DESCRIPTION:

This course is designed for clinicians and student physical therapists interested in refining  manual therapy thrust techniques for treatment of musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction.

- This course integrates modern biomechanical evidence and neurophysiological principles to improve confidence in implementing thrust techniques in clinical practice.

- Faculty have robust knowledge in manual therapy techniques, extensive experience in applying and modifying these techniques for the treatment of a variety of musculoskeletal ailments, and are adept at aiding other clinicians in refining their skills.

- Faculty will briefly review the evidence and indications for applying spinal manipulation, including essential vascular and neurological screening. The bulk of the course will focus on high-quality skills practice in a collaborative learning environment.

*Note - Physical Therapist Assistants and Physical Therapist Assistant students are welcome to attend for knowledge acquisition and to be practice partners for attendees, but not to perform spinal manipulation given the NC Board of Physical Therapy Examiner’s scope of practice Position Statement “Performance of Mobilization by a Physical Therapist Assistant”

SPEAKERS:

Patrick Ward, PT, DPT, is a Senior Physical Therapist with Duke University Health System and a Lecturer in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Duke University. He also serves as Adjunct Faculty in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Augustana University. 

Dr. Ward is actively involved in postgraduate physical therapy education and professional development. He serves as the Coordinator of the Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency Program at Duke University Health System and is faculty in the Duke University Hybrid Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Residency Program as well as the Duke University Health System Orthopaedic and Manual Physical Therapy Fellowship. Through these roles, he contributes to the education and mentorship of physical therapy students, residents, and fellows. 

His clinical practice focuses on orthopedic and musculoskeletal rehabilitation as well as vestibular therapy, with an emphasis on delivering high-quality, efficient, and evidence-informed patient care. Dr. Ward is also dedicated to teaching and mentoring clinicians to develop strong clinical reasoning so they too can provide effective care to diverse patient populations. 

Andréas Remis, PT, DPT

Andréas Remis is a board-certified Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapist within the Duke University Health System. He serves as faculty in residency and fellowship programs at Duke University and the University of Southern California. He earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree with highest distinction from the University of Nebraska Medical Center (2022). He completed Orthopedic Residency training at the Mayo Clinic (2023), followed by Spine Fellowship training at the University of Southern California (2024), and Orthopedic Manual Therapy Fellowship training at Duke University (2025). Dr. Remis has delivered more than 39 professional presentations at local, national, and international conferences and has authored over 30 peer-reviewed publications in journals including Spine, NASSJ, and the European Spine Journal. His work has been recognized with early-career honors, including the North American Spine Society SpineLine 20 Under 40 Award and the Foundation for Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy Scholarship. He is committed to advancing the profession of physical therapy through precise, individualized care grounded in clinical excellence and empathy

Jennifer Bent, PT, MPT

Jennifer provides a contemporary, customized approach to the management of acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions, utilizing her extensive post-graduate training as a Board-Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist and a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists. 

As Adjunct Faculty, Jennifer specializes in teaching basic skills and applied physiology, bridging the gap between foundational biological principles and clinical practice. Her current research focuses on integrating high fidelity manual therapy with 3rd order systems design to optimize patient care. 

A recipient of awards for leadership, service, and character, Jennifer has presented at state and national conferences. Her background in team and group programming informs her unique approach to clinical practice, ensuring that patient care remains smooth, easy, and effective. 

OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this education session, attendees will be able to:

Enhance clinical reasoning through literature review and discussion regarding evidence for spinal manipulation. 

Select appropriate patients based on physical therapy examination, including indications and contraindications for spinal manipulation.

Integrate high fidelity spinal manipulation techniques for cervical, thoracic, and lumbar segments.

Increase confidence in clinical integration of spinal manipulation

DESCRIPTION:

Aerobic conditioning remains a cornerstone intervention across physical therapy practice settings. Selected clinical practice guidelines and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) guidelines emphasize the use of maximal oxygen uptake (i.e., VO2max or VO2peak) to guide aerobic exercise prescription. This session will explore the practical application of VO₂ testing for assessment and the development of exercise prescriptions. The session will also cover expected physiological adaptations to aerobic training, timelines for change, and the concept of VO2 trainability - the individual variability in responsiveness to aerobic training. 

SPEAKERS:

Brian Neville, PT, DPT, PhD

Brian Neville is an Assistant Professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Campbell University in Buies Creek, NC.  Brian earned his DPT at Duke University and practiced clinically in the sports and orthopedic private practice setting for over a decade before joining Campbell.  He earned his PhD in Rehabilitation Science from George Mason University, where his doctoral dissertation focused on the proteomic response to aerobic endurance training.  Teaching responsibilities at Campbell University include Exercise Physiology and Human Physiology. He has presented at APTA Combined Sections Meeting on Regenerative Rehabilitation and has published in the Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy Journal and the Physical Therapy Journal. 

Karlyn Green PT, DPT

Karlyn Green is an Assistant Professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Campbell University in North Carolina.  She is an APTA board certified specialist in cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy and orthopedic physical therapy. Karlyn completed an orthopedic residency with HealthCare Partners/Kaiser Permanente and a cardiopulmonary residency with Duke University Hospital System. Karlyn has published in the Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy Journal, Physical Therapy Journal, and helped author the Restrictive Lung Disease chapter in the textbook Essentials of Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy. Karlyn has presented at APTA Combined Sections Meetings, the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation conference, and at North Carolina APTA conferences. She is active in the Academy of Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy with current roles on the education committee and prior roles on the nominating committee and education committee. 

OBJECTIVES:

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1.        Describe the physiological significance of VO₂ and its role in assessing aerobic capacity.

2.        Interpret VO₂ testing results to design personalized exercise prescriptions.

3.        Explain the concept of VO2 trainability and identify factors that influence individual variability in VO₂ training responses.

4.        Apply VO₂ data to monitor and adjust training programs for optimal outcomes.

DESCRIPTION:

This session challenges the traditional curricular framing of therapeutic exercise and presents a practical framework for teaching exercise prescription with the use of AI that spans patient populations at all functional levels. Presenters will explain and demonstrate how they used AI to create real-world case examples that incorporate FITT-VP principles applied across neurorehabilitation, cardiopulmonary, and acute care contexts, and how comorbidities shape clinical decision-making.

Attendees will leave with concrete tools for expanding their own therapeutic exercise curricula to better prepare students for clinical practice in any setting that they choose.

SPEAKERS:

Dr. Colette Waddell is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at Winston-Salem State University. She earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Emory University and completed the Faculty Development Residency at Duke University. With clinical expertise in acute care, she has worked in a level one trauma center, managing patients with spinal cord and brain injuries, and contributing to improved patient outcomes, reduced costs, and decreased length of stay. Her research focuses on enhancing the student experience in physical therapy education, with early outcomes exploring belongingness and the correlation between social determinants of health and academic performance. Her teaching/education expertise includes curricular development with managing complex patients across the lifespan. Dr. Waddell is passionate about diversifying the physical therapy profession and improving educational outcomes through a more inclusive and supportive environment. 

Dr. Tyler Johnston has been practicing PT for the past 10 years after getting his DPT from East Carolina University. He has worked exclusively in OP orthopedics and has specialized in treating individuals suffering with chronic neck and low back pain. He obtained his Orthopedic Certified Specialist certification from the APTA (2022) and graduated with his Doctorate of Education in Kinesiology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (2024). He is an Assistant professor at Winston-Salem State University in their physical therapy program. His research focuses on the relationship developed between the patient and therapist and how therapists use this therapeutic relationship in clinical practice. His research is meant to provide education for working clinicians to help them improve their clinical practice with simple and practical information.

