MP, Author at flagshiptherapyjobs.com

Kinesio Taping Seminar - Applying the “Magic” of Tape Across Rehab Centers

February 1, 2012February 8, 2012 MP News Leave a Comment

When Texas hosts a CEU course, they think BIG. Jon Anderson, Texas Therapy Resource, identified a growing interest and need for Kinesio Taping, and soon after he posted the course details, interested therapists from across South Texas clamored to register. Jamie Funk quickly worked with our Service Center to set up a PayPal account for outside therapists to register and pay through www.ensigntherapy.com. Deb Bielek, Jon, and Jamie met and talked with therapists throughout the 2-day course to share information about our facilities and our unique culture. 38 therapists attended in all, with 20 outside therapists from around the community. Jon used the money earned to pay for the course and the venue at South Texas College, and the residual earnings will go toward a scholarship fund for the college’s PTA/COTA program.

“Something better than any laser, wrap, or electric massager…The Tape. It is a special hot-pink athletic tape that came from Japan and seemed to have special powers. Every morning before the stage, they would tape us all up, different parts of our bodies . . . George’s back, Chechu’s knees. Sometimes we’d be so wrapped up in hot-pink tape that we’d look like dolls, a bunch of broken dolls. But the next day the pain disappeared–it was gone.”

—-Excerpt from Lance Armstrong’s book, “Every Second Counts”

The description above of this magical tape is catching on and spreading like wildfire, and has now made its way from the athlete to the geriatric setting. Therapists working in skilled nursing facilities supported by Ensign Facility Services, Inc. (EFSI) have taken notice and recently participated in a three-part certification course to become certified Kinesiotape therapists. The first and second phases of the course (K1 and K2) were held on January 21 and 22 for nearly 40 therapists in South Texas (19 Ensign Therapists, and 21 outside therapists). The 16 CEU credit hour course received an overwhelming response and filled up in record time with nearly 30 outside therapists on the waiting list.

In K1 and K2, therapists learn about the tape itself and a variety of treatment approaches for the tape. To summarize, the tape is elastic-woven and comes in a variety of widths, colors and types. It is cut into different shapes and applied with a slight to moderate stretch and placed on the skin. Although it may look like conventional athletic tape, it is fundamentally different in that it has a specific elasticity that plays a role in its effectiveness. The tape should always be applied by professionals trained specifically for the different applications. Most often the tape is strategically placed in “waves” and is effective for 3 to 5 days before it needs to be replaced. You can shower or swim with it and it doesn’t contain latex, which is great for those with latex allergies.

In addition, the taping technique is based on the body’s own natural healing process. Rather than “strapping down” the muscle, the philosophy is to give free range of motion and allow the body’s own muscular system to heal itself bio-mechanically. Application of Kinesiotape encourages muscles to function as they would if they didn’t need the tape, which improves not only body movement but circulation of venous and lymph flows. If your sore muscles are supported and allowed to heal, you are not in as much pain and you relax. Your performance improves along with faster healing.

K3 course, which is an 8-hour CEU course, will be held for the same group of therapists on April 14 at South Texas College in McAllen, Texas, and will focus on advanced applications of the tape. Upon completion of this final third course, participants will have the ability to sit for the Kinesiotape certification exam and become certified Kinesiotape therapists. If you would like to participate in K1 and K2, an additional course is being set up for the Dallas area for early summer, an e-mail will be sent to the field when the dates are set.

Integrating Care: Alzheimer’s Disease

June 3, 2011August 31, 2011 MP Learn, News Leave a Comment

By Pat Jakubiec, OT

We can better understand individuals, support their success and quality of life, reduce the burden of care, and uncover the joy that can be experienced in care-giving in all stages of life.

Currently, there are over 35 million individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia worldwide. This number has increased by 10 million in the last 5 years. There are over 5 million with the disease in the United States. There is no available cure. Adaptation through care-giving and environmental approaches is critical for the care of these individuals. Improving function, preventing secondary consequences and promoting their well-being can have a huge impact on society, both economically and socially.

The Allen Cognitive Network is an international group of professionals that pursue clinical teaching, service delivery and research activities related to psychosocial, physical and geriatric rehabilitation. Their mission is to promote and advocate for the value and understanding of Allen’s Cognitive Disability Model through education and networking opportunities that empower health care professionals to promote their best abilities to function for individuals with cognitive disabilities.

