2027 Vestibular Therapy for the Orthopedic PT

TJC Centreville Clinic: Saturday June 12, 2027 8am-4pm

• 8:00 BREAKFAST & INTRODUCTION

• 8:30 EVALUATION ALGORITHM

• Subjective practice + handout

• HINTS+

• Handout: mark central, peripheral, non-vest sxs in subjective info

• 9:00 ARTS & CRAFTS: vestibular labyrinth

• 9:30 SPECIAL TESTS: central pathologies

• 10:30 SPECIAL TESTS: peripheral pathologies

• Screen cervical spine and OA instability

• 11:00 VESTIBULAR BALANCE ASSESSMENT

• 11:30 CAST STUDIES (groups): differential dx

• Nystagmus videos + associated subjectives

• 12:30 LUNCH BREAK

• 1:30 OUTCOME MEASURES

• 2:00 TREATMENTS: habituation, adaptation, compensation/substitution

• 3:30 BREAK

• 3:45 TREATMENTS: repositioning maneuvers

Upon completion of this course along with an adequate review of the associated pre-course material, the participant will be able to:

1. Identify anatomical structures that compromise the vestibular system, and understand their functions + related disorders

2. Clinically reason through subjective data utilizing algorithm for differential diagnosis

3. Differentiate between central vs peripheral vestibular pathologies

4. Perform tests and measures per a general algorithm to efficiently perform initial assessment and assist in determining differential diagnosis

5. Recognize and refer out as needed (i.e. determine if referral should be to ER vs vestibular PT vs medial specialist)

6. Recognize and differentiate between types of nystagmus, and kind of disorder indicated.

7. Understand the movements within the peripheral vestibular system, and how it correlates with head positioning.

8. Select appropriate treatment strategies based on diagnosis

9. Proficient in performing special tests related to peripheral vestibular system.

10. Proficient in performing special tests related to central vestibular system.

11. Understand the 3 peripheral systems regulating balance, and be proficient in performing and evaluating vestibular balance deficits

12. Be familiar with fall risk related outcome measures and understand the implications of their scoring

13. Be proficient in performing canalith repositioning maneuvers to treat peripheral vestibular dysfunctions.

14. Be proficient in performing habituation, substitution, and gaze stabilization exercises to treat central vestibular dysfunctions.

15. Be proficient in performing neuromuscular re-education and motor control exercise related to head, neck, shoulders, spine, and core.

Jane Summers, PT, DPT, OCS, AVPT, CMTPT/DN

Dr. Summers graduated from Lynchburg College with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2014. She has completed both the Jackson Clinics’ residency program and the University of Pittsburgh’s advanced vestibular program, earning her credentials as a Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist and Advanced Vestibular Physical Therapist. She enjoys practicing manual therapy and is certified in dry needling. As a gait enthusiast, she also offers custom orthotics services. Stemming from her core belief in treating the person as a whole—and not in parts—she is an advocate for the biopsychosocial model of care within her own daily practice.

She is an APTA-certified clinical instructor and enjoys giving back to the profession via mentoring students and residents throughout the year. She is a member of the Jackson Clinic’s education faculty; she teaches several courses at TJC, and has also taught abroad in Kenya multiple times. She served as the clinic director for TJC’s Burke clinic for 5 years prior to transitioning into her current role as a concierge therapist.

Fun Facts: Jane enjoys reading, traveling, and being physically active. She’s become quite good at playing pretend with her son, and likely could have been a superhero in a previous life.