Alabama Physical Therapy Assistant Continuing Education

Hour 1

• Recall the most common types of lumbar spine injuries among athletes participating in different sports.
• Identify one advantage and one disadvantage of the treatment-based classification system as it applies to the treatment of the athlete’s lumbar spine.
• List 3 contemporary treatment models that can be applied to the management of lower back pain in the athlete.

Hour 2

• Recall the definition and importance of red and yellow flags during the medical screening process.
• Identify 3 red flags that may implicate a non-mechanical source of lower back pain.
• List the difference between central and peripheral sensitization.

Hour 3

• List one treatment goal in phase 2 rehabilitation of the athlete’s lumbar spine.
• Cite one treatment principle in phase 3 rehabilitation of the athlete’s lumbar spine.
• Summarize two variations of the squat exercises that can be used to decrease strain on the lumbar spine.
• Recall three variations of the deadlift exercises that can be used to decrease strain on the lumbar spine.
• Summarize the McGill core endurance ratio tests that can be used to guide the return to sport decision making processes

• Identify specific conduct and activities within the practice of healthcare that violate a host of regulatory and statutory proscriptions relating to fee splits and kickbacks
• Explain the development of current fee-splitting laws
• Distinguish the letter of the law regarding fee-splitting and anti-kickback legislation from unprofessional conduct and consequent harms the statutes were enacted to discourage
• Demonstrate a working knowledge regarding the roles played by the various state and federal enforcement agencies as they related to fee splits and kickbacks
• Assess ones working knowledge regarding the process by which anti-referral safe harbors developed and how they operate

• Evaluate sample healthcare employment agreement
• Explain the components of a well drafted healthcare employment agreement
• Relate likely enforcement of provisions included in healthcare employment contract
• Assess non-compete provisions through a judicial balancing test
• Distinguish the various methods by which a court will rehabilitate certain contract provisions and selectively enforce others
• Explain what kinds of contract provisions may run afoul of state and federal laws, including fee splitting and kickback prohibitions

• Evaluate a sample sale agreement and sample letter issued to patients upon dissolution of practice
• Explain components of any well drafted buy-sell agreement including non-competes
• Identify how to handle patient records vis-à-vis the sale
• Understanding forms and laws relating to the transfer of logos, trademarks and Internet Domain Names
• HIPAA Considerations
• Acquaint oneself with the tax consequences of particular types of practice sales
• Discuss valuation methods used for determining an appropriate practice sales price
• Identify legal concerns associated with the dissolution of a healthcare practice
• Recognize how sales can trigger violations: fee splitting, patient abandonment, kickback, and anti-trust

• Appreciate the significance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in transforming the healthcare industry.
• Recognize the potential benefits of AI in improving diagnosis accuracy and treatment outcomes.
• Identify how AI can streamline administrative processes, such as scheduling appointments, billing, forms, and managing patient records.
• Explore compliance with laws and regulations when using AI and chatbots in advertising, including rules around data collection and use
• Understand the challenges of determining who owns the copyright for content generated by AI systems
• Evaluate the importance of keeping up-to-date with technological advancements in healthcare for quality patient care and practice management
• Comprehend the challenges regarding patient data privacy and security associated with AI.

• Explain the anatomy and functionality of healthy soft tissue components
• Explain the effects of injury on soft tissue
• Define effects of injured soft tissue on functionality of the spine and extremities
• Discuss patterns of musculoskeletal relationships of recruiting other structures after injury and their effects on functionality
• Describe various methods of treatment for dysfunctional soft tissue
• Explain relationship of injured tissue to its surrounding structures, its effects and treatment
• Explain compensation and recruitment of healthy tissue to the broader scope of complications and the effective treatment of primary and now secondary effects of injury
• Describe rehabilitation exercises in relation to proprioception

• Differentiate localized MPS and fibromyalgia
• Become familiar with the diagnosis and treatment of MPS
• Describe theory and benefits of Myofascial Release (MFR) as a treatment for soft tissue conditions including MPS
• Summarize 3 key points of traditional and modern Myofascial techniques

• Explain the types of soft tissue
• Demonstrate and discuss diagnostic evaluation of soft tissue injury
• Explain pain patterns of neurological injury for differential diagnosis
• Discuss types of soft tissue injuries
• Evaluate soft tissue changes associated with pain
• Discuss the mechanisms of healing soft tissue injuries
• Describe diagnostic tools in determining soft tissue injuries
• Explain the use of ice and heat in soft tissue injuries
• Demonstrate and discuss stretching; passive, active and postfacilitation
• Demonstrate and discuss somatic technique
• Demonstrate and discuss strain/counterstrain
• Demonstrate and discuss friction massage
• Demonstrate and discuss Postisometric relaxation
• Demonstrate and discuss electrical muscle stimulation and ultrasound
• Demonstrate and discuss triggerpoint ultrasound in treatment
• Discuss massage therapy
• Demonstrate and discuss myofascial release
• Demonstrate and discuss active release
• Demonstrate and discuss Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT)
• Discuss cold laser therapy
• Demonstrate and discuss exercise rehabilitation and muscle strengthening
• Discuss mobilization and manipulation