The Network recently hosted its 8^th international cognitive symposium this year in Philadelphia with a theme of “Linking Evidence with Practice.” The Keynote speaker featured was Dr. Laura N Gitlin, PhD. Dr. Gitlin is a professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Professions, and the founding director of the Jefferson Center for Applied Research on Aging and Health at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. She is recognized nationally and internationally for her innovative research and publications on dementia care.

Dr. Gitlin uses the Cognitive Disability Model in her research and spoke of dementia as being a significant challenge to society, as it is 100% incurable. She feels we need better ways of diagnosing the disease and that culturally appropriate tools are underestimated. There is fragmentation in service delivery, and the direct and indirect costs associated with memory disorders are skyrocketing. Medications can be overused, and there is a growing body of evidence that supports non-pharmacological approaches. Some of the common challenges associated with dementia include:

Refusing care
Repeating questions
Toileting issues
Unmanaged pain
Verbal aggressiveness
Inappropriate behaviors
Agitation
Functional decline
Disengagement
Depression

Dr. Gitlin supports a collaborative care model and treatment that:

Maintains or improves quality of life
Maintains or increases function and engagement in activities
Supports medical management
Supports families
Customizes programs to address identified needs

After the international symposium, Delaune Pollard from Australia, author of several clinical books used for training in this program, and Pat Jakubiec, Ensign therapy resource, presented a two-course program at Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Also present were Joan Riches from Alberta, Canada, and Jo-Anne Gislesen from New Zealand, both past presidents of the Allen Cognitive Network (ACN), and Carol Luhmen, president-elect of the ACN.

As a therapy resource for Ensign, I am pleased to be able to bring forth an integrative approach and training program. Ensign has a culture that supports the standards and provides direction and leadership in this area. The program uses an evidence-based framework, both for application and training. It includes the use of standardized assessments, completion of a skilled personal profile, development of individualized programs that are integrated with all staff and family members, and environmental structuring. Teams are educated together to provide continuity of care and unified growth.

Last year we piloted this program in four facilities, all with positive experiences. Holladay Health Care in Utah, Julia Temple in Colorado, Vista Knoll Specialized Care in Southern California and Cloverdale in Northern California. One building has reported a significant reduction in falls, and others have reported better management of challenging behaviors, more focused activity programs, and better ways to educate the families.

We are currently looking at progressing some of the pilot sites and tracking outcomes. Julia Temple in Colorado is currently involved in a phase 2 intensive program. The building has strong core practice structures that will support an innovative program. They have a neighborhood structure, regular nurse aide assignments and a team that embraces caring and a continuous improvement process. They are managing challenging behaviors better, individuals are more engaged in their surroundings, the environment is calmer and some families have started to take note. They have implemented an innovative music program, using speakers under the direction of Audrey Lyons, a skilled music therapist. Later next year, we hope to implement a formal family program. This program will be available to all facilities and Home Health programs affiliated with Ensign as it develops within the organization.

“Learning about the Integrated Cognitive Training has given me a totally different perspective on how to care for patients. I have been in skilled nursing for over 10 years and have typically done things in the same way, whichever has worked in the past. They say don’t change what isn’t broken. However, I have observed an increase in the number of cognitively impaired patients coming to our industry for rehabilitation; most of which we have given up in the past. No form of experience has given me the solution to bring out the best in these patients. We have accepted that we can only do so much for them; so you just have to try, with not much expectation. Learning about this system has given me a totally different perspective on how to do things. I now have the tools to truly work with different levels of cognitively impaired patients. Putting this theory into practice is just like a game, but with a very positive, promising outcome. I understand it will take time and everybody’s involvement, but this has given me the confidence to deal with staff and families, to ask their participation in totally supporting this program. I am a visionary. I would like to see Vista Knoll improve our program, not only for dementia patients, but to truly be called a Specialized Care Program, as our name suggests, and be well known for rehabilitation for the cognitively impaired.” Marivic Uychiat RN BSN , Director of Nursing , Vista Knoll Specialized Care

If I Could Speak …

May 25, 2011January 12, 2015 MP Celebrate, Share Leave a Comment

As Therapists, we get into this field with aspirations of helping others. Inevitably, we come to learn that the people we are helping also touch our lives. Wellington Place had the opportunity to significantly impact the life of a new resident by providing him with a way to communicate, which he has not had the ability to do in 10 years.

