Course Instructor

Gregory Farmer, MS, MPT, earned a masters degree in exercise physiology in 1984 from the University of Arizona. He was a professor at Whittier College for five years teaching exercise physiology, fitness analysis and nutrition before returning for his physical therapy degree from Northern Arizona University where he graduated in 1995. Since 1989, he has been a staff member with the Jimmie Heuga Center for people with multiple sclerosis (M.S.), which provides education wellness programs and research. Each year he sees 75 to 100 patients with M.S. through the center as well as his normal case load in an outpatient practice. Greg helped establish a comprehensive multiple sclerosis clinic at the Idaho Elks Rehabilitation Hospital for the evaluation of the patient with M.S. He has been on the clinical advisory committee for the Idaho division of the National M.S. Society. Several times a year Greg lectures for local M.S. support groups and has also lectured for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society on the topics of aquatics, yoga and fatigue. He was an expert reviewer for the clinical practice guidelines booklet on fatigue and multiple sclerosis.

Unlocking the Mystery of Effective Rehabilitation for Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis can affect any area of the central nervous system resulting in a multitude of symptoms. This two-day course provides the therapist with a comprehensive approach to the evaluation and management of these symptoms. The course begins with an overview of the disease and the evaluation of symptoms. Hands on evaluations and video case studies of patients reinforce the course lecture. Evaluations address assessment of hypertonicity, heat sensitivity, ataxia, weakness, fatigue and the impact of these symptoms on mobility. Small group discussions of these evaluations lead into the development of a simple, yet comprehensive evaluation form that can be applied immediately in your clinic. Lecture and discussion provide treatment strategies and exercise protocols based on the latest research and incorporates the use of adaptive equipment, orthotics and cooling equipment to enhance treatment outcomes for the chronic and acute patient. The course material is based on a philosophy of educating the patient about their symptoms, which allows the patient to gain more control over their symptom management, resulting in an overall improved quality of life. Patient education materials for symptom management, as well as a list of resource material will be provided to each course participant. Upon completion of this course the therapist will be able to evaluate the chronic or acute patient with M.S. using a customized evaluation form, develop a prioritized symptom management and exercise plan, and provide education materials for symptom management to the patient or caregiver.

Category: Multiple sclerosis course, physical therapy continuing education course, occupational therapy continuing education course


  • Understand the disease process of multiple sclerosis and the resulting symptoms.
  • Recognize the common medications used in the management of multiple sclerosis and understand their side effects.
  • Evaluate the patient with either chronic or acute symptoms using an evaluation form specific to the needs of your clinic.
  • Assess hypertonicity and how it may interfere with function.
  • Prioritize symptoms for treatment as well as referral to interdisciplinary team members.
  • Develop a comprehensive treatment plan.
  • Develop appropriate exercise programs for strength, flexibility, balance and cardiorespiratory endurance.
  • Provide patients and/or caregivers with education materials on symptom management.
  • Be familiar with internet, local and the National M.S. Society resources.
  • Understand the difference between neurological orthotics and biomechanical orthotics.
  • Be familiar with orthotics, assistive devices, cooling devices and exercise equipment appropriate for the patient with M.S.

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    Unlocking the Mystery of Effective Rehabilitation for Multiple Sclerosis

     

     

     

    We are planning our next locations across the United States for this course

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    North American Seminars Inc. 1-800-300-5512 - physical therapy continuing education courses and occupational therapy continuing education courses

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