Instructor: Karen Guha, PT, BScPT, C/NDT, CIDN, NDTA CI
Karen is a physiotherapist at Waterloo Regional Health Network WRHN) and Back Works Physiotherapy. She received her Physical Therapy degree from the University of Toronto in 1996 and became NDT trained in 1999. Karen became a NDTA™ PT Instructor in 2007, a NDTA™ Coordinator Instructor in 2011, and a NDTA™ Advanced Course Instructor in 2014. She has over 30 years’ experience working with adults with neurological impairments in acute, rehabilitation and outpatient settings. Karen has taught NDT courses throughout North America and internationally.
Course Description: Many individuals who suffer from a neurological injury post CVA or brain injury have limitations in using their affected upper extremity in function. Recovery of function in the affected upper extremity is a goal for both patients and therapists. Research demonstrates the need for practice using the affected upper extremity to drive recovery, and that practice needs to occur in and outside of therapy. As therapists we face challenges in how to activate and progress the affected upper extremity to drive these practice opportunities and improve function.
This one-day workshop will present NDT principles related to coordinated movements of the trunk and upper extremity for active support and for developing reach. We will explore the research related to the recovery of the upper extremity post-stroke and brain injury and how we incorporate this research into clinical practice. The workshop will provide an opportunity for analysis of the role of the upper extremity in function and the assessment of movement dysfunction in the upper extremity. Various treatment strategies will be explored to facilitate active support and progress an upper extremity for reach.
Course Objectives
Upon completion of this workshop, participants will:
Understand the principles of NDTA™ Contemporary Practice Model to the treatment of adults with neurological impairments and particularly as applied to management of the upper extremity in an individual post stroke or brain injury.
Identify major impairments that interfere with developing upper extremity function in an individual post stroke or brain injury.
Demonstrate basic handling skills to improve shoulder mobility, reduce pain and facilitate scapula control in coordination with trunk and upper extremity movements.
Course Format: Workshop format will include a short lecture and then practical hands-on lab sessions for the remainder of the day. During lab sessions, participants will have the opportunity to analyze typical movement and practice handling skills on their fellow participants. Participants will have the opportunity to problem solve how these handling skills will be modified and progressed to promote functional improvements in standing and during gait activities.
Tuition: $350.30 CAD (includes HST). Accepted forms of payment include cheque, credit card or e-transfer. Tuition includes course materials. Lunch is not included. Registration is accepted on a first-come first served basis.
Requirements: Participants must be a registered Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Rehab/Therapy Assistant or Registered Kinesiologist who work with individuals who have suffered from stroke, brain injury or other neuromotor disorders.
Accommodations: If you require accommodations, we have a corporate rate for the following 2 hotels - they are located beside each other near the St Jacob's Market in Waterloo. We will send the code with your receipts and confirmation email.
Homewood Suites is typically more expensive, but it is worthwhile to check both as rates may fluctuate for various reasons.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations must be received in writing and all refunds are subject to an administrative fee. After October 24, 2026, no refund will be issued unless a replacement participant is arranged.
For more information contact Back Works Spinal and Sports Rehabilitation at reception@backworksphysiotherapy.ca
or (519) 746-8172