An essential course for therapists working with patients experiencing limb loss, this class will address the evaluation and treatment of limb loss due to diabetes, vascular disease, trauma, cancer, sepsis, and congenital limb difference. Hands-on demonstrations, new technology, surgical outcomes, and the most recent strategies for treatment and future directions will be addressed.
This course offers a comprehensive perspective for management of the limb loss patient. Clinical expertise can be difficult to obtain since this population is a small proportion of the rehabilitation caseload. Current research, expert opinions from PT, OT, orthopedic and plastic surgeons, PM&R, prosthetists, as well as patient experiences will be presented. The class addresses the medical issues and common complications that place limbs at risk. Attendees will learn to make educated clinical decisions to improve function. This dynamic course addresses limb loss due to diabetes, vascular disease, trauma, cancer, sepsis and congenital issues. Current guidelines recommend therapy interactions start pre-operatively and continue through the lifespan of the patient. New technology, surgical techniques and futures directions are included in discussion. Many of the techniques described in the course can be applied to patient populations with limbs at risk and the multitrauma patient. The course is primarily lecture with multiple video clips taken throughout of the continuum of care. There will be demonstrations and hands-on experiences intermixed with lecture.
Participants will be able to apply course learning immediately to:
• Design, implement and modify an individual rehabilitation program using up to date techniques for common co-morbidities and with knowledge of the life-time needs of this population
• Identify movement and posture dysfunction that can be address with therapy interventions efficiently and recognize when other disciplines may need to be consulted
• Identify and address frequent complications such as phantom pain, residual limb pain, low back pain and skin integrity
• Discuss upper extremity loss and address ADLs by problem solving the functional eficit
• Recognize questions the patient may have regarding the entire spectrum of rehabilitation and identify the role in a team to maximize outcomes.
Inger Brueckner, MS, PT, has practiced vestibular rehabilitation since 1994. She began teaching after completing the Emory University/APTA Vestibular Competency course in 2003. In 2010 she joined the Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children Center for Concussion as the creator and director of PACER (Progressive Acute Concussion Exertional Rehabilitation). She is a member of a multi-disciplinary team focused on providing cutting-edge, effective, safe rehabilitation. Working for Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center in Denver, CO, she has presented research findings at APTA CSM, published journal article, book chapter, developed protocols, and been invited to speak at international, national, and local conferences. She is passionate about providing the best care for all patients in a collaborative medical team, sharing lessons learned through continuing education.
Additionally, Inger Brueckner is the principle physical therapist treating limb loss at Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center. Her experience spans many age groups, causes and levels of limb loss and amputee working in a multidisciplinary team dedicated to the advancement of function in this population. With a master’s in PT, Inger has worked primarily as an outpatient therapist and hospital-based outpatient center. She co-authored an article on pre-prosthetic training and has presented at national and international conferences.
"After taking this course I now feel more prepared and confident to work with patients with limb loss." -E Montoya, PT
"Very clear that Inger is a very dedicated to excellence in patient care. Course manual very thorough and numerous patient slides were helpful and entertaining." -R Young, OT
Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center
1601 E. 19th Avenue
Suite 3800
Denver, CO 80218
Directions
Hilton Garden Inn - Denver Downtown
1400 Welton Street
Denver Downtown
Denver, CO 80202
Directions
This course meets the criteria for 14 contact hours (1.4 CEUs).
This course meets the CO PT requirements for 14 Contact Hours - Intermediate Level Cat 1.
Education Resources Inc. is an Approved Agency by the Physical Therapy Board of California
Approved provider of continuing education by the American Occupational Therapy Association #3043 for 14 contact hours (1.4 CEUs)
NBCOT professional development provider - 14 PDUs
Education Resources, Inc. is approved by the Board of Certification to offer 14 continuing education units for Certified Athletic Trainers
Education Resources Inc. 266 Main Street, Suite 12, Medfield, MA 02052 508-359-6533 or 800-487-6530 (Outside MA)