Welcome

Keynote Address - From Clinic to Case Study: Advancing Collaboration in Vestibular Care

Kirsten Radke, PT, DPT, Core Physical Therapy

1. Describe the role of interdisciplinary collaboration in improving outcomes for patients with vestibular impairments
2. Identify key subjective indicators that guide clinical reasoning and appropriate cross-disciplinary referral.
3. Apply interdisciplinary frameworks and case-based reasoning to guide evaluation and intervention across the spectrum of vestibular complexity.

Hands-On Approach to Peripheral Vestibular Exam and Treatment

Lisa Brekke, PT, DPT,  Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy
Nicolle Cabalka, PT, DPT, Rock Valley Physical Therapy
Kirsten Radke, PT, DPT, Core Physical Therapy

1. Identify common peripheral vestibular disorders and their hallmark presentation patterns.
2. Demonstrate a comprehensive vestibular examination.
3. Interpret examination findings to accurately diagnose peripheral vestibular dysfunction and determine the appropriate plan of care.
4. Perform evidence-based, hands-on treatment techniques for common peripheral vestibular conditions.

Question and Answer Session

Lisa Brekke, PT, DPT,  Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy
Kirsten Radke, PT, DPT, Core Physical Therapy

Advancing Concussion Rehabilitation Through Collaborative Care

Rebecca Bliss, PT, DPT, DHSc, University of Kansas Medical Center
Heidi Bell, OD, FAAO, FOVDR, Elite Eye Care and Elite Vision Therapy

1. Explain the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and differential diagnosis of vestibular and visual-vestibular dysfunction following concussion.
2. Integrate evidence-informed assessment and rehabilitation strategies across the continuum of concussion recovery.
3. Collaborate effectively within an interdisciplinary concussion care team to optimize communication, referral pathways, and return-to-learn/return-to-play outcomes.

Advancing Concussion Rehabilitation Through Collaborative Care (Continued)

Rebecca Bliss, PT, DPT, DHSc, University of Kansas Medical Center
Heidi Bell, OD, FAAO, FOVDR, Elite Eye Care and Elite Vision Therapy

1. Recognize the role of the visual system in post-concussion recovery by identifying key visual pathways and oculomotor functions commonly disrupted after concussion, including vergence, accommodation, and saccadic control.
2. Differentiate between visual dysfunction and vestibular or cognitive deficits through case-based examples and clinical screening strategies, enabling more accurate interdisciplinary referral and co-management.
3. Apply evidence-based vision screening tools (e.g., near point of convergence, accommodative facility, saccadic eye movement assessment) to identify patients who may benefit from optometric vision rehabilitation.
4. Integrate optometric vision therapy and compensatory strategies into a collaborative care plan—understanding when to refer, how to communicate findings across disciplines, and how coordinated care improves patient outcomes in concussion rehabilitation.

Social Gathering

The Crescent Room at Big Grove Brewery and Taproom
555 17th Street, Des Moines, IA

Welcome 

Functional Vision Skills for PT Providers: Recognizing and Rehabilitating Visual Breakdowns

Sara Mohr, COVT, Elite Eye Care and Elite Vision Therapy

1. Identify common functional vision deficits—including oculomotor, accommodative, and vergence dysfunctions—that can impact balance, coordination, and spatial awareness following concussion or neurological injury.
2. Differentiate visual versus vestibular contributions to postural instability and dizziness by applying practical screening methods for visual tracking, fixation, and eye teaming.
3. Demonstrate integrative rehabilitation techniques that engage both the visual and vestibular systems, such as gaze stabilization, visual motion desensitization, and eye–body coordination exercises.
4. Collaborate effectively with optometric and vision therapy professionals to design co-treatment plans, make appropriate referrals, and monitor progress for patients with complex visual-vestibular disorders.

Panel Question and Answer - Seeing the Whole Picture: Reflections on Brain, Balance, and Vision Integration

Heidi Bell, OD, FAAO, FOVDR, Elite Eye Care and Elite Vision Therapy
Rebecca Bliss, PT, DPT, DHSc, University of Kansas Medical Center
Lisa Brekke, PT, DPT,  Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy
Nicolle Cabalka, PT, DPT, Rock Valley Physical Therapy
Kirsten Radke, PT, DPT, Core Physical Therapy

Functional Neurological Disorders from Neuroscience to Treatment

Julie Hershberg, PT, DPT, NCS, re+active 

1. Define Functional neurological disorders (FND) and recognize subtypes.
2. Discuss the neuroscience of onset and recovery of FND.
3. Apply the evidence for and principles of therapy treatment in FND cases.
4. Implement evidence-based tools for treatment effectiveness in FND.

Functional Neurological Disorders from Neuroscience to Treatment (Continued)

Julie Hershberg, PT, DPT, NCS, re+active

1. Define Functional Neurological Disorders (FND) and recognize subtypes.
2. Discuss the neuroscience of onset and recovery of FND.
3. Apply the evidence for and principles of therapy treatment in FND cases.
4. Implement evidence-based tools for treatment effectiveness in FND.

From Clinical to Case Study: Case Progressions and Cranial Connections

Kirsten Radke, PT, DPT, Core Physical Therapy

1. Analyze vestibular case examples and progressions to understand how cranial dysfunction contributes to symptom persistence and recovery challenges across the spectrum of vestibular complexity.
2. Demonstrate how cranial-based interventions can influence vestibular impairments.
3. Integrate collaborative and cranial strategies into clinical practice to optimize care for patients with multifactorial dizziness and balance disorders.