Robyn Otty – Piecing Together the Parkinson’s Puzzle – Maximizing Function & Improving Intervention

Robyn Otty – Piecing Together the Parkinson’s Puzzle – Maximizing Function & Improving Intervention

Treating the unpredictable neurological progression that is Parkinson’s disease (PD) can seem random, complex, and overall difficult to manage. PD presents a host of challenges, such as changes in motor control and posture, onset of tremors, inability to initiate purposeful movement, and the mimicking of the disease from prescription drugs. Therapists have addressed such complications with traditional techniques such as movement-based approaches and compensatory strategies. However, there’s been an influx of evidence related to PD interventions showing effective methods and tools used by rehab professionals.

Let seasoned OTD, Robyn Otty, show you how cognitive rehabilitation, movement-based and non-traditional interventions fit together to influence a client’s posture, dynamic balance, initial movement, and ADLs. Review the most up-to-date literature and medical management to form successful outcomes with this population that can be used the very next day.

1. Forecast the progression of Parkinson’s Disease (PD).
2. Select the latest medical management techniques to manage PD symptomology.
3. Evaluate evidence-based therapeutic methods to positively influence patients with PD.
4. Utilize interactive therapeutic activities, strategies and equipment to support patients with PD.
5. Modify documentation skills by reviewing best practices to minimize insurance denials.
6. Assess the patient for quality of movement, posture and falls.

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PARKINSON’S DISEASE OVERVIEW

• Latest research
• Etiology (genetics and environmental influences)
• Medical management
• Postural influence and associated fall risk
• Motor complications

EVIDENCE-SUPPORTED ASSESSMENT TOOLS & EFFECTIVE DOCUMENTATION

• Assessment tools for:
  • Quality of movement
  • Posture
  • Falls
• Mini-rotation
• Best-practice documentation strategies for skilled intervention

THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES: TRADITIONAL AND NON-TRADITIONAL

• Improving dynamic balance, posture, ADLs, and initiation of movement
• Movement-based interventions
  • Evidence-supported movement-based programs
• Cognitive approach to improve dynamic balance and ADLs
• External cuing

• Non-traditional interventions
  • Tai Chi
  • Yoga
  • Video games
  • Dance
  • Visualization

COMMUNITY OPTIONS

• Options to support clients and caregivers impacted by PD

HANDS-ON LAB

• Interactive Class Rotation: Session I
  • Tai Chi/Yoga
  • Adaptive equipment
  • Cognitive rehabilitation techniques
  • Tools for assessment
• Interactive Class Rotation: Session II
  • Task-based approach
  • Movement-based approaches
  • Documentation station (case application)