Course Instructor

Carol McFarland, PT, MS, OCS, is a 1975 graduate of Boston University with a BS in physical therapy. She completed her MS in kinesiology at University of Texas at Tyler in 1986 and then received her Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist certification from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties in 1990, which was renewed in 1998. She practices in an outpatient spine center in Texas and has worked closely with the neurosurgeons in this practice since 1992. She collaborated with therapists throughout east Texas to develop rehabilitation protocols specifically for follow-up to many of the surgical and injection spine procedures. She presented these protocols through the Texas Physical Therapy Association and American Back Society several times, and published a book on the postsurgical protocols for the lumbar spine.

Developing Post Surgical Rehab Programs for the Cervical Spine and Lumbar Spine

This two-day intermediate level course is designed to enhance a therapists fundamental understanding of surgical approaches for the cervical and lumbar spine in order to effectively develop progressive rehabilitation protocols. The key to successful post surgical rehabilitation is understanding the mechanism of injury, physiological healing time, mechanical changes and surgical techniques. This in-depth presentation prepares the medical professional to identify effective rehabilitation procedures for safe therapeutic management in order to achieve positive functional outcomes. A thorough understanding of the outcomes of surgery assists the therapist to develop the most effective rehab program. Emphasis is placed on understanding the neuromuscular effects of specific surgical procedures and developing protocols by utilizing neurological assessment tools, manual therapy techniques and exercise selection for the various post surgical conditions. Extensive hands-on lab time and protocol discussion will enable the therapist to immediately apply information in the clinical setting.

Category: Post Surgical Cervical and Lumbar Spine, physical therapy continuing education course, occupational therapy continuing education course


  • Understand the basic anatomy pertinent to various pathologies and dysfunctions.
  • Utilize mechanical and neurological evaluation techniques to help determine the best treatment approach for spinal disorders.
  • Identify specific active and passive interventions that address particular positive evaluation findings.
  • Develop and initiate rehabilitation and exercise that maximize recovery and function in any spine program.
  • Integrate the therapy program with other disciplines involved with spine management.
  • Recognize the indications for surgical intervention.
  • Recognize specific mechanical and neurological changes that may accompany each type of spine surgery or procedure.
  • Understand the differences between post surgical and nonsurgical evaluation emphasis.
  • Adapt spinal rehabilitation techniques for nonfusion surgeries, fusion surgeries with or without hardware, anterior or posterior approaches and various adjunct injection procedures.
  • Perform interim testing to assess rate and path of program progression, as well as provide quantitative information for the physician and insurance provider.
  • Understand the impairments and corresponding functional limitations that can occur as a result of various spine problems.
  • Identify common red flags and be able to recognize the need for referral to another practitioner.
  • Understand the need for post surgical spine reporting and follow-up, especially with regard to rehabilitation and outcome.
  • Understand and defend the time frames needed for proper recovery of physical function of the spine following surgery.


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    Developing Post Surgical Rehab Programs for the Cervical Spine and Lumbar Spine



    Start DateEnd DateLocation - **Click to Map It**TuitionHrsHotelRegister
    Mar 17, 12Mar 18, 12Holy Cross Hospital

    Ft. Lauderdale, FL

    		$399.0018.00View HotelsRegister
    Mar 24, 12Mar 25, 12St. Lawrence Rehabilitation Center

    Lawrenceville, NJ

    		$399.0015.00View HotelsRegister
    Apr 14, 12Apr 15, 12Methodist Dallas Medical Center

    Dallas, TX

    		$399.0015.00View HotelsRegister
    Apr 28, 12Apr 29, 12Lynchburg College Physical Therapy

    Lynchburg, VA

    		$399.0015.00View HotelsRegister
    Jun 09, 12Jun 10, 12Vital Rehabilitation

    Chicago, IL

    		$399.0018.00View HotelsRegister
    Sep 15, 12Sep 16, 12Methodist Hospital

    San Antonio, TX

    		$399.0015.00View HotelsRegister
    Sep 22, 12Sep 23, 12Southside Regional Medical Center

    Petersburg, VA

    		$399.0015.00View HotelsRegister

    All courses are pre-approved by the state licensing boards for physical therapist and occupational therapist license renewal in the state the course is offered. For additional inquiry regarding approval in a particular state contact us


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

    The medical content of this page was contributed by Carol McFarland, PT, MS, OCS . This page was updated on January 24 2012

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