• Explain the structural anatomy of the shoulder and its soft tissue
• Explain the functional anatomy of the shoulder and its soft tissue.
• Demonstrate the active and passive examination of the shoulder and soft tissue.
• Describe pathological conditions of the bony structures, joints, ligaments, tendons, bursa and muscles of the shoulder
• Describe sports injures to the shoulder.
• Describe injuries to the nerves, blood vessels and fascia of the shoulder.
• Demonstrate soft tissue treatments for pathological conditions of the bony structures, joints, ligaments, tendons, bursa and muscles of the shoulder.
• Demonstrate soft tissue treatments for the nerves, blood vessels and fascia of the shoulder.
• Define functional relationships of the shoulder with associated regions

• Explain the structural anatomy of the elbow, wrist, and hand and associated soft tissue
• Explain the functional anatomy of the elbow, wrist, and hand and associated soft tissue
• Demonstrate the passive examination of the elbow, wrist, and hand and associated soft tissue
• Demonstrate the active examination of the elbow, wrist, and hand and associated soft tissue
• Describe pathological conditions of the bony structures, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, fascia, bursa and nerves of the elbow, wrist, and hand
• Demonstrate soft tissue treatments for pathological conditions of the bony structures of the elbow, wrist and hand
• Demonstrate soft tissue treatments for the joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, fascia, bursa and nerves of the elbow, wrist and hand
• Define functional relationships between the elbow, wrist and hand and with other regions

• Explain the structural anatomy of the bones and joints of the cervical spine, ligaments and muscles of the cervical spine and the nerves, blood vessels and fascia of the cervical spine
• Explain the functional anatomy of the bones and joints of the cervical spine, the ligaments and muscles of the cervical spine and the nerves, blood vessels and fascia of the cervical spine
• Demonstrate the passive examination of the bones and joints of the cervical spine, the ligaments and muscles of the cervical spine and the nerves, blood vessels and fascia of the cervical spine
• Demonstrate the active examination of the bones and joints of the cervical spine, the ligaments and muscles of the cervical spine and the nerves, blood vessels and fascia of the cervical spine
• Discuss imaging of the cervical spine
• Discuss advanced testing of the soft tissue of the cervical spine
• Describe pathological conditions of the bony structures, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, nerves, blood vessels and fascia of the cervical spine
• Explain the mechanism of acceleration/deceleration impact
• Explain the effects on the cervical spine from acceleration/deceleration injury, and specifically the effects on the soft tissues structures
• Explain the grading system for acceleration/deceleration injury
• Demonstrate soft tissue treatments for the pathological conditions of the bony structures, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, blood vessels, nerves and fascia of the cervical spine
• Demonstrate soft tissue treatments for the sequela of acceleration/deceleration injury
• Define relationships of the cervical spine with other regions

• Explain the structural anatomy of the TMJ and its soft tissue
• Explain the functional anatomy of the TMJ and its soft tissue
• Demonstrate the passive examination of the TMJ and soft tissue
• Demonstrate the active examination of the TMJ and soft tissue
• Describe pathological conditions of the bony structures of the TMJ
• Describe pathological conditions of the joints of the TMJ
• Describe pathological conditions of the ligaments of the TMJ
• Describe pathological conditions of the muscles of the TMJ
• Describe injuries to the nerves, blood vessels and fascia of the TMJ
• Describe injuries from acceleration/deceleration impact to the TMJ
• Demonstrate soft tissue treatments for the joints of the TMJ
• Demonstrate soft tissue treatments for the ligaments of the TMJ
• Demonstrate soft tissue treatments for the muscles of the TMJ
• Demonstrate soft tissue treatments for the nerves, blood vessels and fascia of the TMJ
• Demonstrate soft tissue treatments for acceleration/deceleration injury to the TMJ
• Define functional relationships of the TMJ with associated regions

• Explain the structural anatomy of the bones, joints, ligaments, muscles nerves, blood vessels and fascia of the thoracic spine and rib cage
• Explain the functional anatomy of the bones, joints, ligaments, muscles nerves, blood vessels and fascia of the thoracic spine and rib cage
• Demonstrate the passive examination of the bones, joints, ligaments, muscles nerves, blood vessels and fascia of the thoracic spine and rib cage
• Demonstrate the active examination of the bones, joints, ligaments, muscles nerves, blood vessels and fascia of the thoracic spine and rib cage
• Discuss imaging of the thoracic spine and rib cage
• Describe pathological conditions of the bones, joints, ligaments, muscles nerves, blood vessels and fascia of the thoracic spine and rib cage
• Demonstrate soft tissue treatments for the bones, joints, ligaments, muscles nerves, blood vessels and fascia of the thoracic spine and rib cage
• Discuss relationships of the thoracic spine and ribs with other regions

