Brain to Hand: Clinical Use of Graded Motor Imagery and Mirror Therapy to Improve Movement and Function

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Presenters: Susan Stralka, PT, MS, DPT 

Format: 45 minutes presentation. 15 minutes Q&A 

Webinar description: 
Graded motor imagery (GMI) and mirror therapy integrate established principles of neuromuscular reeducation with supporting evidence from neuroscience research. GMI and mirror therapy are emerging therapeutic strategies for treating upper extremity problems for both neurological and orthopedic consequences of injury. Treatment will be aimed at using GMI and mirror therapy to reeducate the brain, which is termed top down treatment. Graded Motor Imagery consists of three parts: laterality training; imagery; and mirror therapy, with the aim of exposing the brain to movement-related therapies to induce positive reorganization of the brain. This course will emphasize a clinical reasoning approach supported by recent research on the changes the brain undergoes in the upper extremity resulting from immobilization, nerve injury, persistent pain and central nervous system injuries. 

Learning Objectives: 
At the end of the presentation, participants will be able to: 

  1. Recognize how to integrate GMI and mirror at the appropriate time in upper quadrant rehabilitation. 
  2. Identify the brain changes and cortical reorganization that occurs following upper extremity trauma. 
  3. Identify an updated treatment strategy for peripheral and central sensitization. 
  4. Recognize the neuroscience principles behind the use of a graded motor imagery (GMI).and mirror therapy. 
  5. Identify practical applications and treatment strategies using GMI and mirror therapy. 

Presented by Susan Stralka, PT, MS, DPT
Originally presented January 2017
Duration:  One hour
CE Credit:  1 continuing education hour, or 0.1 CEU
Pricing:
Members $35
Student Members $20
Non-Members $55
Student Non-Members $30

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