OBJECTIVES:

-Identify gaps in traditional therapeutic exercise curricula that limit graduate readiness to prescribe exercise across diverse patient populations and practice settings beyond orthopedics

-Apply FITT-VP and evidence-based exercise prescription principles to patients with neurological, cardiopulmonary, and acute care presentations, including those with complex comorbidities, at varying functional levels with the use of AI

-Integrate a continuum-of-care framework into therapeutic exercise coursework or clinical orientation programs to better prepare entry-level clinicians for real-world practice

DESCRIPTION:

Diet and nutrition play a crucial role in the prevention and management of many conditions commonly treated by physical therapists. While it is within the scope of physical therapy practice to screen for and provide general education on nutrition, understanding when to refer to a registered dietitian is essential for ethical and effective patient care. This session will explore the intersection of nutrition and physical therapy, emphasizing the importance of an interdisciplinary approach while clearly defining professional boundaries. Attendees will gain practical strategies for integrating nutrition education into patient management, recognizing red flags that require referral, and fostering collaboration with nutrition professionals. By understanding both the opportunities and limitations of nutrition in physical therapy, clinicians can enhance patient outcomes while maintaining professional integrity. This session is designed for physical therapists seeking to expand their knowledge in this critical area without overstepping their scope of practice. 

SPEAKERS:

Tara Caberwal, PT, DPT, DSc, FAAOMPT, OCS, COMT

Dr. Tara Caberwal is an Assistant Professor at Campbell University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program in Buies Creek, NC. She has over 15 years of clinical practice in military healthcare on Fort Bragg, NC serving as a contract physical therapist for the THOR3 Human Performance program within Special Operations.  Dr. Caberwal has completed her Doctorate of Science in Physical Therapy (DScPT), is an APTA Board-Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist (OCS), and Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy (FAAOMPT). Currently, she serves as the chair of the American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy (AASPT) Tactical Special Interest Group (SIG). Her research interests include chronic MSK pain, TBI, and improving resiliency of the active-duty soldier. 

Laurel Wentz, PhD, RD, CSSD, LDN

Dr. Wentz is an Associate Professor in Nutrition at Appalachian State University, a Registered Dietitian, and a Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics. Dr. Wentz has international experience working with elite athletes and service members, first as the dietitian for Florida State Athletics, then US Army Special Forces, followed by a move to the United Kingdom where she completed a clinical trial to improve performance and immune function in British military recruits. She has coauthored manuscripts on performance and immune health in Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, European Journal of Nutrition, Nutrients, Military Medicine, and Journal of Sport and Health Science. Her research focus is sports nutrition to improve health and performance, by examining how nutrition influences metabolism, inflammation, and immune function during exercise.

OBJECTIVES:

1.  Define the role of diet and nutrition in primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention of conditions commonly treated by physical therapists.

2.  Explain the professional scope of physical therapy practice regarding nutrition education and the importance of interprofessional collaboration.

3.  Identify appropriate scenarios where a physical therapist can provide nutrition-related education and when a referral to a registered dietitian is necessary.

4.  Differentiate between evidence-based nutrition guidance that falls within the PT scope and more specialized dietary interventions requiring expert referral.

DESCRIPTION:

As direct access expands, physical therapists increasingly function as first-contact healthcare providers.(1) This evolving role requires competency in red flag screening, review of systems, imaging considerations, and referral decision-making to ensure patient safety. However, clinicians report uncertainty in differential diagnosis when screening for serious medical conditions, and new graduates describe struggling to recognize and manage suspected pathology. (3,4) Additionally, most red flags lack high-quality evidence for diagnostic accuracy when interpreted in isolation.(6)

This presentation outlines a structured framework for triage, red flag screening, and imaging referral during musculoskeletal evaluation. Emphasis is placed on increasing confidence in screening systems, understanding psychometric properties of exam findings, and integrating clinical reasoning across multiple factors suggestive of non-musculoskeletal pathology. Through didactic instruction and case-based application, participants will determine appropriate referral pathways while navigating inherent clinical uncertainty. Attendees will gain practical strategies to support timely referral, enhance communication, and improve patient safety.

SPEAKERS:

Anju Dheer, PT, DPT, OCS, is an orthopedic physical therapist practicing in outpatient musculoskeletal care and an incoming Fellow-in-Training with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists through the Duke University Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy Fellowship. She has a clinical interest in spine-related conditions, including neck and low back pain, and values an evidence-informed approach to patient management.

Dr. Dheer is actively involved in clinical education and enjoys working with physical therapy students and early-career clinicians, with a focus on building confidence in red flag screening, review of systems, and referral decision-making. Her scholarly work includes case-based contributions exploring the role of physical therapists in recognizing conditions that may require medical referral.

Outside of work, she enjoys dancing and traveling with her family, especially exploring new cultures with her children.

Matt Manzo, PT, DPT, OCS is a physical therapist practicing as a Fellow-in-Training in the Duke Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy Fellowship. He completed his undergraduate training in Exercise Science at Sacred Heart University in 2017 and earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Army-Baylor University as an Army Physical Therapist in 2020. While serving as an Army PT, Matt held roles in trainee/recruit health, primary care PT, tactical human performance, and multi-disciplinary team leadership. Matt completed the Military Musculoskeletal PT Residency in 2024 and served as a faculty mentor within the program thereafter. He is passionate about optimizing population health, well-being, and performance by pursuing expert delivery of community-aligned physical therapy services. You can find Matt, otherwise, trail-running, hiking, or camping with his family. 

OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this educational session participants will be able to:

1.        Describe the role of physical therapists as first-contact providers, emphasizing red flag screening, systems review, and clinical reasoning within musculoskeletal evaluation. 

2.        Apply a structured triage framework to enhance confidence in red flag screening by integrating subjective and objective findings. 

3.        Differentiate musculoskeletal conditions from presentations suggestive of non-musculoskeletal pathology by synthesizing multiple clinical factors. 

4.        Integrate American College of Radiology (ACR) imaging criteria with red flag screening, incorporating psychometric properties of exam findings to guide imaging decisions and determine appropriate referral pathways for safe, timely patient management.

DESCRIPTION:

Every day, physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and practice owners navigate payment and payer-related challenges that affect patient care, practice operations, and professional satisfaction. Join this facilitated listening session to share your experiences, identify common themes, and help prioritize the issues that should guide APTA NC’s payment advocacy efforts. Rather than focusing on individual cases or immediate solutions, we’ll work together to identify the challenges with the greatest impact and opportunity for advocacy. Your input will help shape APTA NC’s strategic priorities for the coming year.

OBJECTIVES:

By the end of the session, participants will have:

• Identified the payment and payer-related challenges that most significantly impact practice and patient care.

• Explored common experiences and themes across diverse practice settings.

• Collaboratively prioritized the issues with the greatest impact and opportunity for advocacy.

• Contributed to shaping APTA NC’s payment advocacy priorities and future payer engagement efforts.

SPEAKERS:

Marissa Carvalho, PT, DPT, MSQM and Kyle Covington, PT, DPT, PhD

DESCRIPTION:

Women are half of the population, but public and medical knowledge of women’s bodies can be vastly lagging in representation. This includes menopause, even though it is estimated that 47 million women worldwide enter this transition annually. This discrepancy is also seen in physiotherapists, where knowledge of menopause and its effects on the human body remains limited to personal experience or weak levels of evidence, despite the literature demonstrating the impact of hormonal change on musculoskeletal conditions. These impacts can include pathologies of tendon health, strength, pain sensitivity, and inflammation, with some studies suggesting that up to 25% of women can become physically disabled by this transition to menopause. The purpose of this session is to provide a generalized overview of the effects of hormones on the musculoskeletal system, common orthopedic conditions experienced during menopause, and interventions for this patient population to promote greater awareness for the treating physiotherapist.

OBJECTIVES:

1. Describe the physiological effects of hormonal changes during menopause on musculoskeletal tissues, including tendon health, muscle performance, pain sensitivity, and inflammatory response. 

2. List 3 common orthopedic conditions experienced by women transitioning through menopause, with a general understanding of the pathophysiological principles of each condition. 

3. Recognize menopause as a contributing factor in patients with persistent, recurrent, or atypical musculoskeletal pain. 

4. Integrate menopause considerations into clinical reasoning to improve treatment effectiveness and patient outcomes in orthopedic practice. 

SPEAKERS:

Hope Stelly, PT, DPT is the 2026-2027 Orthopaedic Resident Physical Therapist for Duke University Health System. She is a graduate of the Duke DPT program, and was previously a music therapist. Prior to residency, she worked as a physical therapist in both the inpatient and outpatient settings where she enjoyed working with a wide range of patient populations. She currently assists with physical therapy research at Duke University, and was also a teaching assistant for High Point University. 

