Presenter: Nicole Sweazy, PT 
 

• Thursday April 25, 2024 3:00-7:00p
• Tuesday April 30, 2024 3:00-7:00p
• Thursday May 2, 2024 3:00-7:00p
• Thursday May 9, 2024 3:00-7:00p 

COURSE DESCRIPTION 

Modality update for Physical/Occupational Therapy meets the guidelines of the Occupational Therapy Practice Act of the State of IL for competency in both electrical and thermal modalities.  Lecture information will include pain management, rationale for modality use, and basic concepts of each modality.  Lab portions will include demonstration and hands on re-demonstration of both electrical and thermal modalities.  Participants are asked to dress in loose, comfortable clothing and shorts. OTR/COTAs and PT/PTAs are welcome to attend.  
 

CONTINUING EDUCATION INFORMATION 

This course is offered for 1.6 CEUs (16 contact hours). Professional Therapy Services, Inc. is approved by the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation as a continuing education provider for physical and occupational therapy, license numbers 216-000021 and 224-000038.  
 

COURSE INFORMATION 

Location: Apostolic Christian Restmor, 1500 Parkside Ave, Morton 

Cost To Attend: $325 for the series (16 CEUs). Cost includes food/beverage, lecture and lab handouts, and competency check lists. PTS Employees should contact Becky Balkema for employee pricing. 

COURSE OBJECTIVES 

• Define pain and its positive and negative effects 
• Describe the various mechanisms for pain control 
• Explain the physiologic effects of heat and cold applications 
• Describe the various thermoagents utilized in rehabilitation including but not limited to superficial and deep heating agents as well as cryotherapy agents 
• Differentiate between superficial and deep heating agents 
• Describe the basic principles of electricity as it applies to electrical stimulation modalities utilized in rehabilitation 
• Explain the application of the various electrical stimulation modalities utilized in rehabilitation 
• Demonstrate the application of electrical stimulation modalities including but not limited to NMES/FES, TENS, HVGS, interferential current and iontophoresis 
• Discuss safety in the use of thermoagents and electrical stimulation equipment in rehabilitation. 

Register by emailing beckybalkema@ptsinc.org.

Tuesday, Feb 27
5-7 PM

This course aims to teach you about why patients may have common bladder symptoms such as urgency, frequency, and/or incontinence and strategies you can use in your current therapy management to improve these symptoms. You do not have to be a pelvic floor therapist to take this class, we will learn exercises that do not require a pelvic exam.

Speaker: Janet Forinash PT, DPT, CLT, WCS
Cost: $50
Location: PTS North Lower-Level Conference Room
2338 Van Winkle Way
Peoria, IL 61615

Tuesday, March 12
5-7 PM

Spending on mental healthcare continues to skyrocket, with estimates at $280 billion each year since 2020. A patient’s mental wellbeing directly impacts physical therapy outcomes and has been linked to the worsening of a patient’s pain experience. Learners will discuss the current climate of mental health in the US and gain surface level understanding of the biggest diagnoses we may encounter in the clinical setting. Actionable items on how to adjust our approach to communication and care will be explored.

Speaker: Sara Owens PTA, CKTP, CAFS
Cost: $50
Location: PTS North Lower-Level Conference Room
2338 Van Winkle Way
Peoria, IL 61615

Wednesday, March 20th
5-7 PM

Speaker: Nicole Helling PT, DPT
Cost: $50
Location: PTS North Lower-Level Conference Room
2338 Van Winkle Way
Peoria, IL 61615

Wednesday, March 27th
5-7 PM

This course will discuss cardio-pulmonary considerations with exercise and how to develop older adult fitness exercise programming safely.

Speaker: Maureen Sylvester PT, DPT
Cost: $50
Location: PTS North Lower-Level Conference Room
2338 Van Winkle Way
Peoria, IL 61615

Tuesday, April 2nd
5-7 PM

This class will outline the biomechanics, indications, contraindications and new updates involving reverse and total shoulder arthroplasty. A Short question and answer session will conclude the class.

Speaker: Benjamin
Holman, PA
Cost: $50
Location: PTS North Lower-Level Conference Room
2338 Van Winkle Way
Peoria, IL 61615

Tuesday, April 9th
5-7 PM

Brief overview of diagnosis and treatment of CMC OA with a dynamic stability program. Review relevant anatomy then delve into this common diagnosis. The course will also cover prefab, customizable prefab, custom orthosis, and taping techniques.

Speaker: Tondalaya Brainard OTR/L
Cost: $50
Location: PTS North Lower-Level Conference Room
2338 Van Winkle Way
Peoria, IL 61615