Pre-symposium Course

Concussion Rehab: Midline, Body Image & Oculomotor Considerations

Date: Friday, June 12
Time: 8am – 4:30 pm
Location: The Joint Physiotherapy
Address: Unit D 310 8th St, Courtenay

Course Description
Concussion presents with a wide spectrum of sensory, motor, cognitive and soft neurological signs. Current mainstream strategies do not address all of the deficits that concussion presents with.

In this one day course we will show you how to screen for horizontal and vertical midline deficits using original tests and rehabilitation strategies to correct them.

Oculomotor assessment and rehab will go beyond a basic assessment and look at primitive reflexes for the eyes and eye movement as it relates to musculoskeletal body image.

We will also show you how to screen for musculoskeletal body image disorders and the key rehabilitation strategies. This involves a combination of sensory motor and primitive and postural reflexes.

These deficits are highly correlated to neurocognitive deficits in this population.

You will leave with a clear understanding of when to apply these rehabilitation strategies and how to integrate them into your clinical practice.

Course Objectives
The participant will be able to:

·  Sub-classify the deficits concussionpatients present with and prioritize them

·  Utilize oculomotor rehab strategies

·  Assess and rehab the midline of the body

·  Assess musculoskeletal body image and understand rehab strategies

·  Integrate the treatment of midline, body image and oculomotor function into your clinical practice

What you will you get that you may not already have?

Musculoskeletal Body Image
We have researched and developed screening tools and rehab for this complex neurological phenomenon. You will see original concepts.

Midline is considered by many to be an independent sensory function
However, it is likely just a function of the integration of the other senses. It can be neurological divided into horizontal and vertical. These are plastic and can change. We will show you how to assess and rehab.

Oculomotor function is critical
Since it allows people to compensate for their deficits. Giving better function can provide a large change in function quickly. We will show you primitive reflexes to improve oculomotor function as well as other strategies to change eye muscle tone.

Primitive and Postural reflexes
These reflexes are critical to normal movement and neurological functioning. We will show you the key reflexes you need.

Facilitator
Sean Gibbons graduated from Manchester University in 1995. He shares his time between clinical practice, teaching and is finalizing his PhD at Memorial University of Newfoundland. This was on the development of a prescriptive clinical prediction rule for specific motor control exercises for low back pain. A key new sub-classification was identified that considers sensory motor, neurocognitive function, body image and patient’s ability to learn. His current work follows this and aims to further sub-classify pain mechanisms. His goal is to have valid and reliable screening tools to classify people into sub-groups and identify, or develop, the best treatment for each group. His dissection and research into psoas major, gluteus maximus and upper trapezius has provided new insight into muscle function, led to the development of new rehabilitation options and prompted research into the field. He has presented his research at national and international conferences and has several journal publications on related topics.

Intended Audience
This course is intended for physical therapists. Medical professionals are welcome to attend.