Stephanie Palacios, PT, DPT is a Physical Therapist in Durham, NC and a coordinator for the Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency program in the Duke Health Department of Department of Physical Therapy & Occupational Therapy. Stephanie earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from University of Maryland School of Medicine in 2018. She has outpatient and inpatient clinical experience with treating various orthopedic and neurologic conditions through Medstar National Rehabilitation Network and Duke University Health System. She has also participated as a teaching assistant for physical therapy students through University of Maryland Baltimore and Duke University. Stephanie’s professional interests include persistent pain management, integrative physical therapy practice, education and advocacy.

Marcelle Morrison, PT, DPT, is an outpatient Physical Therapist practicing in Durham, NC, where she treats both pelvic floor and orthopedic populations. She earned her DPT from Duke University and has a strong clinical interest in women’s health. She is particularly passionate about women’s health considerations across the lifespan, including the musculoskeletal impacts of hormonal shifts through life stages. She is dedicated to empowering patients to better understand their bodies, build confidence in self-advocacy, and take an active role in their healthcare journey.

DESCRIPTION:

Too often residents in memory care, or those with limited cognition, are not treated by therapy due to a lack of understanding of how to treat these patients. This lack of understanding starts with the idea that dementia patients can’t improve because they can’t follow directions.

To demonstrate the change that can be made, assessment data was collected for a patient’s Allen Cognitive level and an evaluation and discharge Berg score. This shows that  patients with dementia can improve, however this can only be accomplished when the therapist understands how to assess and treat patients with limited ability to follow directions.

In this presentation we will provide the statistics to support therapy at all levels of cognition. We will discuss how to assess and treat patients with cognitive loss, what standardizes a standardized test, and what is the best approach to treatment.

OBJECTIVES:

1.        Participants will leave with the data to support therapy intervention with cognitively impaired patients.

2.        Participants will gain a basic understanding of each cognitive level and what they mean.

3.        Participants will be able to use a standardized test with cognitively impaired patients through a new understanding of how to apply the test.

4.        Participants will be able to re-design their existing interventions to maximize patient engagement to maximize gains.

SPEAKERS:

Mark Cifarelli, PT, MPT has worked for Legacy Healthcare Services since 2010. In his current role as the Director of Clinical Practice, he is responsible for overseeing the quality of the clinical content of Legacy’s programs. After receiving an undergraduate degree from Villanova University, Mark obtained his master’s in physical therapy from Touro College in 1994. In his 31 years of practice, Mark has worked for over 16 of those years specifically in Geriatric Care. Mark has received specialized training in the use of the Allen Cognitive Disabilities Model and has successfully implemented the model in a variety of geriatric settings. Mark was also a Certified Hand Therapist for over 10 years. 

Mark grew up on Long Island in New York and currently resides in North Carolina with his wife, 3 children, and 3 dogs. He is a strong advocate of women’s sports and has coached fastpitch softball for over 16 years.

DESCRIPTION:

It is recommended that adults get at least 7 hours of sleep, but ~40% of the US population does not achieve this on a regular basis. Lack of sleep has been shown to increase risk for several diseases and is particularly prevalent among individuals with chronic pain. Physical therapists are in a prime position to educate and help their patients with sleep. However, many aren’t aware of the impact sleep has on health and may not feel adequately trained to screen and educate their patients. This is a missed opportunity which may contribute to non-optimal patient outcomes.  The purpose of this presentation is to educate and empower physical therapists to treat poor sleep habits. The session will include information about sleep physiology, the bidirectional relationship of sleep and health, behavioral sleep interventions, and sleep ergonomic information that will be focused to working therapists for immediate implementation into their clinical practice. 

OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this educational session participants will be able to:

•        Explain the benefits of sleep on health and physical activity

•        Discuss benefits of sleep to individuals suffering from chronic pain

•        Apply interventions that could improve patients’ sleep

•        Recommend appropriate materials/products to improve sleep quality

SPEAKERS:

Dr. Alicia Emerson, PT, DPT, PhD, MS - Dr. Emerson is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at Winston-Salem State University. She completed her PhD from the University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand in 2023. Dr. Emerson earned several degrees (MS in Physical Therapy from University of Indianapolis, MS in Rehabilitation Sciences from University of Illinois at Chicago), and she is a Board Certified Specialist in Orthopaedics and a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists. She was awarded the 2021 Social Impact Award by the American Physical Therapy Association. Dr. Emerson is a Senior Editor for Physical Therapy Reviews. Her teaching and research interests center on the functional implications in pain processing in complex patient presentations, clinical reasoning for primary care physical therapists, and managing/preventing chronic pain.

Dr. Jason Jakiela, PhD, MS - Dr. Jakiela is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at Winston-Salem State University. He completed his PhD in Biomechanics and Movement Science in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Delaware in 2023. Dr. Jakiela also completed his postdoctoral fellowship in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Delaware. His areas of expertise and training include anatomy and epidemiology. Dr. Jakiela has presented his research at several physical therapy and clinical conferences, including CSM, ACR Convergence, and OARSI. His work in physical activity, physical function, and knee osteoarthritis has been published in peer-reviewed journals such as the Journal of Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy, Journal of Rheumatology, Arthritis Care & Research, Musculoskeletal Care, and Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Journal.

Dr. Tyler Johnston, PT, DPT, EdD – Dr. Johnston has been practicing PT for the past 10 years after getting his DPT from East Carolina University. He has worked exclusively in OP orthopedics and has specialized in treating individuals suffering with chronic neck and low back pain. He obtained his Orthopedic Certified Specialist certification from the APTA (2022) and graduated with his Doctorate of Education in Kinesiology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (2024). He is an Assistant professor at Winston-Salem State University in their physical therapy program. His research focuses on the relationship developed between the patient and therapist and how therapists use this therapeutic relationship in clinical practice. His research is meant to provide education for working clinicians to help them improve their clinical practice with simple and practical information.

DESCRIPTION:

Blood flow restriction (BFR) has rapidly expanded beyond low load orthopeadic training, yet many clinicians lack the physiological foundation to apply it across diverse populations.  This 90 minute session reframes  BFR through the lens of blood flow modulation (BFM), emphasizing venous moderation, metabolic stress, endothelial signaling, and autonomic–neuroimmune responses rather than arterial occlusion alone.

 Participants will review the historical evolution of blood flow technologies, examine safety and pressure control implications across device categories.  A hands on device comparison allows participants to directly handle and evaluate pneumatic, automated and elastic BFR/BFM systems analyzing the practical pros and cons for each clinical selection and patient care application. Drawing on contemporary research and real world implementation, the session extends beyond orthopedic rehabilitation to post-operative, neurologic and medically complex populations.  Evidence based screening, dosing and monitoring principles will be emphasized throughout. 

OBJECTIVES:

Describe the historical development of blood flow restriction and the emergence of modern blood flow modulation technologies.

Explain key physiological mechanisms underlying blood flow modulation, including venous pooling, metabolic stress, endothelial signaling, and autonomic–neuroimmune interactions.

Differentiate between major BFR/BFM device types and discuss implications for safety and clinical application.

Identify appropriate clinical and performance populations for blood flow modulation beyond traditional orthopedic rehabilitation.

Apply evidence‑based screening and safety principles to guide clinical decision‑making with BFR/BFM.

SPEAKERS:

Jennifer A. Bent, PT, MPT, OCS, CMTPT, FAAOMPT

 Physical Therapist, Duke University Health System

 Board‑Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist and Fellow of the AAOMPT. Jennifer has extensive experience in orthopedic, post‑operative, and complex musculoskeletal rehabilitation, with national and state‑level speaking experience focused on clinical reasoning, physiology, and contemporary rehabilitation models.

Susie Lachowski‑Glass, PhD, CSCS

 Owner, Glass Training and Education (GTE)

 Executive Director & Associate Professor, Division of Health and Human Performance

 Core Faculty, Division of Physical Therapy

 American International CollegeDr. Susie Lachowski-Glass is a distinguished exercise physiologist and educator, currently serving as the Executive Director and Associate Professor in the Division of Health and Human Performance at American International College. She holds core faculty status in the Division of Physical Therapy and is widely recognized for her expertise in the KAATSU & Blood Flow Restriction (BFRT) Training modalities.

