Breathing and the Diaphragm: Orthopedic Therapists - Remote Course - May 15-16, 2021

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to::

1. Describe the functional anatomy and biomechanics of the thoracic spine, ribs and diaph-ragm.
2. Explain normal diaphragmatic breathing and the role of the internal and external oblique musculature.
3. Assess and treat dysfunctional breathing patterns including but not limited to chest, ab-dominal and paradoxical breathing patterns.
4. Understand the concept of Intra-Abdominal Pressure (IAP)/ and the control and use of IAP with the diaphragm in a lowered position as a stabilizing mechanism for the spine.
5. Understand the concept of regional interdependence and it’s application in the treatment of back or pelvic pain patients.
6. Recognize the effects of postural patterns and the linkage to the diaphragm and pelvic floor.
7. Understand the muscles and myofascial components involved in dysfunctional breathing and techniques to effectively treat the same.
8. Understand and demonstrate mobilizations of the rib and thoracic spine and develop a comprehensive treatment program.
9. Develop an exercise progression for dysfunctional breathing for use in the clinic and in home programs.
10. Integrate diaphragmatic breathing and mobility in the athletic clientele

Attending a remote course is easy and safe, and you can do it entirely from the security and comfort of your own home or clinic without having to find a lab partner.

Important thing to note:

- Our policy for applying for continuing education credit for remote courses differs from that of our in-person and satellite lab courses. Read the specific language of the policy here. Depending on the state in which you practice, you may need to submit your own application to your state board or approving body should you wish that it be approved for continuing education credit in your state.

- To attend a remote Herman & Wallace course, registrants will need Zoom video conferencing software. This is a requirement. One can create an account and download the software to their computer at https://zoom.us/

- We use the Pacific Time Zone for all of our remote course start and end times (this is not the case for in-person and satellite lab locations). Please make a note of this and set your calendar accordingly.

- A Zoom account is free to create. Before the meeting, we recommend having a practice Zoom session with a friend or colleague so you can test your microphone, video, and internet connection. You can participate in any remote course from the comfort of your home, but will need a stable internet connection in order to participate. We recommend downloading the software and practicing a call with a friend or colleague prior to your course with us. Zoom also offers video tutorials on their website at https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/206618765-Zoom-Video-Tutorials.

- Still have questions about Remote Courses? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions on Remote Courses

Aparna Rajagopal PT, MHS, WCS, PRPC

Aparna Rajagopal PT, MHS, WCS, PRPC, Capp -OB Certified (she/her) holds a bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy from India and a Master of Health Sciences from the University of Indianapolis. She developed a growing interest in treating pregnant and post partum patients in 2003. The birth of her daughter in 2006 served as the driving force behind her passion for the field of pelvic dysfunction. She treats men, women and children with urological, gynecological and colorectal issues. Her work with female athletes led her to realize the importance of correct breathing techniques in rehabilitation and led her to co-author the breathing and diaphragm class.

She serves as lead therapist for the pelvic dysfunction program at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital where she mentors and teaches other pelvic therapists. She is consultant for the hospitals Sports therapy team for the athletic triad syndrome. She frequently presents and educates physicians, residents, physical therapists, and community support groups on physical therapy treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction. She serves as co-chair of the continuing education committee at her hospital system where she helps to write and develop courses.

She resides in the metro Detroit area with her husband and daughter and her interests include traveling the world, hiking, and reading.

Leeann Taptich DPT, SCS, MTC, CSCS

Leeann Taptich, PT, DPT (she/her) has been a physical therapist since 2006. She graduated with a BS in Kinesiology from Michigan State University and a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of St Augustine. In 2009, she earned her Manual Therapy from the University is St Augustine and her board certification as a Sports Certified Specialist in 2018.

Leeann leads the Sports Physical Therapy team at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital in Michigan where she mentors a team of therapists. She also works very closely with the pelvic team at the hospital which gives her a very unique perspective of the athlete. With her combination of credentials and her exposure to pelvic health she is able to use a very eclectic but complete approach in her treatment of orthopedic and sports patients. With the hospital system, she is involved with the community promoting health and wellness at local running competition and events.

Leeann is passionate about educating and teaching and has assisted in teaching multiple courses at the local State a university PT department. She is co-chair of the continuing education committee at her hospital where she writes and develops courses. She is co-author of the Breathing and Diaphragm class at Herman and Wallace.

Leeann lives in the metro Detroit area with her husband and 2 children. She enjoys hiking, traveling, and watching football.