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Live Webinar for Therapists. Complete this session for 2.5 contact hours
November 17, 2025
6:30 pm EST • 5:30 pm CST • 4:30 pm MST • 3:30 pm PST
* webinar waiting room opens 15 minutes prior to start time (US)
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
What causes reflux? Is it really such a big deal? Can it be related to my patients’ motor/postural deficits? The speakers addressed these questions during their highly acclaimed presentation at the 2024 APTA Combined Sections Meeting in Boston. They are bringing the same information and energy to a live webinar format.
The speakers explore the causes of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) from a biomechanical and medical perspective, establishing the connections between the gastrointestinal (GI) system, the diaphragm, postural stability, and the body’s physical response to reflux’s noxious stimulus. Pediatric clinical symptoms of GERD are presented and explained, such as atypical posturing, feeding difficulties, respiratory problems, chronic constipation, torticollis, balance impairments, toe-walking and long-term postural abnormalities. The speakers make a compelling argument that screening their patients’ internal organs for their role in health and mobility conditions should be routine for all pediatric therapists. Therapy interventions are suggested from the neonate to the young adult.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
- Describe the anatomy/physiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease and its medical and physical causes and consequences.
- Describe the impact of pressure in the abdominal and thoracic cavities on the five major roles of the diaphragm (breathing, reflux management, gastrointestinal motility, postural control, and venous return) and describe how the diaphragm functions as an integral part of the gastric junction which mitigates reflux.
- Identify clinical symptoms of reflux in our patients from infancy to adulthood and describe secondary complications /consequences of untreated GERD.
- Identify tools for therapists doing clinical assessment of GERD and suggest clinical interventions to minimize its adverse effects on pediatric populations.
AUDIENCE:
PT, OT, and other clinicians working with patients with GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). The focus is on the pediatric population.
Dr. Massery received her BS in Physical Therapy from Northwestern University in 1977, her DPT from the University of the Pacific in 2004 and her DSc from Rocky Mountain University in 2011. Her publications and interests focus on linking motor behaviors to breathing and/or postural mechanics in both pediatric and adult patient populations. Dr. Massery has been invited to give over 1,000 professional presentations in all 50 US states and in 18 countries worldwide, including more than 100 presentations for the American Physical Therapy Association. Mary’s research pioneered the concept of managing trunk pressures as a new way to visualize core stabilization. She has delivered keynote and major addresses on topics such as cystic fibrosis and posture, pectus excavatum (chest deformities), connections between posture & breathing, and PNF (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation).
Mary has received national awards from the APTA, including its highest clinical award, The Florence Kendall Practice Award, honoring “one’s outstanding and enduring contributions to the practice of physical therapy." She has been honored as Outstanding Alumnus of the Year by each of her 3 universities. She was also awarded Northwestern University’s Alumnae Research Achievement Award. Mary continues to maintain a private practice in Chicago, specializing in breathing and postural dysfunction.
DISCLOSURES:
Mary Massery receives an honorarium from Education Resources.
She has no relevant non-financial relationships to disclose.
Dr. Mizera received her B.S.in Physical Therapy from University of Illinois in 1978, and her DPT from Governors State University in 2019. She was Co-Director of a private pediatric practice for 27 years, and has worked in hospitals, schools and in Early Intervention (EI). She is currently working at La Rabida Children’s Hospital in Chicago. Margie has advanced training in NDT, manual therapy, and myofascial release.
Her studies have centered around treatment of the infant/young child, emphasizing routines-based handling in the treatment of torticollis and reflux. Dr. Mizera is a member of the APTA Pediatric Task Force on Reflux, which is working to develop clinical practice guidelines.
DISCLOSURE:
Margie Mizera receives an honorarium from Massery PT, LLC. She has no relevant non-financial relationships to disclose.
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