Dr. Lachowski-Glass is an educational and practitioner leader in the rapidly evolving field of KAATSU & BFR Training, working to shape current best practices, standards and applications. Through Glass Training and Education, she provides comprehensive CEU courses designed to help clinicians and performance professionals safely and effectively implement these techniques in practice as well as trains the athletic and general populations in the applying the modalities safely and effectively to improve performance and quality of life.

DESCRIPTION:

Pelvic floor dysfunction is one of the most common—yet least addressed—contributors to functional decline in older adults. Urinary urgency, incontinence, and bowel dysfunction are not just quality-of-life issues; they are directly linked to falls risk, decreased mobility, and loss of independence. Despite this, many physical therapists do not routinely screen for or address pelvic health concerns in geriatric care.

This engaging and practical session will equip clinicians with the tools to confidently integrate pelvic health into everyday practice. Attendees will learn how to identify key symptoms, incorporate simple screening strategies, and apply functional, evidence-based interventions. Through real-world case studies and actionable takeaways, participants will leave prepared to immediately impact patient safety, function, and quality of life.

Case studies will be shared and discussed. 

OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this educational session, participants will be able to:

1.        Identify common pelvic floor dysfunctions in the geriatric population and their functional implications 

2.        Integrate pelvic health screening into standard geriatric PT evaluations 

3.        Apply basic pelvic floor interventions within scope of practice 

4.        Recognize when referral to a pelvic health specialist is indicated

SPEAKERS:

Alison Starkey, PT trained at Kings College London, graduated in 1988, and shortly thereafter moved to Canada where she worked for 2 years. She was recruited to Massachusetts General Hospital where she worked in acute care and ICU. Alison soon joined Carolinas Healthcare system (Atrium Health) where she worked in a variety of capacities for over 25 years. She successfully completed an MBA and MHA in 2001 and started her own company Gaitway of Charlotte in 2012. Alison built “Gaitway” from the ground up and now runs a highly successful private in-home concierge therapy company serving the greater Charlotte area. Her passion continues to be keeping seniors out of nursing homes and in the community. 

Alison is an experienced speaker and recently spoke at the APTA CSM in 2024 and 2025, NC APTA as well as the AOTA conference in 2025. Alison also spoke at the California APTA in 2025. Alison has published several articles in “All About Seniors” magazine to include “Fall prevention”, “Rehab in the age of Covid” and “Long Covid – what is it and how is it treated.” She lives in South Charlotte with her British husband and 3 adult children.

Dr. Ana Yesmin Karim, PT, DPT  is the founder of Queen City Pelvic PT, a pelvic floor physical therapy practice in Charlotte, NC dedicated to compassionate, evidence-based, and affirming care. She also works with Gaitway of Charlotte providing in-home pelvic physical therapy care.  With 30 years of clinical experience, Ana specializes in pelvic pain, sexual health, postpartum recovery, bladder and bowel dysfunction, menopause, and  pelvic post-surgical rehabilitation.

A graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill and Winston-Salem State University’s DPT program, Ana brings a rare combination of clinical expertise, pastoral training, and yoga therapy to her work. Her background in ministry and ethics allows her to create a therapeutic space grounded in trust, dignity, and whole-person healing. As a Professional Yoga Therapist, she integrates breathwork, mindfulness, and nervous-system regulation into personalized treatment plans. 

Ana is committed to trauma-informed, inclusive pelvic health care for all people. Each session focuses on empowerment, education, and restoring confidence in movement, intimacy, and daily life.

As co-founder of the Greater Charlotte Pelvic Collaboration and the Charlotte Pelvic Health Initiative, Ana is a leader in community education and expanding access to pelvic floor therapy. She presents locally and nationally on pelvic health, sexual function, and gender-affirming care.

DESCRIPTION:

This session will demonstrate that a shift from a consultative mindset to an emphasis on high quality rehabilitation has the potential to improve outcomes for all stake holders that are involved in patient care in the hospital​ to include patients, clinicians, and administrative staff.

OBJECTIVES:

Will be provided with strategies to improve rehabilitation services​ in the acute care setting

Develop an appreciation for acute care as an important rehabilitation setting​

SPEAKER:

Ricki Christopherson PT, DPT, NCS. I have worked at Duke University Hospital for 11.5 years. I piloted the first neuro residency, passed my board for my NCS, and completed the Emory Vestibular Course in 2018. I currently work on ortho/trauma, vascular surgery, and abdominal transplant units, but spent my first 3 years as a hospital wide float.

DESCRIPTION:

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy is one of the most rapidly adopted non-invasive regenerative modalities in musculoskeletal care. As clinical adoption accelerates, there is growing demand among physical therapists for deeper education in its biological mechanisms, clinical protocols, and evidence base. Meeting this demand is essential for the profession to confidently integrate shockwave therapy within its scope of practice.

This session delivers a clinically grounded, evidence-based education on shockwave therapy for physical therapists. Participants will examine the mechanotransduction science behind focused and radial shockwave, review the current evidence across common MSK conditions, and learn structured clinical reasoning for patient selection and treatment sequencing.

Attendees will leave with the biological knowledge and clinical confidence to evaluate shockwave therapy as a meaningful addition to their practice and to apply it within a tissue biology-informed framework.

OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this educational session, participants will be able to:

1.  Define extracorporeal shockwave therapy, including the distinction between focused and radial pressure wave technologies, their physical properties, and their respective tissue penetration profiles.

2.  Explain the mechanotransduction pathways through which shockwave therapy stimulates angiogenesis, collagen remodeling, and pain modulation at the cellular level.

3.  Evaluate the current evidence base for shockwave therapy across common musculoskeletal conditions, including plantar fasciitis, calcific tendinopathy, lateral epicondylitis, and chronic tendinopathies.

4.  Apply a structured clinical reasoning framework to determine appropriate patient selection, treatment parameters, and sequencing for shockwave therapy within a plan of care.

5.  Identify the scope of practice, regulatory, and clinical training considerations that support physical therapist-led integration of shockwave therapy into musculoskeletal practice.

SPEAKERS:

Siva Parnam, PT, DPT, MBA

Dr. Parnam is the founder of Shiva Physical Therapy and the Shiva Physical Therapy Franchise. No financial relationships with shockwave device manufacturers or pharmaceutical companies relevant to this content. This session is educational in nature and does not promote any proprietary product, device, service, or franchise opportunity

DESCRIPTION:

This educational session is a joint mobilization course specifically designed for Physical Therapist Assistants. As PTAs play a critical role in implementing treatment plans, there is a growing need for advanced, hands-on training to enhance their clinical skill set within their appropriate scope of practice. Joint mobilization techniques, when properly applied, can significantly improve patient outcomes in musculoskeletal care, yet many PTAs have had limited formal training in this area since the recent changes announced by the NC Board of PT Examiners (NCBPTE)

This course will provide evidence-based instruction, practical demonstrations, and supervised lab practice to build competency and confidence. Emphasis will be placed on clinical reasoning, safety, and collaboration with supervising physical therapists. By expanding PTA proficiency in joint mobilization, this session aims to elevate the quality of care, improve patient satisfaction, and support the evolving demands of rehabilitation practice across North Carolina.

OBJECTIVES:

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Identify appropriate indications, precautions, and contraindications for joint mobilization techniques within the PTA scope of practice.

2. Demonstrate foundational joint mobilization techniques for common peripheral joints using proper body mechanics and patient positioning.

3. Apply clinical reasoning to select safe and effective interventions based on patient presentation and the physical therapist’s plan of care.

4. Perform joint mobilization techniques during hands-on laboratory practice with guided instructor feedback.

5. Communicate patient response, safety considerations, and progression of care to the supervising physical therapist.

6. Complete an optional competency-based skills check-off to assess proficiency and reinforce safe application of joint mobilization techniques in clinical practice.

7. Differentiate regulatory requirements and public protection responsibilities for joint mobilization as outlined by the North Carolina Board of Physical Therapy Examiners.

SPEAKERS:

Jason Harloff, PT, MSPT, AT-Ret is a seasoned physical therapist, educator, and professional leader with nearly three decades of experience in clinical practice, higher education, and professional advocacy. He currently serves as the Clinical Education Coordinator in the Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Central Carolina Community College, where he teaches across the PTA curriculum including functional anatomy, pathophysiology, therapeutic exercise, and clinical education.

