The American Physical Therapy Association of New Jersey (APTANJ) helped practitioners, educators and students start spring on the right foot with its annual conference in West Windsor, N.J. on April 1, 2006.

Despite being held on April Fools Day, the APTANJ was serious about providing cutting-edge programming.

Attendees from across the Garden State found topics of interest from the numerous educational opportunities offered, including exhibits and research poster sessions.

In addition, participants could choose to earn continuing professional education credits from the three main educational courses:

• Pilates for the Physical Therapist: A Hands-On Mat and Equipment Experience.
  Presented by Susan W. Wickware, PT.
  This program provided an overview of the work of Joseph Pilates, his “Theory of Contrology” and how it can be applied to the physical therapy patient. The participants gained experience with introductory mat work, as well as two pieces of Pilates-specific equipment: the Reformer and the Wunda Chair. Participants identified the “core,” felt the therapeutic stretch provided by the mat work and experienced the resistance/assistance to movement and therapeutic stretch provided by this unique equipment. Pilates can be utilized with the patient in need of improved core control, flexibility, postural awareness, balance and stamina.
• The Interaction of Biological Principles of Neuroplasticity and the Principles of Motor Learning
  Presented by Alma S. Merians, PT, PhD.
  The combination of animal research, brain imaging, innovative technology and clinical trials has provided a window into understanding the neurological substrates of functional recovery. This makes for quite an exciting time to be in rehabilitation. That’s why this course introduced participants to the literature presented at the III STEP conference, regarding the underlying principles of brain reorganization and neural plasticity in both the uninjured brain and post-stroke. Participants explored how some of the principles of motor learning and training could be utilized to facilitate neural adaptations in one’s physical therapy practice
• Spinal Update: Current Orthopaedic Pain Management and Physical Therapy Approaches to Spine Care
  Presented by John D. Tydings, MD, Haim Blecher, MD, Adam Sackstein, MD, and Richard Stoneking, PT.
  More than 60 percent of adults in the U.S. workforce experience low back pain at some time. Often it is persistent or recurrent, making it one of the most common reasons for seeking healthcare and loss of work. This program offered participants an opportunity to learn more about current medical and surgical techniques utilized in treating patients with spinal disorders by Orthopedic Spine Specialists, John D. Tydings, MD, and Haim Blecher, MD.

Additionally, with low back pain, pain medicine is also an important therapeutic procedure that can enhance adjunctive therapy. Adam Sackstein, MD, discussed who needs pain medicine and how pain medicine physicians can best care for their patients. Richard Stoneking, PT, concluded this program with a focus on how physical therapy can play a role in managing occupationally related, acute, low back pain in order to return patients to the workforce. Participants were also made aware of common “red flag” issues when submitting for reimbursement and what steps can be taken in order to alleviate them.

Attendees were also welcomed to tour the exhibit hall and learn the latest technologies and professional development opportunities offered in the industry.







 
Click here to check out clips from this year’s American Physical Therapy Association of New Jersey’s Annual Conference (APTANJ), as well as an exclusive interview with APTANJ attendee, Emily Protheroe from Restorative Care of America.

Amy Storer is the editor of TherapyTimes.com. Questions or comments can be directed to editorial@TherapyTimes.com.