Upon admission, the Wellington team learned that Clint was in an MVA 10 years prior, leaving him with quadriplegia. He had been residing in a local living center since the accident, unable to communicate his needs and wants. Medical records indicated an inability to assess him neurologically and cognitively due to the extent of his deficits. We were not satisfied with this assessment, so we attempted communication with eye blinks. He was 100% successful for 10/10 questions. We could tell from the look in his eyes that he had more to say; so we pressed on, determined to find an augmentative communication device. I brought in an alphabet communication board, and the OT made a splint for his right wrist allowing him to hold an object for pointing.

Over the next several days, the therapy team learned a lot about Clint, including his favorite sports teams. Sadly, we also learned that Clint had also been in a lot of pain over the years. In furtherance of our communication efforts, the nurse asked, “Are you in any pain?” He communicated, “y.e.s. a.r.m.” As tears rolled down his cheek, he spelled “t.h.a.n.k.y.o.u.” We fought tears as well.

His sister was overjoyed with the news that her brother could communicate and sincerely appreciated our efforts. It has been difficult for her to accept that her brother had been alone and unable to communicate for so many years. She shared that he also had a 4-year- old daughter at the time of the accident; she is now 14 years old, and has never been able to communicate with her father.

We were determined to find an augmentative communication device that would allow him to be more independent with use and reduce the amount of physical effort required to use effectively. The support and feedback from our Therapy Resources and Therapists regarding devices available on the market were overwhelming, and very much appreciated.

Ultimately, the communication word boards and the Dynavox EyeMax machine worked best for Clint. This device calibrates his eyes and allows him to find the words he wants to say. As he stares at the words, the machine speaks them.

While waiting anxiously for the new device to arrive, we spent the next eight weeks working on improving oral motor skills for saliva management, as well as speech skills. He was highly motivated and appreciative of the time spent with him. Finally, his “voice” could be heard.

From the day the EyeMax arrived, Clint worked hard with us. He showed us that he was eager to interact and had a lot to say! Clint asked about seeing his daughter, and wanted to tell his sister he loved her. He told the Dynavox Representative she was pretty, and he shared that he missed dancing, among other things. He told his SLP he loved her too.

We videotaped treatments to show his sister and physician; both were elated to see the progress made by Clint. The decision was made to allow him to reside at Wellington Place where he can continue to prosper with his newfound freedom.

It took an Ensign village to make a difference in this person’s life; Wellington’s team is thankful for the support provided by so many people. Clint tells us we changed his life for the better; and we tell him he has touched our hearts forever.

Catalina Healthcare has Patients Walking on the Moon!

May 25, 2011February 9, 2017 MP News Leave a Comment

When Bruce Fraser from a company called “ALTER-G” first contacted Lori Mitchell, Physical Therapist and DOR, she was ready to hang up almost immediately, thinking it was just another sales call. But, as soon as Bruce started talking about an “antigravity treadmill, developed by NASA, which will allow patients to exercise and maintain weight bearing restrictions,” Lori started listening. What she discovered was that this newly released, FDA-approved device could have the ability to make a tremendous impact with her patient and resident population at Catalina Healthcare in Tucson, AZ.

Lori invited Bruce to meet with her Therapy Department and share more about this unique piece of equipment. She thoroughly researched the technology of the device and arranged to have a 30-day trial, with the goal of incorporating the Alter-G into the therapy program of patients who could benefit from it. Lori also wanted feedback from patients, caregivers and therapists regarding the perceived benefits and challenges of the Alter-G. This information would allow her to make an informed decision about whether or not this could be something of value for her program. With that goal in mind, Lori developed a survey to use during the trial. The Alter-G was used in treatment at Catalina 54 times over two weeks for walking or static standing exercises at 50%-65% of body weight.

Patients reported the following:

Hip pain went away

Legs felt better in the machine

Able to do exercises and hop on one leg, and the other leg didn’t buckle

“I am walking on the Moon”

Less pain

Entire body feels good on it

No pain in arms (due to reduced Weight Bearing on UEs)

Therapists reported the following:

The majority of the patients did much better with ambulation after using Alter-G

It is good for endurance and functional activity tolerance for ADLS/Gait/Standing

Using the Alter-G really boosted the confidence of a new amputee

There was an overall boost to the patients’ confidence

The Alter-G is much easier to use than a pool and there are similar unloading results

How Does ALTER-G Work?

