Continuing Education for Physical Therapists
As part of our program’s goal to educate and create lifelong learners, DeSales University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program is pleased to present our continuing education series! Each semester, the DPT program will offer several continuing education offerings for area physical therapists and physical therapist assistants to earn continuing education credits.
As a CAPTE approved provider for physical therapy education, DeSales DPT program is an approved continuing education provider by the Pennsylvania State Board of Physical Therapy.
DPT Continuing Education Courses
- Date: Saturday, April 12th
- Time: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Location: DeSales University Gambet Center and Anatomy Lab
Elizabeth Scifers, PT, DPT, LAT, ATC
Course Overview
This evidence-based continuing education course is designed for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants seeking to enhance their clinical skills in diagnosing and treating complex foot and ankle conditions. While many clinicians are adept at treating common issues like lateral ankle sprains, and medial arch pain, this course addresses knowledge gaps in identifying and managing complexities, such as calcaneocuboid dysfunction, fibularis tendon involvement, superficial fibular nerve injuries, posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, flexor tendon injuries, and other less commonly assessed ligamentous pathologies. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of foot and ankle anatomy through donor dissection, live model palpation, and hands-on therapeutic interventions. Emphasizing evidence-based practices, the course will cover both medial and lateral lower leg and foot conditions, with a focus on improving diagnostic accuracy, manual therapy techniques, and clinical decision-making. By refining assessment and treatment strategies, therapists will emerge equipped to enhance patient outcomes and optimize functional recovery. This 8-hour course is appropriate for all clinicians who want to review the foundational and clinical anatomy of the foot and ankle.
- Contact hours: 8 total contact hours (3 hours direct access)
- Content Level: Intermediate
DeSales’ DPT Program is an approved provider of continuing education programs by the PA and NY State Boards of Physical Therapy. This course is pending New Jersey State Board of PT approval.
Objectives
- At the conclusion of this course participants will be able to:
- Describe the anatomy and biomechanics of commonly injured foot and ankle structures.
- Distinguish anatomical structures within the foot and ankle using prosected donors and palpation techniques on lab partners.
- Evaluate and apply diagnostic tests for common foot and ankle pathologies based on current validity findings.
- Develop proficiency in manual therapy techniques (joint manipulation, mobilizations, neurodynamics, soft tissue) for managing foot and ankle pathologies in structured lab sessions.
- Create evidence-based treatment plans for common foot and ankle pathologies encountered by physical therapists and physical therapist assistants.
Schedule
PRE-COURSE: Content slides or recorded lecture
7:30-8:00 am—Check-in
8:00-8:40 am—Course Overview; Anatomy lecture/review of lateral compartment, posterior deep compartment, lateral ligaments, plantar fascia.
- Lateral compartment (origins, insertions, innervation)
- Posterior deep compartment (origins, insertions, innervation)
- Common anatomical sites of injury and biomechanics of injury for lateral lower leg and foot and medial lower leg and foot
- Palpation of the anatomical structures.
- Fibularis longus, brevis
- Superficial fibular nerve
- Posterior tibialis, flexor Hallicus longus, Flexor Digitorum longus, Plantar fascia
8:40-9:45 am—Donor lab Identification of lateral compartment, posterior deep compartment, lateral ligaments, plantar fascia. (In donor lab hands-on)
- Lateral compartment (origins, insertions, innervation)
- Posterior deep compartment (origins, insertions, innervation)
- Identify and show the mechanism of common traction nerve or strain injuries to the structures mentioned above.
9:45 - 10:00 am—Break
10:00-12:00 pm—Physical exam of pertinent foot and ankle structures (Lecture and lab)
- Strength testing of lateral compartment and deep posterior
- Neural tension tests
- Tibial and superficial fibular nerve
- Other diagnostic tests for plantar fascia and ligaments
- Joint mobility assessment
- Gait dysfunction
- Foot posture index
12:00-12:30 pm—Lunch break
12:30- 2:30 pm—Treatment Discussion (Lecture)
- Lateral compartment and Lateral Ankle , Deep Posterior Compartment and Medial Ankle, and Plantar surface of the foot
- Evidenced based review of therapeutic interventions for pathologies involving structures reviewed earlier in the day.
- Treatment progression of tendon pathologies, proprioceptive retraining, and return to function.
2:30 pm – 2:45 pm—Break
2:45- 4:00 pm—Treatment Lab and Case Studies
- Practice interventions discussed
- Complete case studies and prescribe treatment programs based on evidenced based content previously provided earlier in the day.
4:00 – 4:30 pm—Revisit the anatomy lab and reassess newly learned evaluative techniques in donor specimens (In donor lab hands-on)
4:30-5:00 pm—Closing remarks and questions (Class discussion)
- Review donor experience
- Assimilate course content from examination to diagnosis and treatment
- Answer all remaining questions
** The course will be limited to 30-36 participants to allow a proper learning environment and the ability to interact with the presenters.
Cost: $325
$100 discount for alumni and DeSales DPT clinical instructors with proof of accepting a DeSales DPT student within the past year.
October 9, 2025: 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm
CE credit available for PT's/ PTA's who attend.
Register to Attend: Link Coming Soon