• Explain the structural anatomy of the bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, bursa, nerves, blood vessels and fascia of the lumbopelvic spine
• Explain the functional anatomy of the bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, bursa, nerves, blood vessels and fascia of the lumbopelvic spine
• Explain biomechanics of the lumbopelvic spine
• Demonstrate the passive examination of bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, bursa, nerves, blood vessels and fascia of the lumbopelvic spine
• Demonstrate the active examination of the bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, bursa, nerves, blood vessels and fascia of the lumbopelvic spine
• Discuss radiographic imaging of the lumbopelvic spine
• Discuss advanced testing of the soft tissue of the lumbopelvic spine
• Describe pathological conditions of the bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, bursa, nerves, blood vessels and fascia of the lumbopelvic spine
• Demonstrate soft tissue treatments for the pathological conditions of the bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, bursa, nerves, blood vessels and fascia of the lumbopelvic spine
• Define relationships of the lumbopelvic spine with other regions

• Explain the structural anatomy of the bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, bursa, nerves, blood vessels and fascia of the hip and knee
• Explain the functional anatomy of the bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, bursa, nerves, blood vessels and fascia of the hip and knee
• Explain biomechanics of the hip and knee
• Demonstrate the passive examination of the bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, bursa, nerves, blood vessels and fascia of the hip and knee.
• Demonstrate the active examination of the bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, bursa, nerves, blood vessels and fascia of the hip and knee
• Discuss radiographic imaging of the hip and knee
• Discuss advanced testing of the soft tissue of the hip and knee
• Describe pathological conditions of the bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, bursa, nerves, blood vessels and fascia of the hip and knee
• Demonstrate soft tissue treatments for the pathological conditions of the bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, bursa, nerves, blood vessels and fascia of the hip and knee
• Define relationships of the hip and knee with other regions

• Explain the structural anatomy of the bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, bursa, nerves, blood vessels and fascia of the ankle and foot
• Explain the functional anatomy of the bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, bursa, nerves, blood vessels and fascia of the ankle and foot
• Explain biomechanics of the ankle and foot
• Demonstrate the passive examination of the bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, bursa, nerves, blood vessels and fascia of the ankle and foot
• Demonstrate the active examination of the bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, bursa, nerves, blood vessels and fascia of the ankle and foot
• Discuss radiographic imaging of the ankle and foot
• Discuss advanced testing of the soft tissue of the ankle and foot
• Describe pathological conditions of the bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, bursa, nerves, blood vessels and fascia of the ankle and foot
• Demonstrate soft tissue treatments for the pathological conditions of the bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, bursa, nerves, blood vessels and fascia of the ankle and foot
• Define relationships of the ankle and foot with other regions.

• Illustrate basic principles of cardiorespiratory exercise
• Outline health screening and physical fitness testing
• Create cardiorespiratory and strength training exercise prescriptions

• Describe the profile of suicide in the US, noting psychosocial and cultural factors that effect risk
• Identify 3 common precipitating events for suicide attempts
• Describe risk factors for suicide including co-existing psychiatric disorders
• Name the most frequent co-existing psychiatric disorders
• Use the sad person scale to assess suicide risk
• Give examples of primary, secondary, and tertiary interventions
• Describe basic level interventions that take place in the hospital or community
• Identify key elements of suicide precautions and environmental safety factors in the hospital
• Describe the problem on non-suicidal self-injury
• Explain the range of self-protective behavioral responses
• Discuss 3 myths about suicidal behaviors
• Identify 2 cultural or social factors that relate to suicide
• Examine 4 categories of motivation for attempting suicide
• Explain how suicide affects family members and friends
• Describe 3 theories that attempt to explain the causes of suicide
• Discuss the occurrence of suicide throughout each life cycle
• Outline the process for assessing the suicidal potential of a client
• Choose 3 therapeutic goals and interventions for clients with suicidal behaviors

