Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants generally establish close working relationships with their patients during episodes of care, creating a need for a strong understanding of boundaries. Boundary crossings may include inappropriate verbal or non-verbal communication or other actions that can have a negative impact on the patient, the provider, the patient-provider relationship, and the public. In this presentation, participants will learn to identify risks, use tools to mitigate the risks and to deescalate potential conflicts that may arise.

The session will focus on providing information and resources for all levels of clinicians and students for diagnosis and management of the complex neuro degenerative condition, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Quotes and videos from different professionals within the University of Kentucky’s Kentucky Neuroscience Institute’s ALS clinic will be shared to achieve the objectives reviewing the benefits of the team approach. Resources, equipment prescription, and exercise program planning will be reviewed through case examples demonstrating benefits of collaboration.

This session is designed to provide physical therapy practitioners a basic understanding of male pelvic anatomy, male surgical procedures, and evaluative techniques for common bowel, bladder, and sexual conditions in men. Whether you are a new grad or seasoned physical therapist, this session will seek to decrease fear and destigmatize common myths surrounding treatment of the male pelvic floor. By examining current evidence-based treatment, this session will also highlight existing gaps in literature and areas for future research.

The session has been designed as a model for increased success of patient outcomes for continued mobility for individuals with neuro degenerative conditions based on the collaborations between this PT and orthotist. Key implications for reviewing patient preferences and goals as well as LE orthotic design and functionality will be reviewed. Cases will be utilized as examples for implementing enhanced collaboration between the professions to support improved patient outcomes.

In this session, presenters will discuss topics that are relevant to adults with lifelong disabilities and physical therapists who interact with them. Presenters’ perspectives include an educator and advocate who is also an adult with a lifelong disability, a pediatric physical therapist, and a foundational scientist who is also a physical therapist. Topics will include communication, physical access, medical testing, preventative health, and fitness.

More than 5 million people are admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) each year in the United States with majority of patients surviving their admission. Post intensive care syndrome (PICS), the cognitive, physical and emotional impairments that develop and persist after critical illness, impacts up to 80% of patients surviving critical illness. During this engaging session, a brief overview of critical illness, PICS and the University of Kentucky ICU Recovery Clinic will be presented. Attendees will then have the opportunity to directly engage with patients who have survived critical illness as they share their experiences.

This session will provide guidance and support for PTs and PTAs practicing in general care environments who may receive occasional referrals of pediatric patients. The content includes broad information about developmental milestones, early intervention, and school-based practice, as well as tips for teaming with distant pediatric specialists. Learners will leave with an appreciation of their valuable role as a local provider of PT services for children in their community. Common pediatric diagnoses and accessible assessments will be discussed.

This presentation is a cumulation of research related to shoulder exercises to build a continuum of rehabilitation exercises from immediately post injury to return to sport activities based on the electromyographical demands placed on the muscles. This research attempts to pull together information from the literature and the authors 20 plus years of research and clinical experience to progressively increase motor control and strength of the shoulder and scapula.

Retaining Employment and Talent After Injury/Illness Network (RETAIN) is a free federally funded initiative exploring stay-at-work/return-to-work (SAW/RTW) strategies. RETAIN Kentucky utilizes peer support, assistive technology, and universal design to promote quality, coordinated health and employment-related SAW/RTW services. Our interdisciplinary team of rehabilitation professionals will describe their roles within RETAIN Kentucky efforts, as well as teach strategies for rehabilitation professionals to engage in systems-level change regarding SAW/RTW policies. We will also engage in interactive discussion, to maximize benefit for attendees. This discussion will fit in with the theme of this conference, as employment is an important aspect to address with our patients.

This presentation explores the integration of motor-cognitive training in physical therapy to reduce fall risks, using the GaitBetter system as a prime example. We will discuss the foundational science behind motor-cognitive connections, supported by clinical evidence, and demonstrate its application in various healthcare settings. The session will also cover practical implementation strategies, highlighting how these techniques can improve patient outcomes and enhance clinic operations. Finally, we will outline the reimbursement process, providing attendees with a roadmap for incorporating and financing these innovative practices in their own settings.

TBD

This session is intended to make working with persons with Parkinson's Disease more accessible to all PT providers. Over 13,000 people in Kentucky have PD, and they are seen in all settings across the state - or should be. This session is designed to provide basics for therapeutic interventions and a holistic view of how PTs and PTAs can contribute to the care of persons with PD. A panel will help support discussion and Q/A from participants. Participant engagement will help start a database of expertise and community engagement that can help us elevate the care of persons with PD across the Commonwealth.

In this session, three physical therapists who are currently pursuing a PhD will discuss their experiences as doctoral students. Panelists will talk about the academic, professional, and personal aspects of obtaining a terminal degree in Biomechanics, Rehabilitation and Health Sciences, and Education Sciences. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the impact of pursuing a PhD on career growth, requirements of various programs, choosing a program and advisor, and finding funding options.