IPTA

Although dry needling is gaining much in popularity among physical therapists, there is a rise in unsubstantiated claims about the underlying mechanisms of dry needling and its effectiveness.   At the same time, several new, innovative, and research-supported applications of dry needling are emerging on the world stage, such as dry needling for the treatment of peripheral neuropathic diabetic ulce...

Physical therapy has a powerful legacy, and today's clinicians are navigating a new era of healthcare. The question isn't whether your practice is successful, but where it stands on the path to the future. Are you simply surviving, managing daily challenges and fighting to keep pace? Are you currently thriving, providing excellent care but anchored to traditional models? Or are you ready to evolve...

When you donate to the Illinois Physical Therapy Political Action Committee (IPT-PAC), you are helping to improve access to quality and affordable healthcare for the residents of Illinois.  Learn more in this message from your IPT-PAC Chair, Jim Milder, PT. Donate to the IPT-PAC here: https://www.ipta.org/page/IPTPAC How are donations to the IPT-PAC used? Not only do your dollars help fund the cam...

This #THIRDTHURSDAY covers a comprehensive overview of shoulder instability with a focus on athletes. Orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Petkovic will go over the anatomy involved in shoulder stability, demonstrate clinical examination techniques, review operative and non-operative treatment options. Physical therapy professionals will learn considerations for treating the unstable shoulder.  Orthopedic Surg...

This #THIRDTHURSDAY will explore the vital role physical therapists can play as key members of the treatment team in managing cases involving compromised airways. Emphasis will be placed on restoring proper spinal alignment, breathing mechanics, and airway function. Current medical literature links upper airway resistance to clenching and bruxism. Many individuals—including medical professionals a...

This #THIRDTHURSDAY presentation will introduce/present concepts related to the medical & surgical management of common female pelvic floor disorders such as pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence in the postpartum patient. Dr. German D Calonje, MD & Dr. Lauren Lebak, PT, DPT, CLT-LANA shares their knowledge and expertise on "Pelvic Floor Disorders in the Postpartum Patient." What...

As screen time increases, so does the prevalence of "Tech Neck"—a modern musculoskeletal disorder resulting from prolonged forward head posture and poor ergonomics. This #THIRDTHURSDAY presentation is designed for physical therapists seeking to enhance their expertise in diagnosing and managing this condition. Participants will explore the anatomy and pathophysiology of Tech Neck, gaining a deep u...

This course covers key legal considerations including business entity selection, regulatory compliance, and contract negotiation. Attendees will learn about state and federal laws that impact PT practices, as well as discuss employment law essentials, and common pitfalls to avoid when structuring or growing a practice. Whether you're an established owner or exploring the idea of starting your own...

As of January 1, 2022 the number of American cancer survivors was 18 million.  This number is projected to increase to 21.6 million by 2030 and to 26 million by 2040.  In Illinois alone, an estimated 566,226 people are alive who were diagnosed with cancer in a 20-year time period of 2001 to 2020 (United States Department of Health and Human Services and National Cancer Institute).  As survival rat...

The transformative power of the physical therapy profession is greatly enhanced by a commitment to promoting and practicing high levels of cultural competence and humility in all areas of practice, research, and education, as emphasized by the American Physical Therapy Association. Cultural humility should be approached holistically, encompassing a set of congruent behaviors, attitudes, and proces...

This #THIRDTHURSDAY delves into the possible ways to improve your patients’ (and your) eating patterns to assist in eating healthier, more nutrient dense foods. Learn the effects that healthier eating can have on our overall health and how it can assist us in preventing and treating chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and various cancers. This present...

This course addresses the key information and issues that PT practice should know in the event the practice is approached by a larger company or another PT practice with interest in buying their practice, or alternatively if a PT practice is interested in expanding and buying other practices. Key discussion points include understanding the transaction process and what to expect, key deal terms tha...