Originally conceived by Dr. Robert Whalen to design effective exercise regimens for NASA’s astronauts, Differential Air Pressure (DAP) technology has been adapted by Alter-G for use in training and rehabilitation. Cleared by the FDA in 2008, the Alter-G Anti-Gravity Treadmill is a medical device that can be used for:

Rehabilitation of lower extremity injuries

Treatment of neurological conditions

Weight reduction

Aerobic conditioning

General training to combat the diseases of aging

Unweighting is achieved in the Alter-G by using air in a pressure-controlled chamber to gently lift the user. Precise calibration using patented technology allows for very specific unweighting from 100—20% of the user’s body weight in 1% increments—something no other unweighting modality can do.

Clinical studies show that the Alter-G can help decrease ground reaction forces in walking and running. The restoration of normal gait mechanics is paramount to expected recovery.

The team at Alter-G makes the statement that there are numerous benefits of implementing a senior rehabilitation and mobility program that uses this technology. It can inhibit or postpone bone loss, diabetes and heart issues. It can also reduce arthritis pain, anxiety, and depression. It also prevents functional decline which allows for independence in essential activities of daily living, such as walking, bathing, dressing, getting up from a chair, and using the toilet.

For the first time, senior rehabilitation and mobility are easily monitored and progress verified with Alter-G’s Anti-Gravity Treadmill in the most needed exercise areas:

Endurance – walking strengthens muscles and improves the health of the heart and circulatory system

Strengthening – increase muscle tissue mass and decrease age-related muscle atrophy

Range of Motion – keep the body flexible and maintain good joint health

Balance – reduces the likelihood of falls by training in a controlled environment

FUNCTIONAL REHABILITATION

Physically frail elderly persons who received supervised functional rehabilitation therapy that included strength training improved on function, strength, balance, mobility, and quality of life measures, according to studies conducted by Yale researchers reported in the October 3, 2002 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine. Researchers saw a 45 % decrease in impairment after 7 months of balance and strength training. The Alter-G treadmill has been FDA-cleared for strengthening and conditioning in older patients. FDA-cleared rehabilitative uses include any lower body disability, neurological gait training, geriatric strength training, fall prevention and weight loss program.

Lori Mitchell and her therapy team at Catalina Healthcare have taken one giant step for mankind as they have their patients walking on the moon using Alter-G.

Managed Care for SNFs: A Growing Segment in Health Care

May 25, 2011August 31, 2011 MP Learn 1 Comment

The trend toward contracts with managed care agencies for the administration of health care benefits in SNFs is increasing in popularity. The high cost of caring for chronically ill patients and aging of the general population highlights LTC as the prime target for reform by the managed care industry. Managed care organizations (MCOs) will be breaking new ground in controlling and reducing costs associated with providing care to clients with prolonged needs. Payers can improve the delivery of health care and manage costs better by holding providers more accountable for the care of chronic patients. Therefore, it is important to predict the fluid nature of health care and prepare for the changes ahead. Payers and providers need to commit to a system of payment that rewards high-quality, coordinated, cost-efficient care.

The process of accepting Managed Care members into our facilities for SNF care starts with a managed care contract. When a contract is structured with rates/levels there is a contractual definition of each Level of Care, including clinical needs, therapy utilization, and what is included/excluded from the per diem rate. This information is used to negotiate the appropriate rate upon admission. Therapy requirements include how many days a week therapy is required, and the amount of therapy provided per treatment day. For example, the contract may specify that therapy is required 5/6 days a week, up to 1 hour/day or up to 2 hours/day, depending on the level authorized.

Preparing the facility to “manage” the Managed Care is just as important as the contract. It is imperative to evaluate the systems of each facility, including operational systems, clinical systems and billing systems.

Things to look at:

Operational Systems

Admissions process and communication systems

Assessment systems

MCOs want quick acceptance of the referral: Is there staff in the facility or out in the hospitals with clinical expertise to quickly assess clinical documentation and make the decision on whether to accept the patient?

Clinical Systems

Evaluate the communication system between departments.

Quality care and coordination: Are all departments obtaining the information they need?

Outcome Data: Are you utilizing data to show patient outcomes?

Physician involvement: is your Medical Director involved in patient care? Does your facility have a Physiatrist? Specialty Wound care physician/ nurse?

Case Management

Whether your facility has a designated Case Manager or not, it is important to utilize the Case Management process to manage patients effectively. Case Managers or a Case Management designee will:

Assess patient needs

Obtain Authorization for admission to facility

Negotiate level of care/rate, per facility contract

Understand contractual exclusions

Therapy utilization: Negotiate higher rates when additional therapy is appropriate.

