Physical Therapy

Course One:  Clinical Decision-Making for the Lower Body Region

Course Dates

November 2-3, 2024

Course Description

This course will focus on the examination, differential diagnosis, and treatment of frequently encountered clinical presentations in patients with neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction involving the lower body.  A case-based format will focus upon relevant issues pertaining to the differentiation of clinical conditions involving the lumbar spine, the lumbopelvic complex, the hip joint, and the lower extremity.  Structured laboratory sessions will provide instruction in pertinent assessment techniques as well as an introduction to applied manual therapy techniques for treatment of the lower quarter region. 

Course Objectives

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of differential examination for the lower body region
  2. Demonstrate competence in the performance of the examination procedures utilized in the clinical assessment of lower body dysfunction
  3. Recognize the indications and contraindications for mechanical evaluation and treatment of the lower body region
  4. Recognize the indications for independent PT management vs. referral and/or consultation
  5. Demonstrate competence in the performance of manual therapy techniques for the lower body region
  6. Demonstrate the ability to perform a differential assessment producing a unique cluster of signs and symptoms for various clinical manifestations of the lower body region
  7. Develop an improved understanding and awareness of the differential diagnostic process relative to the practice of Physical Therapy 

Location and Sponsor

Division of Physical Therapy, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV

The West Virginia University Division of Physical Therapy is a sponsor of this continuing professional education series.  As a fully-accredited physical therapist educational program for over 50 years, courses sponsored by the Division are accepted for continuing education credit by the West Virginia Board of Physical Therapy and several other jurisdictions. A certificate of completion will be provided to attendees to submit to their appropriate jurisdiction.

Course Instructor

Michael Timko PT, MS, FAAOMPT is currently a full-time clinician for the Physical Therapy Institute in Washington, PA.  He has held faculty appointments in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Pittsburgh, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, the Division of Physical Therapy at West Virginia University, and the Division of Physical Therapy at Medical University of South Carolina.  He received his B.S. degree in Physical Therapy from West Virginia University.  This former Mountaineer quarterback completed post-professional studies at the University of Pittsburgh, including residency training in Orthopedic Manual Therapy, and earned a post-professional Masters degree in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences with a concentration in Orthopedic Physical Therapy.  He has lectured extensively at the local, national and international levels on a variety of topics pertaining to neuromuscular rehabilitation.  He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists. 

Registration Fee and Link

$495 for the 2-day, 14 contact hour course

*WVU physical therapy academic faculty, alumni and clinical instructors of full-time WVU DPT students in the past 12 months can qualify for a discounted fee ($395)

 Register

Course One: Course Agenda/Outline

Day One: Saturday, November 2, 2024

  • 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM
    • Lecture and Discussion: Overview of Clinical Decision-Making Principles for Patients Presenting with Neuromusculoskeletal Dysfunction
    • Demonstration and Discussion: Overview and Introduction to Lower Quarter Screening Examination
  • Break: 10:00 AM-10:15 AM
  • 10:15 AM to 12:00 PM
    • Discussion, Demonstration, and Laboratory Practice: The Neurological Component: Selected Clinical Examination Procedures
  • Lunch Break: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
  • 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
    • Demonstration and Laboratory Practice: The Hip Component: Examination and Selected Manual Therapy Procedures
  •  Break: 2:30 PM-2:45 PM
  •  2:45 PM to 4:15 PM
    • Lecture and Discussion: Non-Musculoskeletal Features: Considerations for Serious Pathology in the Lower Body Region
    • Demonstration and Laboratory Practice: Selected Medical Screening Procedures
  • Final Questions and Adjourn: 4:15 to 4:30 PM

Day Two: Sunday, November 3, 2024

  • 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM
    • Lecture, Demonstration and Laboratory Practice: The Pelvic Component: Examination and Selected Manual Therapy Procedures
  • Break:  10:00 AM-10:15 AM
  • 10:15 AM to 12:00 PM
    • The Sacral Component: Examination and Selected Manual Therapy Procedures
  • Lunch Break:  12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
  • 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
    • Lecture, Demonstration, and Laboratory Practice: The Lumbar Component: Examination and Selected Manual Therapy Procedures
    • Lecture and Discussion: Principle Applications via Patient Cases
  • Break:  2:30 PM to 2:45 PM
  • 2:45 PM to 4:15 PM
    • Lecture and Discussion: Principle Applications via Patient Cases
    • Lecture, Demonstration, and Laboratory Practice: Clinical Considerations for the Lower Extremity: Examination and Selected Manual Therapy Procedures
  • Final Questions and Adjourn:  4:15 to 4:30 PM

 Total contact hours = 14