Soft Tissue Work for Complications of TKA

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About the Course
Potentially 20% of Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) will fail due to post-op complications that are not being adequately addressed by therapists in the rehabilitation phase. Literature lists the problems of unresolved pain, deficient flexion for functional mobility, and unresolved quad and hamstring weakness as complications of TKA which can lead to further surgeries and unsatisfactory results. Literature also identifies less frequent but serious complications that are contributing to failed surgical rehabilitation including arthrofibrosis or excess scarring, Atherogenic Muscular Inhibition or inability of quadriceps activation, tourniquet effects on rehabilitation, and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy) that may be affecting people without a validating diagnosis. Research recommends more advanced strategies, particularly manual therapy to deal with all of these conditions. Unfortunately, very little evidenced practice research is available to outline the specifics of soft tissue techniques that are effective for all of these situations. This course teaches the seriousness of the conditions and the application of several soft tissue techniques. It also teaches simple but effective proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) strategies to decrease pain while working for full motion and adequate strength.

Learning Outcomes
  • Recognize current problems affecting TKA rehabilitation success
  • Identify the value of soft tissue techniques to minimize post-op pain, muscle weakness, and connective tissue restrictions for TKA patients.
  • Identify several soft tissue techniques to minimize post-op pain, muscle weakness, and connective tissue restrictions for TKA patients.
  • Recognize the application of several soft tissue techniques to skin, tendon/ligaments, muscles, and fascia
  • Identify how soft tissue work can minimize several infrequent but serious complications after TKA surgery
About the Author
Judy Towne Jennings has spent many years practicing in orthopedic facilities: hospitals and private clinics before starting her own business, Responsible Health. She was fortunate to train and learn from expert manual therapists, several from other countries. The common thread for successful outcomes was always to start with an inspection of the soft tissue. She learned to feel the abnormal before the patient would report a painful area. Her career has evolved from orthopedics to pediatrics and finally geriatrics. At this stage in her career, she shares the wisdoms that come from experience in hopes that hands-on therapy will continue to be a tremendous asset to patient rehabilitation.

How to Receive Credit
  • Read the entire course online or in print.
  • Answer the final examination questions at the end of the course. A passing grade of 70% is required. Test questions link content to learning objectives as a method to enhance individualized learning and material retention.
  • Provide required personal information and payment information.
  • Complete the mandatory course evaluation.
  • Print your Certificate of Completion.

Resolution of Conflict of Interest
Colibri Healthcare, LLC implemented mechanisms prior to the planning and implementation of the continuing education activity, to identify and resolve conflicts of interest for all individuals in a position to control content of the course activity.

Sponsorship/Commercial Support and Non-Endorsement
It is the policy of Colibri not to accept commercial support. Furthermore, commercial interests are prohibited from distributing or providing access to this activity to learners.

Disclaimer
The information provided in this activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition.

©2022: All Rights Reserved. Materials may not be reproduced without the expressed written permission or consent of Colibri Healthcare, LLC. The materials presented in this course are meant to provide the consumer with general information on the topics covered. The information provided was prepared by professionals with practical knowledge of the areas covered. It is not meant to provide medical, legal, or professional advice. Colibri Healthcare, LLC recommends that you consult a medical, legal, or professional services expert licensed in your state. Colibri Healthcare, LLC has made all reasonable efforts to ensure that all content provided in this course is accurate and up to date at the time of printing but does not represent or warrant that it will apply to your situation nor circumstances and assumes no liability from reliance on these materials. Quotes are collected from customer feedback surveys. The models are intended to be representative and not actual customers.