AT Masterclass: Understanding and Working with Scoliosis with Dr. Meredith Stephens

AT Masterclass: Understanding and Working with Scoliosis with Dr. Meredith Stephens

2 CEs NCBTMB; 2 CECs NPCP

In this webinar, we will discuss the three-dimensional nature of scoliosis, its etiology, diagnosis, progression, and treatment. Special focus will be given to idiopathic scoliosis and degenerative lumbar scoliosis. We will also discuss a three-dimensional treatment approach to create a stronger, more lengthened, and neutral alignment through customized exercise and manual techniques.

We will discuss:

• Why traditional stretch and strengthening exercises may be detrimental to people with scoliosis.
• The concept of tensegrity as it applies to scoliosis treatment.
• How isometric contractions, ground reaction force, breathing, and postural reflexes may be applied to treatment strategies.
• The application of myofascial techniques and touch cueing to enhance alignment.
• When to treat and when to refer.

…and more.

Case studies will demonstrate how the principles may be applied to create individualized exercise and therapy programs that help clients unwind their patterns, reduce their pain and empower them to manage their scoliosis.

Meredith Stephens, DPT, MS, PT, LMT, BCSI holds a BS in exercise physiology, Masters and Doctor of Physical Therapy degrees, is a licensed massage therapist and an Anatomy Trains Structural Integrator (ATSI) and IASI board-certified structural integrator. She is also a Barcelona Scoliosis Physical Therapy School (BSPTS) certified physical therapist. Meredith has over 20 years in the health and fitness industry as a fitness, STOTT ® Pilates instructor, personal trainer, and outpatient orthopedic physical therapist. A certified Anatomy Trains instructor, she teaches movement and manual therapy courses nationally and internationally. In addition to teaching, Meredith has also written articles and developed workshops for Anatomy Trains, Pilates, and movement instructors.

After working in hospital settings and 10 years in a medically-based wellness center, Meredith shifted into private practice. Her practice focuses on healthy aging, scoliosis, and orthopedic rehabilitation. She has spent over 16 years working with people with osteoporosis both individually and in her community-based fall prevention programs. Meredith employs a unique combination of traditional physical therapy with structural integration, fascial movement training, and Pilates. She combines evidence-based practice with clinical experience in her treatments and classes. When working with people with scoliosis, she integrates her training as a Schroth BSPTS therapist with ATSI approaches to design individualized exercise and therapy programs for people to help unwind their patterns, reduce pain and develop a stronger more neutral spine.

Note: This is a recording of a live online Masterclass Zoom webinar given by Dr. Meredith Stephens on January 3, 2021