Advanced Telehealth Techniques: Evaluation and
Intervention Techniques of the Spine
Presented by Anna DeLaRosby, Julie Mulcahy, and Todd Norwood
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Telehealth has revolutionized the way physical therapists assess and treat spinal conditions, offering new opportunities for remote patient care. This course provides an in-depth exploration of advanced telehealth techniques for evaluating and managing spinal dysfunction. Participants will learn how to conduct comprehensive remote spinal assessments, including red flag screenings, range-of-motion testing, and special tests for the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine. The course also covers evidence-based intervention strategies, including self-mobilization techniques, to ensure effective remote treatment. By the end of the course, physical therapists will be equipped with the skills necessary to deliver high-quality, patient-centered telehealth care for spinal conditions.
Learning Objectives
- Communicate instructions regarding camera view and patient procedure to patients while conducting a telehealth spine examination
- Complete red flag screening for spinal fracture, myelopathy, or other sinister pathology in the spine
- Demonstrate a thorough remote evaluation of the spine range of motion
- Direct the patient through special tests for the spine evaluation
- Develop personalized telehealth interventions for the spine
- Instruct the patient in self-joint and/or soft-tissue mobilization techniques of the spine that are suitable for remote delivery
Meet your instructors
Anna DeLaRosby
Anna has been a physical therapist since receiving her doctorate in physical therapy in 2008 and loves all things PT. Anna became certified in mechanical diagnosis and therapy in 2012, and in 2014, she became a board-certified orthopedic clinical specialist. Anna is the clinical program manager for Physera Physical Therapy…
Julie Mulcahy
Julie Mulcahy received her doctorate in physical therapy from the University of Michigan. For the past 20+ years, she has specialized in orthopedics, sports medicine, and women’s health. She obtained her Certificate of Achievement in Pregnancy and Postpartum Physical Therapy (CAPP-OB) in 2021 and her LAMP Institute for…
Todd Norwood
Todd received his doctorate in physical therapy from the University of Southern California and his BA in human biology from Stanford University. He is a board-certified clinical specialist in both orthopedic physical therapy and sports physical therapy and is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. Todd is…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. Subjective, Observation, Sensation, Myotome, and ROM Testing of the Spine
This chapter focuses on setting up a successful telehealth evaluation environment and guiding patients through subjective history and red flag screening. Participants will learn how to assess posture, gait, sensation, myotomes, and range of motion remotely while ensuring intra-rater reliability. Strategies for identifying serious pathologies and differentiating between mechanical and nonmechanical spinal pain will be emphasized.
2. Objective Testing and Special Tests of the Spine
This chapter explores the use of special tests in telehealth, ensuring feasibility, reliability, and validity in remote assessments. Participants will learn to perform key diagnostic tests for the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine, including neurodynamic tests and sacroiliac joint assessments. The importance of accurate patient positioning, clear instructions, and reproducibility in virtual settings will be highlighted to enhance diagnostic accuracy.
3. Interventions and Self-Mobilization of the Spine
In this chapter, participants will explore evidence-based interventions for spinal conditions in telehealth, focusing on self-mobilization techniques. Instruction will cover patient education, positioning, and the use of therapeutic tools to facilitate mobilization of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine. By integrating these strategies, therapists can effectively guide patients in managing pain and improving mobility remotely.
More courses in this series
Advanced Telehealth Techniques: Translating Clinical Skills to Telehealth
Anna DeLaRosby, Julie Mulcahy, and Todd Norwood
Advanced Telehealth Techniques: Evaluation and Intervention Techniques of the Spine
Anna DeLaRosby, Julie Mulcahy, and Todd Norwood
Advanced Telehealth Techniques: Evaluation and Intervention Techniques of the Upper Extremity
Anna DeLaRosby, Julie Mulcahy, and Todd Norwood
Advanced Telehealth Techniques: Evaluation and Intervention Techniques of the Lower Extremity
Anna DeLaRosby, Julie Mulcahy, and Todd Norwood