists
• Occupational Therapy Assistants
• Occupational Therapy Students
• Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Physicians
• Speech Language Pathologists
• Rehabilitation Nurses
• Rehabilitation Nurse Practitioners