Jason earned his Master of Science in Physical Therapy from D’Youville College and his Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from University of Delaware. He is a licensed physical therapist in North Carolina and holds certification in dry needling.

In addition to his academic role, Jason practices as a PRN Physical Therapist at UNC Health in both their outpatient department and Chatham Hospital. He previously owned and operated Sports & More Physical Therapy for nearly two decades and held leadership roles, including Regional Director and Center Coordinator of Clinical Education. His clinical expertise spans orthopedics, aquatic therapy, manual therapy, pelvic health, neuromuscular re-education, and private practice management.

Jason has been deeply involved in professional advocacy through the American Physical Therapy Association and APTA North Carolina, where he has served as Chief Delegate, Delegate, Legislative Committee Member, and Director of Payer Relations. He is a frequent presenter at state and regional conferences, speaking on topics such as orthopedic physical therapy, telehealth integration, billing and reimbursement, professional governance, and clinical excellence across the lifespan.

A dedicated educator and mentor, Jason has served as adjunct faculty for both Campbell University and UNC Chapel Hill physical therapy programs, delivering lectures on aquatic therapy, coding and reimbursement, Medicare guidelines, legislative advocacy, documentation, and professional leadership. He has also developed and implemented innovative mock House of Delegates experiences to prepare students for professional engagement.

His contributions to the profession have been recognized with numerous honors, including Outstanding Physical Therapist (2023) by APTA North Carolina and Faculty of the Year for Health Sciences and Professional Services (2025) at Central Carolina Community College.

Jason is passionate about developing future clinicians, advancing professional advocacy, and equipping physical therapists and PTAs to deliver high-quality, evidence-informed, and patient-centered care across practice settings.

Tiffany M. Needham, MS, PTA, CEAS III:

Tiffany Needham is the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Department Chair at Central Carolina Community College in Pittsboro, North Carolina, where she leads program development, curriculum oversight, faculty mentorship, and student success initiatives. A licensed Physical Therapist Assistant in North Carolina (A2675), Tiffany brings more than 25 years of diverse clinical, academic, and leadership experience to her work in physical therapy education and regulation.

Tiffany earned a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sport Science/Sports Medicine from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, followed by an Associate in Applied Science as a Physical Therapist Assistant from Guilford Technical Community College. She holds a Master of Science in Leadership from South University and a Graduate Certificate in Teaching Training and Educational Technology from North Carolina State University, reflecting her strong commitment to instructional excellence and innovation in higher education.

Prior to her current role, Tiffany served as Director of Clinical Education at South University, Rehabilitation Director for multiple healthcare organizations, and adjunct faculty at Guilford Technical Community College and Elon University. She continues to practice clinically as a PRN PTA, maintaining an active connection to patient care. Her areas of expertise include therapeutic exercise, integumentary rehabilitation, ergonomics (Certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialist Level III), clinical education, and PTA professional development.

Tiffany is deeply engaged in professional leadership and public protection. She currently serves as a Board Member and Public Protection Task Force Chair for the North Carolina Board of Physical Therapy Examiners and as the North Carolina Delegate to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. She is also an active leader within the American Physical Therapy Association and APTA North Carolina, currently serving as Director of PTAs and PTA Council Representative. Her longstanding service includes executive committee leadership, caucus representation, and committee chair roles focused on advancing the PTA profession.

A recipient of the 2024 Leading with Heart Faculty Award at Central Carolina Community College and the 2023 Outstanding Physical Therapist Assistant Award from APTA North Carolina, Tiffany is recognized for her servant leadership, advocacy, and dedication to student and professional excellence. She is passionate about fostering inclusive learning environments, strengthening regulatory integrity, and preparing the next generation of PTAs to deliver safe, ethical, and evidence-based care.

Tiffany’s work reflects her core mission: leading with heart while elevating standards in education, practice, and public protection.

DESCRIPTION:

This presentation addresses burnout as a cumulative stress response marked by emotional exhaustion, de-personalization, and reduced personal accomplishment. It also explains compassion fatigue, which can arise from prolonged exposure to others’ suffering. This phenomenon can be experienced by physical therapy students, clinicians, and educators. We need to recognize that burnout is not an individual problem—it is shaped by personal, interpersonal, and organizational factors. Practical strategies will be offered for prevention and management of burnout, including building resilience, strengthening social support, and staying mindful of personal values and boundaries. System-level solutions will also be offered to address “pain points” at work. Overall, both self-care and organizational change are necessary to prevent burnout and support well-being

OBJECTIVES:

1.        Explain the components of burnout and how it differs from compassion fatigue

2.        Discuss the potential effects of burnout

3.        Describe actions that can prevent and manage burnout at the individual and systems levels

SPEAKER:

Anne Mejia-Downs PT, MPH, PhD

Dr. Mejia-Downs is Professor for the hybrid DPT Program at the College of Saint Mary. She has been a faculty member in various capacities for more than 35 years, teaching courses in cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy, health promotion and wellbeing, psychosocial aspects of health, pathophysiology, and service learning. Dr. Mejia-Downs received a BS in PT from the University of Colorado, an MPH in Health Behavior from the University of North Carolina, and a PhD in Health Promotion and Wellness from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. She has published multiple peer-reviewed manuscripts and book chapters and delivered numerous national presentations. Her areas of scholarship include health promotion and wellbeing, psychological resilience, service learning, cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions, and scholarship of teaching and learning. She provides Spanish translation for physical therapy students in a pro bono community clinic.

DESCRIPTION:

Dizziness is one of the most common—and often oversimplified—presenting complaints in physical therapy. While many clinicians are comfortable identifying and treating peripheral vestibular disorders, patients frequently present with symptoms that extend beyond balance and vertigo, including cognitive changes, auditory complaints, sleep disturbances, and more. This session will challenge clinicians to move beyond a “dizziness-only” lens and adopt a multi-system approach to vestibular examination and management. Through case-based discussion and practical clinical frameworks, participants will learn how to recognize non-traditional vestibular impairments, refine differential diagnosis, and integrate broader management strategies into practice. Attendees will leave with immediately applicable tools to elevate clinical reasoning and more effectively treat the complex, real-world vestibular patient.

OBJECTIVES:

Perform key components of the bedside examination of the dizzy patient, including current applications of the HIT, HINTS, and related screening measures.

Differentiate vestibular contributions to dizziness from auditory, visual, cervicogenic, and central causes.

Identify oculomotor impairments and their relevance to vestibular examination and clinical decision-making.

Recognize the impact of cognition, sleep, aging, and psychological comorbidities on vestibular dysfunction.

Distinguish clinical features of complex vestibular-related diagnoses, including vestibular migraine, PPPD, and concussion.

Apply a multisystem framework to guide examination and management of patients with complex dizziness presentations

SPEAKER:

Dr. Jill Nappi-Kaehler, PT, DPT, DHSc, is a board-certified clinical specialist in neurologic physical therapy and an Associate Professor of Physical Therapy at Wingate University. She has extensive clinical experience in acute care settings, having practiced in hospitals ranging from rural community facilities to Level I trauma centers. Dr. Nappi-Kaehler’s clinical and scholarly interests center on vestibular rehabilitation, functional neurological disorder, and the translation of evidence-based practice into real-world clinical and community environments. She has presented at the local, state, and national level on a variety of neurorehabilitation topics, including vestibular management. She has completed multiple continuing education courses and earned several vestibular-specific certifications to advance her clinical expertise, most recently completing the Advanced Vestibular Physical Therapist Certification (AVPT) through the University of Pittsburgh in April 2026. Dr. Nappi-Kaehler is also engaged in professional service, including selection to serve on the Nominating Committee for the Vestibular Special Interest Group within the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy. She is passionate about equipping clinicians and students with practical, evidence-informed strategies to improve outcomes for individuals with neurologic and vestibular disorders.

DESCRIPTION:

Recent evidence suggests that the lateral tibial slope is steeper in the female athlete contributing to increase tibial translation due to axial compression during change of directions tasks. In addition, the neuromuscular anatomy of the quadriceps differs significantly from their male counterparts in regard to fiber type, distribution and size, making the female athlete more suspectable to fatigue and decreased neuromuscular control the of the knee during rapid deceleration and cutting maneuvers.  The combination of anatomical and neuromuscular factors unique to the female athlete may increase their risk of NC-ACL injuries.  In addition, it also explains in part why some ACL injury prevention programs are more effective than others.  

