In a recent news release, Align Networks announces that it will be participating in the offering of continuing education unites (CEUs) for physical therapists (PTs) and occupational therapists (OTs) attending the Annual Workers’ Compensation Education Conference, which began in Orlando, August 17 and runs through August 20.

The release reports that the conference has selected a 4-hour Physical Therapy Breakout session for August 18 1:00 to 5:00 pm. The breakout will include four sessions delivered by recognized physical therapy experts. More information on the breakout sessions can be found on the Workers’ Compensation Institute website.

According to Kim Radcliffe, PT, MHA, president of Align Networks, this is the first time the annual conference will be offering a set of CEUs for PTs and OTs.

“This is a major opportunity for these professionals, as they have traditionally lacked educational opportunities, particularly in relation to workers’ compensation topics. We are very pleased that Align Networks has been asked to share our PT expertise on how to achieve outstanding clinical outcomes and PT utilization, as we’ll be delivering the introduction to the breakout sessions, as well as two thought leader presentations,” Radcliffe adds.

The Physical Therapy Breakout on August 18 will kick off with Michelle Despres, PT, CEAS II, executive director at Align Networks, the release says. Additionally, Despres will moderate the concluding panel, “Understanding the Stakeholders” August 18 at 4:15 pm.

The panelists are reportedly intended to reflect the different perspectives of various stakeholders in the physical rehabilitation and return-to-work (RTW) process, including an employer, physician, insurance representative, and expert on pre-employment testing.

The release states that Nicole Matoushek, PT, MPH, vice president of Clinical Sales at Align Networks will also deliver an in-depth clinical session, “Impact of the Aging Workforce, Obesity and Comorbidities,” August 18 at 3:15 pm.

Matoushek explains that “…. On average, today’s workers are older, heavier, and in poorer health than they’ve been in the past. Attendees will receive an overview of the physiological changes that occur as employees age, gain weight, or have the complication of multiple medical conditions. They will also learn strategies to optimize rehabilitation outcomes for these types of workers, as well as improve ergonomics to reduce workers’ compensation claims and costs.”

Align Networks is a One Call Care Management business unit and manages a specialized workers’ compensation provider network of outpatient rehabilitation facilities nationwide.

Source: Align Networks