Dizziness and balance disorders are a growing concern, affecting a staggering 65% of individuals over 60. These conditions can lead to falls, decreased independence, social isolation, and a significantly reduced quality of life. As a healthcare provider, you have the power to help.

This live course, "The Senior Balance Retrainer: Competency in Vestibular Rehabilitation", led by renowned vestibular rehabilitation experts Brian Werner, Danielle Beaty, or Mike Teater provides physical therapists and assistants with the in-depth knowledge and practical skills necessary to assess and treat these patients confidently. Brian, a National Certified Specialist in Vestibular Rehabilitation with 26 years of experience and National Director of Education and Training at FYZICAL will guide you through the eight most common dizziness disorders encountered in the PT Balance Center.

This comprehensive program goes beyond lectures, offering a dynamic learning experience that includes:

• Deep Dive into the Vestibular System: Gain a thorough understanding of the anatomy, physiology, and common pathologies affecting the vestibular system, providing a solid foundation for effective treatment.

• Mastering Assessment Techniques: Learn to confidently utilize various assessment tools and techniques to accurately diagnose the root cause of your patients' balance and dizziness issues. This includes live demonstrations and practice of crucial bedside and functional tests.

• Evidence-Based Treatment Strategies: Explore various evidence-based interventions, including therapeutic exercises, manual therapy techniques, and patient education strategies to create personalized treatment plans.

• Hands-on learning: Gain proficiency in utilizing specialized goggles for assessment and perform a variety of treatment maneuvers, including the Epley, Semont, Li, Gufoni, and Vannucchi-Asprella, under Brian's expert guidance.

• Interactive discussions: Engage with Brian and fellow participants to deepen your understanding and address specific challenges in treating dizziness.

• Structured framework: Learn to apply the FYZICAL Balance Paradigm and Clinical Treatment Algorithm, providing a systematic approach to patient care.

This approximately 15-hour live course offers a unique opportunity to:

• Enhance your competency: Develop the skills and confidence to effectively manage balance and dizziness disorders in older adults.

• Improve patient outcomes: Empower your patients to regain their balance, independence, and quality of life.

• Become a leader in senior vestibular rehabilitation: Learn from a leader in the field and elevate your practice to the next level.

Don't miss this chance to make a real difference in the lives of your patients!

Learning & Behavioral Objectives

1.  Advanced Vestibular and Balance System Knowledge:

Learning Outcomes:

·         Gain a comprehensive understanding of the advanced anatomy and physiology of the vestibular and balance systems.

·         Differentiate the roles of the inner ear, visual, and somatosensory systems in maintaining balance.

·         Analyze the neural pathways and central processing involved in balance control.

Behavioral/Performance Objectives:

·         Accurately identify and label critical structures of the vestibular system on anatomical models and diagrams.

·         Explain the physiological mechanisms of balance, including otolithic and semicircular canal function, visual integration, and somatosensory feedback.

·         Describe the neural pathways involved in balance reflexes and postural adjustments.

2.  Vestibular and Balance System Disorders Diagnosis:

Learning Outcomes:

·         Develop expertise in distinguishing and differentially diagnosing common vestibular and balance disorders seen in a balance center program.

·         Understand the clinical presentations, pathophysiology, and diagnostic criteria for various PSC, ASC, and HSC-BPPV disorders.

·         Interpret the results of balance diagnostic tests and develop a comprehensive differential diagnosis.

Behavioral/Performance Objectives:

·         Accurately identify and differentiate between symptoms of common vestibular disorders like BPPV, Meniere's disease, and vestibular neuritis.

·         Perform and interpret bedside vestibular tests (Dix-Hallpike, head impulse test, etc.) proficiently.

·         Develop and present a differential diagnosis for a patient case study based on clinical presentation and test results.

3.  Advanced Bedside Tests and Treatments:

Learning Outcomes:

·         Master the implementation and execution of new and advanced bedside tests and treatments for simple to complex vestibular disorders.

·         Effectively utilize canalith repositioning maneuvers (CRMs) for various BPPV types.

·         Apply appropriate treatment techniques for PSC and ASC disorders based on current evidence-based practices.

Behavioral/Performance Objectives:

·         Demonstrate correct technique for performing canalith repositioning maneuvers for all types of BPPV.

·         Design and implement a treatment plan for a patient with PSC or ASC, incorporating appropriate exercises and modalities.

·         Evaluate the effectiveness of treatment interventions and modify the plan based on patient response.

4.  FYZICAL Clinical Treatment Algorithm (CTA):

Learning Outcomes:

·         Describe the theoretical, conceptual, and progressive frameworks of the FYZICAL Clinical Treatment Algorithm (CTA) in Vestibular Rehabilitation.

·         Understand the stages of the CTA and their application to different vestibular disorders.

·         Implement the CTA effectively in designing and progressing treatment plans for vestibular patients.

Behavioral/Performance Objectives:

·         Explain the rationale and evidence behind each stage of the FYZICAL CTA.

·         Apply the CTA to develop a treatment plan for a patient with a specific vestibular disorder, identifying appropriate exercises and progressions.

·         Monitor and adjust the treatment plan based on the patient's progress and response to each CTA stage.

5.  Sensory Mismatch and Reweighting Therapy:

Learning Outcomes:

·         Understand the theoretical framework of Sensory Mismatch and Sensory Reweighting Physical Therapy using the mCTSIB, CTSIB, and SOT.

·         Identify the clinical conditions where these techniques are most appropriate.

·         Apply Sensory Mismatch and Reweighting techniques in the treatment of vestibular disorders.

Behavioral/Performance Objectives:

·         Explain the principles of Sensory Mismatch and Sensory Reweighting in the context of vestibular rehabilitation.

·         Differentiate between the mCTSIB, CTSIB, and SOT techniques and their applications.

·         Design and implement a treatment session incorporating Sensory Mismatch or Reweighting techniques for a specific patient.

6.  Comprehensive Balance Diagnostic Tests:

Learning Outcomes:

·         Master the description and execution of all balance diagnostic functional tests used to assess and treat vestibular and balance disorders.

·         Interpret the results of various tests to identify specific balance impairments.

·         Utilize test results to inform treatment decision-making and monitor patient progress.

Behavioral/Performance Objectives:

·         Demonstrate proficiency in performing and interpreting standard balance tests like CTSIB, FGA, DGI, Fukuda, and Sharpened Romberg.

·         Analyze the results of gait and posture assessments to identify specific balance deficits.

·         Correlate test findings with clinical presentation to develop a targeted treatment plan.

7.  Outcome Measures in POC for Vestibular Disorders:

Learning Outcomes:

·         Develop a strong understanding of appropriate outcome measures in the assessment and treatment plan of care (POC) for patients with the most common vestibular and balance disorders.

·         Select and utilize outcome measures that are valid, reliable, and responsive to change in vestibular rehabilitation.

·         Monitor patient progress using outcome measures and adjust the POC as needed.

Behavioral/Performance Objectives:

·         Identify and explain the rationale for using specific outcome measures for different vestibular disorders.

·         Administer and score outcome measures accurately and efficiently.