OBJECTIVES:

•        Understand the unique anatomical and neuromuscular aspects of the female anatomy and how they may contribute to NC-ACL injuries.

•        Understand how the quadriceps muscles function as ACL agonists and counter axial compression forces at the knee during deceleration and change of direction maneuvers.

•        Recognize and address deficits in movement patterns of the female athlete based off of the mechanism of injury as described.     

•        Implement functional exercises based on the mechanism of injury.

•        Develop more effective prevention strategies based on this mechanism of injury.

SPEAKER:

Phil Caraher PT, DPT, MS, OCS, CSCS has been a PT for 25 years is currently an orthopedic Physical Therapist in Chapel Hill and was previously with Duke Sports Medicine at the Center for Living.  He has presented at the NCAPTA conference on subjects related to non-contact ACL injuries.  He graduated from New York University with his Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2001. Prior to starting at NYU, he earned my MS in Biomechanics from Penn State University where he had the privilege of studying under Bill Kraemer PhD and Vladmir Zatsiorski, PhD.  He was a guest lecturer at the University of North Carolina Exercise Science Department for 4 years where he taught classes in muscle physiology, strength and conditioning program design/periodization and the Olympic lifts.  As an athlete at Penn State, he was 4 time All American in Track and Field and runner-up at the NCAA championships and competed at the 1992 Olympic Trials.  He has over 40 years of strength and conditioning experience and his coaching experience includes coaching sports performance and weightlifting.  He is a member of the APTA and the NSCA.

DESCRIPTION:

Fear of movement and fear-avoidant behavior are common barriers to successful rehabilitation across orthopedic, sports, and chronic pain populations. Even when tissue healing is progressing appropriately, patients may limit participation due to fear of pain, reinjury, or lack of confidence. Left unaddressed, these patterns can contribute to stalled progress, persistent disability, and reduced quality of life.

Physical therapists are uniquely positioned to recognize and address these barriers, yet many clinicians report limited formal training in psychologically informed strategies. This session will explore how integrating psychologically informed practice into routine care can enhance patient engagement and outcomes. Attendees will review practical screening approaches, differentiate fear-based constructs, and apply evidence-based strategies through case-based discussion. Participants will leave with tools to confidently address fear-related barriers and promote functional recovery.

OBJECTIVES:

1. Differentiate kinesiophobia from related psychological constructs, including pain catastrophizing, general anxiety, depression, and low self-efficacy.

2. Identify clinical indicators of fear-avoidant behavior during patient evaluation and follow-up encounters.

3. Select appropriate screening tools to assess kinesiophobia in orthopedic and sports rehabilitation populations.

4. Apply psychologically informed intervention strategies, including pain neuroscience education and graded exposure, to address fear-related barriers to movement.

5. Integrate communication strategies, such as motivational interviewing and goal setting, to enhance patient engagement and adherence.

SPEAKER:

Joel Robert Thompson, PT, DPT, MA, CLT, CPhT is a physical therapist and PhD candidate in the Human Movement Sciences Curriculum at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His research focuses on integrating rehabilitation into routine rheumatology care, with particular emphasis on axial spondyloarthritis, self-efficacy, self-management, and disease flare monitoring. He works within UNC’s Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Lab, where he studies access to rehabilitation and patient-centered models of care in inflammatory arthritis. Dr. Thompson received the 2025 American College of Rheumatology Emerging Investigator Award in Health Services Research. He has presented nationally at the American College of Rheumatology, SPARTAN, and APTA Combined Sections Meeting. He is an active member of APTA, ACR/Association of Rheumatology Professionals, and SPARTAN, serves as Capital Region Assistant Director for APTA North Carolina, is a member of the APTA Public Policy & Advocacy Committee, and was selected as an APTA Association Leadership Scholar.

DESCRIPTION:

Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) therapy is evolving beyond traditional low-load, fixed-pressure protocols in post-surgical rehabilitation. Recent 2024 evidence demonstrates that BFR improves strength and functional recovery after ACL reconstruction and tendon repair, often outperforming standard care in early phases (Hughes et al., 2024; Centner et al., 2024). However, emerging approaches challenge convention: individualized limb occlusion pressures and autoregulated systems improve stimulus accuracy and outcomes (Rolnick et al., 2024), while prehabilitation BFR before procedures like total knee arthroplasty enhances postoperative function (Tennent et al., 2024). Novel strategies—including intermittent/post-exercise BFR and variable cuff designs—show accelerated recovery and reduced soreness, suggesting benefits beyond strengthening alone (Patterson et al., 2024). These findings support a paradigm shift from rigid protocols toward personalized, phase-specific BFR integration. Reframing BFR as a flexible, multimodal intervention may optimize surgical rehabilitation outcomes and expand its clinical impact.

OBJECTIVES:

1. Identify the magnitude and timeline of lean muscle atrophy following ACL reconstruction and total knee arthroplasty using current systematic review evidence.

2. Distinguish the physiological mechanism by which low-load blood flow restriction training produces hypertrophic and strength adaptations in load-compromised surgical populations.

3. Apply a criteria-based BFR dosing decision framework to select between single-set-to-failure and traditional multi-set protocols based on patient phase and tolerance.

4. Design a population-specific BFR program for a patient in the acute postoperative phase following either ACL reconstruction or total joint arthroplasty.

5. Evaluate current evidence gaps in BFR dosing, including limb occlusion pressure standardization, age-specific protocols, and upper extremity application.

SPEAKERS:

Jason Mayerhofer, PT, DPT brings over 15 years of experience in sports and orthopedic physical therapy. He earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Temple University and holds a Master of Science in Physical Therapy from Clarkson University. His advanced certifications include Sports Therapy and Manual Therapy through the University of St. Augustine, along with Dry Needling, Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS).

Jason spent the majority of his career at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City, where he held several leadership positions. His roles included serving on the Rehab & Performance Leadership Council, Director of Corporate Onsite Relationships and Clinical Care, and Senior Director within a major rehabilitation partnership. He also co-developed and managed an ABPTRFE-accredited Orthopedic Residency program. In addition, he served as Co-Chair of a Direct Access Committee and lead therapist for a concussion program.

Beyond his clinical leadership, Jason has an extensive background in volunteer service. He has worked with U.S. Army Pararescue Jumpers, professional dancers at Jacob’s Pillow, and runners in New York Road Runners events. Internationally, he served as a physiotherapist at FOCOS Hospital in Ghana and has supported elite athletes across multiple high-level sporting events.

John DeLucchi, PT, DPT, SCS has over a decade of experience in sports and orthopedic physical therapy. He completed his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Springfield College and an MBA from East Carolina University. His clinical background includes high-performance rehabilitation at EXOS supporting SOCOM units at Fort Bragg, sports medicine program development, and adjunct faculty experience in a DPT program. He has held leadership roles spanning clinic management at OrthoCarolina/PT Solutions and Regional Vice President overseeing 14 outpatient clinics. Additional certifications include SCS, CSCS, Dry Needling, Cognitive Behaviorally Informed Practice, and Pain Science. His clinical interests include, load management, return-to-sport programming, and evidence-based practice integration across orthopedic and sports populations.

DESCRIPTION:

Outpatient physical therapists are uniquely positioned to influence recovery beyond the clinic. This session explores how functional nutrition can enhance healing, improve patient outcomes, and support long-term performance. Attendees will learn practical, evidence-informed strategies to integrate nutrition into everyday care without overstepping scope of practice. From addressing inflammation and energy deficits to supporting tissue repair, this talk connects the dots between what patients eat and how they move. Walk away with simple tools, conversation frameworks, and clinical insights to elevate your treatment approach and help patients recover faster, move better, and stay healthier.

OBJECTIVES:

-Identify the role of functional nutrition in supporting tissue healing, recovery, and overall rehabilitation outcomes in outpatient physical therapy.

-Describe key nutrition-related factors (e.g., inflammation, energy availability, protein intake) that influence patient progress and performance.

-Differentiate between appropriate nutrition guidance within the PT scope of practice and when to refer to a registered dietitian.

-Apply practical, evidence-informed strategies to incorporate nutrition conversations into routine patient care.

