Neurodynamic Mobilization Masterclass: Your Clinical Guide to Examine and Treat Adverse Neural Tension

Credit

Handouts/Brochure

Speaker

Theresa A. Schmidt, PT, DPT, MS, OCS, LMT, CEAS Related seminars and products

Educise PC

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Dr. Theresa Schmidt is an orthopedic physical therapy specialist and massage therapist integrating traditional and alternative medicine with emphasis on manual therapy, precision exercise, wellness, Reiki, and mindfulness. She presented for NASA/Inomedic, Johns Hopkins, Cleveland Clinic, Vanderbilt Med, Wake Med, and professional associations. She received her doctorate at UNE and served as faculty at Touro PT Programs and CUNY Queens Colleges in NY. She is a published author, Expert Consultant, Reiki Master Instructor, and integrative clinician in private practice at Educise® in New Hampshire. Her website is www.educise.com.

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Theresa Schmidt has employment relationships with Educise PC, CEU Connection.com, and United States Department of Veterans Affairs. She receives a speaking honorarium, recording royalties, and a consulting fee from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Theresa Schmidt is a member of American Physical therapy Association, the Academy of Orthopedic Physical Therapy, and the American Massage Therapy Association.

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Objectives

1. Examine adverse peripheral neural tension impairments of the upper and lower extremities, using special tests to effectively identify neuromuscular impairments or neuro-fascial dysfunction.
2. Utilize the appropriate provocative test to accurately identify mobility impairments related to adverse neural tension in the upper and lower extremities to improve function.
3. Choose neurodynamic mobilization techniques to manage mobility impairments for median, musculocutaneous, ulnar and radial nerves to improve function with ADLs, including reaching, gripping, pinching, and associated self-care activities.
4. Select neurodynamic mobilization techniques to manage mobility impairments for ilioinguinal, sciatic, femoral and saphenous nerves to improve pain free function with ADLs, including community ambulation, driving a vehicle, donning socks, and participating in social activities.
5. Develop an individualized plan with patients’ occupational profile, utilizing a combination of manual or instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilizations, cupping therapies, muscle energy techniques, neural stretching, and engaging exercise activities.
6. Determine when it’s appropriate to use a gliding technique or tensioning technique to achieve the desired neurodynamic therapy goal.

Outline

What Even is Adverse Neural Tension? The System Behind the Pain

• Decode nerve injuries: What you really need to know and why
• Demystifying conditions: 
  • Axonotmesis | Neurotmesis | Neuropraxia | Neuroma | Avulsion
• Foundations of modern pain science: sensitization & perception
  • Neurogenic vs. non-neurogenic —how to tell the difference quick

Spot the Signals: Clinical Clues of Neural Compression & Tension

• Hallmark signs of adverse neural tension you need to look out for
• The hot spots: Common sites for nerve irritation in UE’s and LE’s
  • Upper Extremity:
    • Radial | Ulnar | Brachial Plexus | Suprascapular Notch
  • Lower Extremity:
    • Sciatic | Femoral | Tibial | Peroneal | Obturator | Cutaneous

Precision In Testing: Your Guide to Confident Clinical Assessment
Assessment Tools:

• Purposeful patient history that reveals hidden dysfunctions
• Observational skills to identify compensations
• Hands-on palpation, tissue texture, & motor/sensory mapping 
• ROM, strength, sensation & reflex integration

Self-Reported Measures That Guide Care:

• Visual Analog Scales (VAS – rest & activity)
• FABQ, McGill, Oswestry, QuickDASH, Neck Pain Index
• Patient-Specific Functional Scale—meaningful, personalized metrics

Provocative Tests that Make All The Difference:

• Lower Quarter Focus:
  • Slump, Straight Leg Raise, Femoral Slump & more
  • Combine cervical and lumbar positions to localize sensitivity
• Upper Quarter Focus:
  • BPTT, ULTT, Elvey’s Tests & advanced median/ulnar/radial tension protocols
• Specific sequencing strategies for acute vs. chronic conditions

Neurodynamic Therapy & Movement-Based Treatment Planning

• Gliding vs. Tensioning: Choose the right mobilization at the right time
• When neuromuscular dysfunction meets manual therapy  
• Hands-on lab: Neural excursion & neurofascial mobilization
• Soft tissue & cupping techniques to release restrictions and restore flow
• Know when to treat, and when not to- including how to refer out 

Therapeutic Exercise That Delivers Real Results & Lasting Relief

• Match exercises to daily living goals/needs 
• Progressions & regressions: Clinical pearls for every level & patient type
• Design easy & effective home programs your patients will stick with

Bringing It Full Circle: Integration & Innovation of Neurodynamic Therapy

• Explore new research supporting neurodynamic therapy
• Simple strategies to assess, document, and refine your approach
• Proactive methods to prevent recurrence
• Open Q&A: Ask the expert, solve your most complex patient cases

Target Audience

• Chiropractors
• Nurses
• Physical Therapists
• Physical Therapist Assistants
• Occupational Therapists
• Occupational Therapy Assistants
• Massage Therapists
• Other Rehab Health Professionals