Utilization Review: Provide clinical updates needed for continued stay

Monitor progress

Evaluate alternative options and services to meet an individual’s health needs

Promote quality cost-effective outcomes.

Assist in fostering a positive relationship between facility and health plan. This process results in appropriate admissions, better assessment of needs, and better initial treatment and discharge planning.

Billing Systems

Does the BOM understand the exclusions and how to bill them? Is the correct rate/revenue code being billed?

Does your BOM have a provider manual from each health plan providing detailed information for billing and appeals?

Marketing

Educate the hospital about contracts. Ask questions about MCO needs (services needed/difficult placements)

Understand the goal is reduced LOS with quality outcomes

Share success stories with the hospital

Understand which physicians have these patients and communicate with them regarding innovative treatments and successful outcomes.

Establish a relationship of trust with Insurance CM’s so they will think of you when assisting in the placement of the patient.

MCO Expectations:

Decreased Length of Stay

Quality outcomes with supportive data

One knowledgeable contact who is easily reached

Good surveys; they review all CMS surveys during the initial credentialing process prior to a contract and during re-credentialing (every 3 years or greater).

Things to consider:

Provide staff with Managed Care training

Dedicate a unit for short-term rehab providing sub-acute services, including medical director involvement, physiatrist and wound care physicians

Develop a Case Management process utilizing a Case Manager or clinical designee

Increase communication between all departments

Sounds complicated. Why would we want to embrace Managed Care at all?

There are several reasons:

The number of Medicare beneficiaries is growing every year

Census growth

Revenue enhancement

Growth of overall number of referrals. Admissions of sometimes difficult to place managed care patients can lead to the referral of less complicated patients.

Intelligent Risk-Taking

May 25, 2011 MP News Leave a Comment

Kelly Schwarz, DOR at North Mountain, and her CEO, Brian Newberry, have been working together for the past few years in one of our organization’s most successful subacute programs. Located in Phoenix, AZ, North Mountain serves the inpatient ventilator patient, as well as inpatient and outpatient renal dialysis patient. The success at North Mountain comes from having the right people—people who are committed and disciplined to care for this highly specialized population. In addition, Brian recognized the high degree of specialization, as well as the time that goes into caring for the subacute patient. He partnered with the payer sources to develop reimbursement programs that were more in line with the level of care required to run a subacute. His success in this market is directly related to his comprehensive understanding of the environmental, clinical and financial demands of this population. Because there are so many details required to run a successful subacute business, less and less skilled nursing facilities have been willing to take the risk. Yet, the needs are continuing to grow.

This fall, Brian, with the support of the Ensign Group, took a giant step and started a new company, Subacute Facility Services. Subacute Facility Services is focused first and foremost on supporting the facilities within our organization, operating in markets where there is an interest and demand with development of subacute service delivery.

Brian is currently working with four facilities in the focused stages of development: Catalina Healthcare Center, Sunview Healthcare and Rehab, Provo Healthcare and Rehab, and Victoria Ventura Health and Rehab. Aside from these four, SFS is currently considering a subacute up in Northern California as well. Brian recognizes the importance of clinical training and has been partnering with Kelly Schwarz to provide support in the initial stages of training with the therapy programs. This allows Kelly and her team to share their hands-on experiences of what approaches are working, what equipment is helpful, as well as some of the varying needs for additional support personnel and scheduling considerations.

Brian describes his vision for Subacute Facility Services as being more than just a consulting company. “My focus is to partner with the facility directly in setting up subacute/respiratory services in their buildings from start to finish. I’m committed to being engaged in the process over the first five years of the new venture in an effort to transfer any knowledge and experience I’ve gained over the years at North Mountain to the EDs so they are successful in their endeavor.” Brian’s ownership in helping to achieve success with our organization’s subacute ventures is the core of the anticipated success.