SPEAKER:

Angela Ebert, PT, DPT, MS, Cert. MDT, CMTPT, CSCS; Orthopedic Clinical Specialist is a licensed Physical Therapist and Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy at High Point University®.  She earned her B.S. in Health Sciences and Masters of Science in Physical Therapy from College Misericordia (now Misericordia University) in 2004.  She earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Shenandoah University in 2012.  She is also employed as a Lead Physical Therapist at Emerge Ortho.

Dr. Ebert is a Board-Certified Orthopedic Specialist and is Certified in Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment.  She is also Certified in Dry Needling through Myopain Seminars, and in Personalized Blood Flow Restriction through Owens Recovery Science.  She is a Level Two APTA Clinical Instructor and has been a CI and SCCE for many students throughout her career.  She enjoys mentoring students and helping them turn didactic knowledge into relevant clinical decision making.  The majority of Dr. Ebert’s clinical practice has been in Outpatient Orthopedic settings.   Dr. Ebert is an active member of the APTA and serves a member of the NC APTA Student Scholarship Committee.  She is also a ABPTS member of the Specialization Academy of Content Experts as an item writer for the Orthopedics Specialty area

DESCRIPTION:

This educational session will introduce foundational concepts of vestibular function and dysfunction, with an emphasis on practical application for both physical therapists and physical therapist assistants. Participants will review key components of the vestibular system, common clinical presentations, and red flags requiring referral. The session will highlight efficient, clinically relevant outcome measures to guide evaluation and track progress. A strong focus will be placed on translating theory into practice, including step-by-step approaches to screening, examination, and treatment interventions such as gaze stabilization, habituation, and balance training. Attendees will leave with practical strategies and increased confidence to incorporate vestibular assessment and treatment into everyday clinical care. 

OBJECTIVES:

Differentiate between visual, somatosensory, and vestibular contributions to postural instability by interpreting patient performance across the seven conditions of the Gans Sensory Organization Test (SOT). 

Administer and score the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) to quantify the functional impact of vestibular symptoms and identify the specific domain (Physical, Functional, or Emotional) most affected by the impairment. 

Execute and progress Gaze Stabilization (VOR x1) or Habituation exercises by modifying three environmental or task variables (e.g., foot position, target distance, or head velocity) based on patient symptomatic response. 

Appraise clinical findings and "Red Flag" indicators to determine when a patient requires an outside referral (e.g., ENT or Neurology) versus when they are appropriate for a traditional vestibular rehabilitation program. 

SPEAKERS:

Katherine Piscatelli, PT, ATC began her career as an athletic trainer in 2007, working with Gaston County Schools and the Gaston Grizzlies summer baseball team, and continues to maintain her athletic training certification. She earned her Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from Western Carolina University in 2011 and spent nearly five years in a hospital-based outpatient setting before transitioning to an orthopedic physician-owned practice, where she practiced for an additional six years. In 2022, she assumed the role of Clinic Director at an outpatient physical therapy clinic in York, South Carolina. Katie is currently pursuing her transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (tDPT) degree through Winston-Salem State University, with anticipated completion in August 2026. 

She remains actively involved in education, serving as a clinical instructor for physical therapist assistant students, guest lecturing with Central Piedmont Community College’s PTA program, and working with York Comprehensive High School’s Sports Medicine program. Her clinical interests include orthopedics and vestibular rehabilitation, and she holds certifications in dry needling, blood flow restriction therapy, and vestibular and concussion rehabilitation.

Melinda Benner, PTA is a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant with over a decade of hands-on experience across home health, outpatient, and rehabilitation settings. She holds an Associate Degree from Martin Community College as a Physical Therapist Assistant and a Bachelor of Science from East Carolina University in Recreational Therapy, complemented by strong academic performance.

Throughout her career, she has developed expertise in delivering patient-centered therapy services for diverse populations including geriatric, orthopedic, neurological, and post-surgical patients with extensive experience working in home health environments, outpatient clinics, improving quality of life, and collaborating closely with interdisciplinary care teams.

In addition to her clinical skills, she bring valuable experience in communication, documentation systems, and care coordination, along with exposure to marketing and relationship-building through community outreach and collaboration with healthcare providers as a Marketing Liaison.

DESCRIPTION:

Individuals with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) frequently report symptom exacerbation during or after exercise, even when programs are appropriately dosed. Traditional treatment approaches may inadvertently increase autonomic stress, pain, or fatigue, leaving clinicians uncertain how to progress care without triggering symptom flares. 

This 90‑minute interactive session emphasizes physical therapy clinical reasoning when exercise worsens symptoms in patients with POTS and hypermobility. Participants will learn to recognize autonomic-driven exercise intolerance, understand how joint instability increases energy expenditure, and modify positioning, load, and volume to support tolerance. Rather than rigid protocols, adaptable principles will guide day‑to‑day decision‑making across practice settings. 

Key topics include autonomic regulation, positional progression, heart rate and symptom monitoring, and prioritizing stability and strength. Interactive polling, discussion, and case-based learning will allow PTs and PTAs to apply strategies that promote safe, sustainable progress while minimizing post-treatment symptom exacerbation. 

OBJECTIVES:

Design a graded exercise progression for patients with EDS and/or POTS that minimizes symptom exacerbation.

Identify when hypermobility or POTS symptoms require modification of standard strengthening programs. 

Identify clinical signs of autonomic-related exercise intolerance in individuals with POTS and hypermobility when symptoms worsen during or after therapy. 

Apply a clinical reasoning framework to adjust exercise position, volume, and load for patients with POTS and joint hypermobility. 

SPEAKER:

Heidi Kempert is a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant with 16 years of experience in pediatric intervention, physical therapy research, chronic pain management, and interdisciplinary specialty care. More recently, she joined a pediatric weight-management clinic as part of the physical therapy team, providing land and aquatic treatment to clients to promote physical activity and safe progressions of exercise.  In past roles, she has contributed to 18+ peer-reviewed publications and local/national level symposiums, focusing on pediatric chronic pain, developmental coordination disorders, functional movement disorders, and development of rehab outcome measures. She completed the Pediatric Advanced Proficiency Program through the APTA in 2024 and co-wrote the Fact Sheet for Pediatric Chronic Pain through the Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy. She is committed to evidence-based practice and collaborative care to improve functional outcomes for children. 

DESCRIPTION:

This session highlights the practical use of neurodynamic assessment and treatment in athletes. Neurodynamic and musculoskeletal impairments are often interdependent, each capable of driving the other, yet they are rarely assessed or treated in an integrated manner. This session will present a clinically applicable framework for identifying when neurodynamic factors contribute to common athletic presentations, including persistent “mobility” deficits, recurrent soft tissue injuries, and unexplained performance limitations. Attendees will learn how to incorporate neurodynamic testing into their existing workflow and apply targeted interventions that complement musculoskeletal treatment. Attendees will learn manual, HEP style, and mechanically loaded prescription of neurodynamic intervention. Through real-world case examples and on-field use cases, this session emphasizes immediate clinical translation, equipping clinicians to make more precise decisions and improve athlete outcomes.

OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this educational session, participants will be able to:

1.        Differentiate neurodynamic contributions from primary musculoskeletal impairments in common athletic presentations. 

2.        Perform key neurodynamic assessment techniques relevant to lower and upper extremity conditions in athletes. 

3.        Identify clinical scenarios in which neurodynamic dysfunction contributes to persistent mobility deficits, pain, or performance limitations. 

4.        Apply targeted neurodynamic interventions that complement musculoskeletal treatment in athletic populations, from manual application to mechanically loaded and the progression of the intervention

5.        Integrate neurodynamic assessment and treatment into a performance-based clinical decision-making framework.

SPEAKERS:

Tommy Wyatt, PT, DPT, PhD is an Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy at High Point University, as well as the Director of Rehabilitation for HPU Athletics. He completed his DPT at South College, a Sports Residency at Atrium Health, and a PhD at Faulkner University. His research fuses sports and primary care physical therapy, focusing on MSK health in the athletic population. He owns a hybrid sports physical therapy practice in Charlotte NC and serves as the personal physical therapist and sports scientist for over 300 professional and D1 athletes. He is originally from New Jersey, played Division 1 football at Rutgers University, and is a Veteran of the Army National Guard. 

