Contracture Management for the Neurological Patient

Presented by Andrea Ecsedy

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Video Runtime: 54 Minutes; Learning Assessment Time: 34 Minutes

This course will review recent evidence in the area of contracture management. A summary of the history of contracture management will be presented—where we have been and where we are now. Evidence in support of specific interventions will be discussed to include stretching, dynamic splinting, serial casting, and other modalities. Evidence of the effectiveness of these interventions in changing joint mobility, pain, and levels of activity will also be reviewed.

Meet your instructor

Andrea Ecsedy

Andrea Ecsedy, PT, DPT, NCS, currently works for SavaSeniorCare Consulting, LLC, as the national director of evidence-based practice. Dr. Ecsedy has 33 years of clinical experience and has been a board-certified neurological clinical specialist for 25 years. Her clinical focus has been in the areas of balance and vestibular…

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Chapters & learning objectives

History and Etiology

1. History and Etiology

In this chapter, the roots of contracture management philosophy will be covered, as well as present-day thinking and how we arrived where we are today.

Review of the Evidence

2. Review of the Evidence

The evidence supporting stretching as an intervention for contracture management will be presented. The rationale behind developing a contracture management plan for a neurological patient with this evidence in mind will also be incorporated. The discussion will include diagnostic-specific recommendations based on the evidence presented.

Other Options for Treatment

3. Other Options for Treatment

This chapter will discuss other interventions to address contractures. Topic areas will include serial casting, dynamic splinting, modalities, and surgery.

So Now What? How To Treat

4. So Now What? How To Treat

In this chapter, research in support of contracture prevention techniques, as well as their effectiveness and feasibility, will be presented. The chapter will include a discussion of how to review and appraise conflicting evidence, and what routes practicing clinicians can take when the research does not give the answer we are looking for.