Feeling undervalued and burnt-out is a significant challenge facing physical therapists today - 1 in 3 rehab professionals are burnt-out and 2 in 3 rehab professionals are contemplating a career move. This #THIRDTHURSDAY delves into the scope of burnout in the physical therapy profession, the difference between stress and burnout, and how to identify signs of burnout within yourself. Through inter...

This #THIRDTHURSDAY presentation will focus on advanced knee cartilage treatments beyond the usual 'joint replacement'. Participants will learn and discuss operative and non-operative treatments for knee cartilage injuries, from transplant to replacement.  Dr. David Saper, MD, FAAOS, Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon shares insights and expertise on "Advanced Cartilage Treatments for Knee Injurie...

This course will discuss common pediatric spinal deformities, treatment options and impact of deformity on the child’s overall development. Roberta Kuchler OShea, PT, DPT, PhD, & David Diers, PT, EdD, MHS, ATC share insights and expertise on "Pediatric Spine Deformity Conditions" What to expect:  Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to: Discuss the complex structure of the...

June is recognized as National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month. Headaches are among the most common disorders of the human nervous system and can often wreak havoc on a sufferer’s daily life. Headaches can cause pain in the neck, sinuses, face, and head and can last for hours or days. This #THIRDTHURSDAY lecture will review etiology and classification of headaches disorders - focusing on how...

In recent years greater attention has been given by our profession to the role of diagnostic imaging in physical therapy (PT) practice. Educational content related to diagnostic imaging is now required for PT program accreditation. Military PTs and all other civilian first contact providers routinely utilize diagnostic imaging in this critical decision-making process. As more therapists continue t...

Maintaining a safe and healthy work environment is a vital role for all employees and employers. This course will review sexual harassment in the workplace including various forms and manifestations of sexual harassment. IPTA's Ethics Committee will review steps to take if one experiences or witnesses sexual harassment in the workplace including how to report harassment to workplace supervisors, a...

Compliance with therapeutic exercise programs is generally poor, with over 70% of (low back) patients failing to perform their prescribed exercises. One of the many reasons for this poor compliance may be the frequent use of an internal focus exercise approach, which is often experienced as boring, repetitive, pointless, and non-productive. This course will challenge current belief systems about e...

This #THIRDTHURSDAY course will discuss the etiologies and different presentations of flatfoot deformities. The discussion will start by discussing pediatric flatfoot versus adult flatfoot. Discussion will include recommended treatment including conservative treatment options, including physical therapy, and surgical treatment options. Clare Cormier, DPM, AACFAS, DABPM share insights and expertise...

Every year, over 200 new research studies, systematic reviews and meta-analyses, literature reviews, and case reports are published in the scientific literature on myofascial pain and dry needling. For the clinician, these many papers make it nearly impossible to keep up with the literature.  In this brief review, Jan Dommerholt will explore the most pertinent recent literature on myofascial pain...

This #THIRDTHURSDAY course will start by describing and educating on rotator cuff anatomy. We will then progress to discussing the function of the rotator cuff and the potential pathophysiology of rotator cuff tears. Participants will learn some common physical exam findings associated with rotator cuff pathology. Finally, indications will be discussed, as well as treatment options and outcomes fo...

Physical therapist practice is rooted in exercise prescription. The capacity to fully understand a patient's exercise response requires measurement and interpretation of vital sign responses with exertional challenges. This lecture will offer multiple examples of the difference that a therapist can make in their patient outcomes using equipment available in all practice settings. #VitalsAreVITAL J...

An employment agreement is a formal contract that establishes the terms, conditions, and obligations of employment between an employer and an employee. This course will provide a brief overview for PT professionals, and other key personnel, of main issues to know and understand when receiving and discussing your employment agreement with potential future employers. Chris DeGrande, Healthcare Attor...

Golf is one of the most popular sports in the world played by people of all ages, physical abilities, and skill levels.  Like any sport, regardless of skill level or how often you play, injuries will occur.  Therefore, it is important to know how to keep your golfers healthy and enjoying their time on the course.  Golf is a true rotational sport.  The golf swing is performed through a full body ro...