Physical Therapy Course: A Clinical View of Bell’s Palsy and Other Facial Paralysis Conditions for Therapists
January 20, 2025

When: Friday, January 22, 2025 at 12:00 pm EST

This course is mobile compatible.

CE’s available but also free to those individuals and families interested in learning more.

Go to PhysicalTherapy.com to register - click on course.

 

Course Presenter

todd henkelmann

Todd Henkelmann, PT, MS, CCTT

Todd received a BS in Physical Therapy from California State University, Long Beach and later a Master’s of Physical Therapy from the University of Pittsburgh in 2004. Todd is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association (PPTA). He is also a member of the Sir Charles Bell Society, an international facial nerve disorder organization, an affiliate member of the American Academy of Orofacial Pain (AAOP), and the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery. He became a Certified Cervical and Temporomandibular Therapist (CCTT) under the auspices of the AAOP in May 2009. He also serves as moderator of the Treatment forum on the Bell’s palsy information site, www.bellspalsy.ws. He is currently employed at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center – Centers for Rehab Services as a physical therapist with specialty in facial nerve and orofacial pain (TMJ) disorders.

Course Abstract

This course will present an overview of Bell’s palsy & facial nerve disorders: etiology, anatomy, differential diagnosis, evaluation methods, treatment controversies, neuromuscular reeducation and therapeutic exercise techniques, surgery & Botox use, and research evidence. Emphasis will be placed on enhancing clinical skills and therapeutic interventions for this condition. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and is therefore appropriate for Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants.

Course Learning Outcomes

  • The participant will be able to independently list at least three of the classic symptoms of Bell’s palsy.
  • The participant will be able to identify at least three objective facial palsy evaluation and outcome measuring tools that are available for your clinical assessment and documentation.
  • The participant will be able to describe at least three therapeutic exercise methods for reduction and control for the patient with synkinesis.
  • The participant will be able accurately identify at least three possible red flags that would prompt referral of the patient to a physician for further work-up.

Time-ordered Agenda

0-5 Minutes Background and review of learner outcomes
5-55 Minutes Facial Nerve 101
55-75 Minutes Evaluation Methods
75-100 Minutes Treatment Techniques
100-110 Minutes Surgery and Botox Use
110-115 Minutes Practicalities
115-120 Minutes Questions and Answers, Summary

Course Information

This is a Live Webinar with presenter and participant interaction. To ensure you are ready to participate, please complete our short Test Drive to prepare your computer for the event.