# 229 Assessing and Treating for Improved Function: Utilizing the NDT Approach
Course Summary:
This two-day seminar will focus on gaining functional outcomes for the adult with hemiparesis utilizing the Neuro-developmental Treatment Approach. Participants will understand the critical role of postural control and its impact on functional skills. Normal biomechanics of the upper extremity, causes of subluxation and management of shoulder pain will be presented. Participants will learn how to assess specific impairments and how to systematically challenge their patient for improved patterns of movement. Numerous treatment strategies will be presented for making positive changes in your patients by treating a multiple of underlying impairments. Throughout the seminar, lab sessions and audiovisuals will be used to integrate the material. Participants will have the opportunity to improve clinical problem solving skills and practice handling strategies to address impaired postural control, upper extremity movements, functional mobility, and functional limitations of their patients. Space is limited due to the lab format of the course and assuring enough attention to each participant.
Upon completion of this course, the participant will be able to:
· Discuss current scientific research supporting the Neuro-developmental Treatment approach.
· Describe the basic principles of NDT
· Identify prerequisites of normal movement and understand how they influence the ability to participate in functional activities, functional
reach, and mobility.
· Identify specific movement impairments of the UE and LE and design handling strategies to address these impairments.
· Identify common causes of shoulder pain and several handling strategies for the treatment of the hemiplegic shoulder.
· Explain what causes subluxation of the hemiplegic shoulder and how to manage it.
· Explain the importance of postural control and its role in functional tasks of UE and LE movement patterns.
· Explain how impairments in various systems of the body may cause functional limitation.
· Analyze functional activities and determine appropriate treatment strategies to address possible impairments.
· Describe several treatment strategies for progression and increased challenge for your adult clients.
Physical Therapists and Assistants, Occupational Therapists and Assistants.