• Describe the profile of suicide in the US, noting psychosocial and cultural factors that effect risk
• Identify 3 common precipitating events for suicide attempts
• Describe risk factors for suicide including co-existing psychiatric disorders
• Name the most frequent co-existing psychiatric disorders
• Use the sad person scale to assess suicide risk
• Give examples of primary, secondary, and tertiary interventions
• Describe basic level interventions that take place in the hospital or community
• Identify key elements of suicide precautions and environmental safety factors in the hospital
• Describe the problem on non-suicidal self-injury
• Explain the range of self-protective behavioral responses
• Discuss 3 myths about suicidal behaviors
• Identify 2 cultural or social factors that relate to suicide
• Examine 4 categories of motivation for attempting suicide
• Explain how suicide affects family members and friends
• Describe 3 theories that attempt to explain the causes of suicide
• Discuss the occurrence of suicide throughout each life cycle
• Outline the process for assessing the suicidal potential of a client
• Choose 3 therapeutic goals and interventions for clients with suicidal behaviors
• Indicate the manifestations of military sexual trauma
• Cite the rate of disability amongst living veterans
• Describe the incidence and distribution of mental illness in the veteran population
• Define PTSD
• Recognize the DSM-5 criteria for the diagnosis of PTSD
• Explain the risk factors to developing PTSD
• Summarize the association between PTSD and Chronic Pain
• Describe the Primary Care PTSD Screen (PC-PTSD)
• Recognize the effects of PTSD on the family of sufferers
• Summarize the psychological and pharmacological treatment for PTSD
• Define depression
• List the DMS-5 Criteria for depression
• Recognize the signs and symptoms of depression
• Define survivor guilt
• Explain suicide prevention and the VA Risk Assessment Guide
• Outline the use of the SAD PERSONS instrument
• List the risk factors to suicidal behavior
• Outline the Long and short term goals in suicide prevention, interventions and their rationale
• Define the characteristics of hopelessness
• List the outcome criteria for intervention for patients with hopelessness
• Explain the factors related to ineffective coping mechanisms
• List long and short term goals of the management of ineffective coping mechanisms
• Describe interventions and their rationale for the patient with ineffective coping
• Identify medications used to treat anxiety
• Recognize medications used to treat psychotic diseases
• Identify principal signs of depression and drugs used as treatment
• Recognize agents used as antimanics and medications for bipolar disorder
• Describe behavioral disorders found in adults and children and drugs indicated in treatment
• Explain the role of medications in treating Alzheimer’s disease
• Provide patient education for compliance with medications used to treat conditions and diseases of mental health and behavioral disorders

• Indicate the manifestations of military sexual trauma
• Cite the rate of disability amongst living veterans
• Describe the incidence and distribution of mental illness in the veteran population
• Define PTSD
• Recognize the DSM-5 criteria for the diagnosis of PTSD
• Explain the risk factors to developing PTSD
• Summarize the association between PTSD and Chronic Pain
• Describe the Primary Care PTSD Screen (PC-PTSD)
• Recognize the effects of PTSD on the family of sufferers
• Summarize the psychological and pharmacological treatment for PTSD
• Define depression
• List the DMS-5 Criteria for depression
• Recognize the signs and symptoms of depression
• Define survivor guilt
• Explain suicide prevention and the VA Risk Assessment Guide
• Outline the use of the SAD PERSONS instrument
• List the risk factors to suicidal behavior
• Outline the long and short term goals in suicide prevention, interventions and their rationale
• Define the characteristics of hopelessness
• List the outcome criteria for intervention for patients with hopelessness
• Explain the factors related to ineffective coping mechanisms
• List long and short term goals of the management of ineffective coping mechanisms
• Describe interventions and their rationale for the patient with ineffective coping
• Identify medications used to treat anxiety
• Recognize medications used to treat psychotic diseases
• Identify principal signs of depression and drugs used as treatment
• Recognize agents used as antimanics and medications for bipolar disorder
• Describe behavioral disorders found in adults and children and drugs indicated in treatment
• Explain the role of medications in treating Alzheimer’s disease
• Provide patient education for compliance with medications used to treat conditions and diseases of mental health and behavioral disorders

• Define telerehab including how it can be incorporated as service delivery model for OT 
• Describe how telerehab can be used as a tool to see patients in a variety of locations 
• List and describe 5 benefits and 5 drawbacks to the use of telerehab 
• List and describe 5 different technologies that can be used in telerehabilitation 
• Describe the scope of practice that can be incorporated in the use of telerehab 
• Become familiar with telerehab as a service delivery model for Occupational Therapy services

• List and describe 5 guidelines for virtual physical examination of the spine and extremities
• Summarize what is needed in terms of set up and preparation for the virtual physical examination
• Outline and describe 3 different telehealth treatment option
• Recognize and describe 5 different clinically relevant outcomes of telerehabilitation
• Examine and recite 5 clinic care points related to telehealth and telerehabilitation

• Recite exercise guidelines and recommendations by the ACSPPSE, HHS and ACOG
• Outline and describe 6 benefits of exercise during pregnancy
• Describe 4 maternal physiologic changes that occur during pregnancy
• Describe 3 physiologic changes associated with exercise during pregnancy
• List 5 relative and 5 absolute contraindications to exercise during pregnancy
• Describe 2 fetal outcomes associated with maternal exercise during pregnancy