Nathan Savage, PT, DPT, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at High Point University. He is co-director of the Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy course series and Director of the T.E.A.M.S. clinic. He is a Board-Certified Orthopaedic Specialist and Board-Certified Clinical Electrophysiologic Specialist through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties and Registered in Musculoskeletal® sonography (RMSK®) through the Alliance for Physician Certification & Advancement.

Dr. Savage’s clinical and research focus is on advancing primary care physical therapist practice through integrating point-of-care diagnostic technologies, particularly ultrasound imaging and electrodiagnostic testing. He has several peer-reviewed publications, including in the Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy, Medical Science Educator, and Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy. He is deeply committed to student mentorship and interdisciplinary collaboration, regularly engaging learners in scholarly activity leading to conference presentations and publications.

Dr. Savage serves the physical therapy profession as a member of the Specialty Panel on Clinical Electrophysiologic Physical Therapy and Vice Chair of the Neuromusculoskeletal Ultrasonography Special Interest Group. Dr. Savage is passionate about preparing clinicians to practice as autonomous, first-contact, primary care providers utilizing contemporary evidence-based, technology-enhanced clinical reasoning approaches.

DESCRIPTION:

Pediatric bowel and bladder dysfunction is often dismissed as behavioral, despite strong evidence supporting the influence of neuromuscular, sensory, developmental, and pressure management systems. Many physical therapists feel underprepared to assess these conditions, leading to missed opportunities for early intervention and improved quality of life for children and families. This session will provide an integrated, evidence-informed framework for pediatric pelvic health that moves beyond isolated pelvic floor strengthening. Attendees will explore how primitive reflex retention, core strength, hypermobility, interoception, and pressure management influence bowel and bladder function and learn how to apply familiar orthopedic and pediatric principles to these often-overlooked conditions. Participants will leave with practical strategies to improve screening, treatment planning, and referral decisions.

OBJECTIVES:

·  Identify key components of normal pediatric bowel and bladder development and common dysfunctions

·  Describe the roles of primitive reflex retention, core strength, respiratory development, hypermobility, and interoception in bowel and bladder function

·  Recognize contributing factors that may influence pediatric bowel and bladder dysfunction during clinical screening

·  List treatment strategies and referral considerations for pediatric pelvic health cases

SPEAKER:

Darlene Ryan, PT is a pelvic floor physical therapist and the founder of Fundamental Physical Therapy in Huntersville, North Carolina. Originally from Western New York, her curiosity and passion for understanding how the body works led her into a career in physical therapy. After more than 20 years working within a large hospital system, she launched her own practice in 2019 to provide more personalized, one-on-one care. Today, Darlene is dedicated to helping women and children overcome pelvic health challenges and is continuing to grow her practice to serve more families in the Lake Norman community.

DESCRIPTION:

Challenging situations often arise when providing therapy for someone who is living with dementia or other forms of brain change. This session will provide learners with specific interaction skills and techniques, including approaching individuals safely and consistently, providing verbal support that reduces distress, and gaining awareness of the role that our responses and actions play in the reactions of people living with brain change. The session will be very interactive with the goal of providing knowledge and skills that will improve care interactions and outcomes.

OBJECTIVES:

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

1. Identify the important role that words and actions play in the behavior and responses of people living with dementia and other forms of brain change.

 2.  Demonstrate several verbal techniques that help to improve communication and reduce distress in therapy interaction.

3. Demonstrate several physical techniques that help to increase the probability of positive care interactions.

SPEAKER:

Teepa Snow is one of the world’s leading advocates and educators for anyone living with dementia or other forms of brain change. As an Occupational Therapist, Teepa has over forty years of rich and varied clinical and academic experience. Her philosophy is reflective of her education, work experience, medical research, and first-hand care experiences. Her user-friendly approaches provide guidance and leadership to national efforts to promote best practices in care. In 2006, Teepa’s founded her organization, Positive Approach to Care® (PAC™), which is now collaborating to improve care in over thirty countries worldwide by providing online and in-person services, training, and products to professionals, family members, the lay public, and people living with brain change. In 2022, Teepa founded Snow Approach Foundation, a nonprofit organization based in Hillsborough. The purpose of Snow Approach Foundation is to foster the development of a neurodiversity-inclusive community through access to information, services, and support.

DESCRIPTION:

This session will explore the impact of unconscious bias on career opportunities, professional development, and employee satisfaction through an interactive panel discussion.  Several panelists will share their personal and professional experiences navigating diversity challenges in the course of their career.  Participants in this session will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage in the conversation in a safe space, facilitating an environment where everyone belongs and creating a launching point for future conversations to be explored after the session ends. 

OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this educational session, participants will be able to: 

1. Define inclusion and understanding the differences between visible and invisible identities.

2. Define unconscious bias and its impact on professionals of various backgrounds. 

3. Identify strategies to create an inclusive work environment. 

4. Develop a general construct to start a courageous conversation in the workplace. 

MODERATOR:

Dr. Mike Bass, PT, DPT, CLT, M.A. is an oncologic physical therapist that currently serves as a physical therapist and certified lymphedema therapist with Levine Cancer Institute in Charlotte, NC. Dr. Bass is from Greensboro, NC and a two time Tar-Heel with a Bachelors in exercise and sport science, and a Masters in exercise physiology with a special interest in exercise oncology. He earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Winston-Salem State University where he served as class president and received several leadership awards from the physical therapy department and the school of health sciences as a whole. He was the first oncologic clinical physical therapy resident for Atrium health and aided in the accreditation process for the program. This helped to establish just the 9th accredited oncologic physical therapy residency in the country, and only the 2nd in the state of NC. He has experience in a wide array of populations from strength and conditioning with division 1 athletes to exercise programming and testing with metastatic cancer populations. His main passion is to help others in any way possible, and to create future opportunities for the minds of tomorrow.

DESCRIPTION:

Ultrasound imaging (USI) was approved for physical therapist practice in North Carolina in the Fall of 2025, creating new opportunities—and new questions—about how to responsibly integrate this technology into clinical care. This 90-minute educational session is designed for clinicians who are interested in using USI but are unsure where to start. The session will provide a structured, evidence-informed roadmap for learning and integrating USI into physical therapist practice, with emphasis on training pathways, competency development, scope-appropriate clinical applications, documentation strategies, and billing considerations. Foundational USI principles and basic scanning techniques will be introduced through high-quality, video-based demonstrations, including real-time image interpretation. Rather than focusing on technical mastery alone, this session emphasizes readiness and implementation, helping participants understand what steps are required, what competencies are expected, and how ultrasound imaging can be adopted thoughtfully, legally, and effectively to enhance clinical examination, reasoning, and patient care.

OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this educational session, participants will be able to:

1. Describe the role of neuromusculoskeletal ultrasound imaging within contemporary physical therapist clinical practice.

2. Identify foundational training pathways and competency expectations for integrating ultrasound imaging responsibly.

3. Recognize basic sonoanatomical features and scanning principles relevant to common neuromusculoskeletal structures and body regions.

4. Apply practical considerations for documentation, clinical integration, and billing when using ultrasound imaging to support examination and decision making.

SPEAKER:

Nathan J. Savage, PT, DPT, PhD, ECS, OCS, RMSK is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at High Point University. He is co-director of the Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy course series and Director of the T.E.A.M.S. clinic. He is a Board-Certified Orthopaedic Specialist and Board-Certified Clinical Electrophysiologic Specialist through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties and Registered in Musculoskeletal® sonography (RMSK®) through the Alliance for Physician Certification & Advancement.

Dr. Savage’s clinical and research focus is on advancing primary care physical therapist practice through integrating point-of-care diagnostic technologies, particularly ultrasound imaging and electrodiagnostic testing. He has several peer-reviewed publications, including in the Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy, Medical Science Educator, and Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy. He is deeply committed to student mentorship and interdisciplinary collaboration, regularly engaging learners in scholarly activity leading to conference presentations and publications.

Dr. Savage serves the physical therapy profession as a member of the Specialty Panel on Clinical Electrophysiologic Physical Therapy and Vice Chair of the Neuromusculoskeletal Ultrasonography Special Interest Group. Dr. Savage is passionate about preparing clinicians to practice as autonomous, first-contact, primary care providers utilizing contemporary evidence-based, technology-enhanced clinical reasoning approaches.