Kudos to our Teams

May 25, 2011January 12, 2015 MP Celebrate Leave a Comment

The following was submitted via The Ensign Group, Inc. website:

To The Chairman of the Board & Respective Members:

Aloha. Who would ever dream that a once fit and healthy rugby player like me would end up in a healthcare facility at such a young, ripe and prime age like me. Well, I did, and here I am now at Orem Rehabilitation & Nursing Center. I wanted to inform you that I have been very impressed with our new Director Wes, and the way he operates and manages this facility. He leads with excellent guidance and management skills. As for our other team members here in management—like the Assisant DON Leslie; the office administrators Tina, Tenielle, Justyn, Whitney; in Physical Therapy Sam & Crew; in Recreation Sally and Crew; the CNA Coordinator Noa; to Brandon in Maintenance—all play a major role to my well-being. The Team here is all part of my healing process. They are in my book of life. I am here to heal and to rise up again to enter the workforce. I also stayed at Arlington Hills in SLC right after my surgery. I enjoyed my stay there as well. I will be sad when I will have to leave here soon, when I walk out on my own without a wheel chair or walker. Thanks one again for an awesome facility and a fine bunch of managers. I wish your company all the best for the future.

Mahalo,

p.s. I will relay my experience to the people of Polynesia and others, and recommend that they stay and heal at one of your facilities.

Therapy Can Be a Walk in the Garden

May 25, 2011May 25, 2011 MP Share Leave a Comment

by Jill Schuette, OT –

It’s a hodgepodge of plant life: petunias, tomatoes, squash, rosemary, ferns. To the casual observer, it may seem like landscaping with a lack of direction. But to the therapy team at Pocatello Care and Rehab, it is a garden with a clear sense of purpose. In the facility’s small courtyard, a very special program is in full bloom. This is where patients practice therapeutic gardening as part of an interdisciplinary array of therapy techniques.

Working with plants is helpful to patients with emotional and physical challenges. For example, stroke victims can work on upper extremity function as they turn soil in a planter or water flowers. Gardening helps strengthen muscles, improve fine motor skills, increase endurance and enhance dexterity. Patients with depression or other mood disorders can increase their activity level and self-esteem.

The courtyard garden has a wide path for patients to practice safe maneuvering with walkers or wheelchairs, and features sitting and standing-height planters. Future plans for expansion include benches and conversational seating areas for therapeutic rest breaks and socialization.

Our Simple Garden Recipe:

1) Cement blocks: we stacked ours at different heights to allow both standing and seated therapy

2) Sturdy wood frames with bottom supports

3) Garden box inserts: ours are heavy black plastic, but we would recommend you choose something deep enough to allow for root expansion. We are limited to shallow root plants such as strawberries and culinary herbs

4) Wine casks or whiskey barrels: we bought ours from the local nursery. Be sure to drill holes in the bottoms to allow for proper drainage of soil.

5) Gourds: we selected these because they allow for a longer cultivating/harvesting season

6) Sensory plants: herbs are great for the senses –touch, smell and taste

7) Multi-pick plants: strawberries and tomatoes allow multiple harvests for patients

8) Visual stimulation: low maintenance flowers like petunias and sunflowers pack a visual punch

9) Water: Be sure to include watering your garden when doing daily planning. Patients manage our watering six days a week, nursing staff handles the seventh day.

Your garden project doesn’t need to be expensive or fancy. Sometimes simple really is best. Our garden setup changes each season, based on what works and what doesn’t.

Be sure to get the most out of your therapy garden by choosing plants that have multiple uses. Have your patients harvest fresh herbs for cooking activities, cut flowers for a dining table arrangement,and paint gourds for fall and winter table decorations. Use your imagination to get your patients actively involved in their garden. Give them ownership and see what blooms!

Physical Agent Modalities Training by Mahta Mirhosseini, PT

March 9, 2010March 9, 2011 MP Learn Leave a Comment

Our core value of passion for learning was evident the last two weekends in January, 2010, when 36 of our Flagstone and Touchstone therapists attended the company-sponsored 30-hour PAM (physical agent modality) seminar. The seminar was taught by Michelle Cameron M.D., P.T., O.C.S. Michelle is a practicing physician who wrote the textbook, Physical Agents in Rehabilitation: from Research to Practice. This book is widely used in PT programs.

The 30-hour PAM seminar consisted of lectures, case studies, and lots of hands-on practice labs where students were able to learn safe and effective techniques using U.S., superficial modality agents, laser light therapy, e-stim, and TENS units. Even though there was no heat in the room, everyone learned a lot and had a great time doing lab breakouts. Can you imagine doing cryotherapy labs in a freezing room?

It was also a great opportunity for our therapists to meet and network with each other. I would like to thank everyone who dedicated two weekends to attend this seminar. I also want to thank Southland Care Center’s Administrator, Jim Morrison, for allowing us to host this seminar at the facility and assisting to set it up.

If you are interested in having this course for your area, please e-mail me at mmirhosseini@ensigngroup.net