Course Description

This class is designed to update attendees on the latest evidence and clinical application of therapeutic neuroscience education for patients in pain. Current best evidence has shown that neuroscience educational strategies utilizing neurobiology and neurophysiology are able to reduce pain, increase function, reduce fear and catastrophization, improve movement and change cognitions and brain activation during pain experiences. Therapeutic neuroscience education changes patient beliefs regarding their pain, thus reducing the threat of pain.

This class will discuss the evolution of therapeutic neuroscience education, why neuroscience education is needed in patient care and, more importantly, the clinical application and implementation of therapeutic neuroscience education for patients with acute, sub-acute and chronic pain. Special features include various metaphors, images, examples and case studies explaining neuroscience to patients in pain. In addition the class will cover clinical issues such as compliance, pacing exercise and activity, incorporation of therapeutic neuroscience education with traditional movement based therapy, billing and insurance reimbursement concerns and delivering therapeutic neuroscience education in busy, time-constrained clinical environments. This class is a must for all professionals dealing with patients in pain.

Agenda

Target Audience

Physicians, nurses, physical therapists, and other healthcare professionals.

Learning Objectives

1. Discuss the latest evidence for therapeutic neuroscience education.
2. Demonstrate the clinical ability to apply therapeutic neuroscience education to clinical practice with the use of at least one metaphor shared in class.
3. List at least half of the output systems discussed in class and their response in a chronic pain patient.
4. List potential strategies to implement therapeutic neuroscience into clinic practice regarding time, staff, billing and traditional therapeutic treatments.
5. Design a treatment plan for a chronic pain patient based on output system dysfunctions with correct pain neurophysiological reasoning behind the treatment with information provided in the course.

Instructor

Adriaan Louw, PT, PhD, CSMT
CEO, International Spine & Pain Institute 

Dr. Louw, co-founder and CEO of ISPI, earned both an undergraduate as well as a master’s degree in research and spinal surgery rehabilitation from the University of Stellenbosch in Cape Town, South Africa. He is a guest lecturer/adjunct faculty at Rockhurst University, St. Ambrose University and the University of Las Vegas Nevada. In addition, he maintains a clinical practice and is co-owner of The Ortho Spine and Pain Clinic in Story City, Iowa. Adriaan has been teaching postgraduate, spinal manual therapy and pain science classes throughout the US and internationally for 15 years. He is a Certified Spinal Manual Therapist through ISPI. In addition, Adriaan has presented at numerous national and international manual therapy, pain science and medical conferences and has authored and co-authored articles, books and book chapters related to spinal disorders and pain science. Recently, Dr. Louw completed his Ph.D. which centers on therapeutic neuroscience education and spinal disorders.

Relevant to the content of this CME activity, Dr. Louw indicated he is a publisher and receives royalties from OPTP (fitness equipment manufacturer). 

Questions

International Spine and Pain Institute
PO Box 232
Story City, IA 50248
866-235-4289
info@ispinstitute.com