Date: Saturday, November 22nd, 2008
Check-In Time(s): 7:30am-4:30pm
Class Time(s): 8:00am-4:30pm
Location: Fairview Ridges Education Center, Room Willow B

Speaker(s):
Theresa A. Paulsen earned her Masters degree in Occupational Therapy from Colorado State University in 1994. She has worked at Hennepin County Medical Center since then where she has gained experience in the areas of adult acute, rehabilitation, and out patient care. She received her certification in Neuro-Developmental Treatment in 1996 and has focused her practice and continuing education on neurologic motor rehabilitation since that time. She is the director of the OT student program at HCMC and co-facilitates the NDT study group there. Theresa has presented at the University of Minnesota for the OT refresher course and has been a guest lecturer in the OT student program there. She has presented courses on upper extremity rehabilitation through MOTA and through individual health care facilities. Theresa has been a special session presenter at the MOTA State Conference. Theresa's focus has been to make the assessment and treatment of neurologic shoulder impairments less intimidating and more effective for therapists at all levels of experience working with patients at all levels of recovery.

Course Description:
This course will provide a foundation for assessment and treatment of shoulder dysfunction due to central nervous system damage. The emphasis of the course is motor dysfunction but sensory changes will be briefly addressed. The first half of the course will be lecture format starting with a brief review of shoulder anatomy. The anatomy review will focus on the information that is key to understanding and treating dysfunction of the hemiparetic shoulder. Next, assessment and treatment of key areas of dysfunction will be presented. These key areas include increases in muscle tone, soft tissue contractures, changes in trunk and shoulder alignment, shoulder subluxation, sensory changes, shoulder pain, and muscle weakness. The second portion of the course will be hands-on lab time where participants will have an opportunity to put into practice the assessment and treatment strategies presented. The content of this course is consistent current evidence-based practice information in this area.
*This course is eligible for AOTA and APTA Approved Provider credit. The assignment of AOTA or APTA CEU's does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products or clinical procedures by AOTA or APTA.*

Course Objectives:
In regard to treating people with hemiparetic shoulders, participants will:
1. Recognize the impact of changes in muscle tone and length on function
2. Recognize the impact of changes in alignment on function
3. Identify treatment goals and interventions for each stage of motor recovery
4. Demonstrate treatment activities appropriate for each stage of motor recovery

Course Agenda: