Courses

Advancements in the Evaluation & Treatment of Knee Injuries:
Implications for Injury Prevention & Return to Sport

Christopher M. Powers, PT, PhD, FACSM, FAPTA

Dates

2025 Date TBD

Cost

$475

Overview

The knee is the most common site of lower extremity injury in persons who are physically active. More specifically, tears of the ACL and disorders of the patellofemoral joint are among the most common injuries seen by physical therapists. Despite the high number of knee injuries seen in orthopedic practice, evaluation and treatment programs remain highly variable and are often without scientific backing. The purpose of this course is to critically assess current approaches to the management of common knee disorders through review of research findings and practical clinical experience. Course participants will receive a thorough review of the clinical biomechanics of the tibiofemoral and patellofemoral joint, as well as an overview of the entire lower kinetic chain as it relates to knee dysfunction. Emphasis will be placed on current research in the areas of injury biomechanics, treatment approaches and injury prevention strategies. Implications for return to sport decisions following knee injury/surgery will be addressed.

Course Objectives/Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of the course, the participant will be able to:

  1. Describe the influence of abnormal lower extremity mechanics on knee injury (with a special focus on patellofemoral dysfunction and ACL injury).
  2. Describe the scientific and clinical rationale behind the development of an exercise program for the treatment of common tibiofemoral joint injuries.
  3. Describe the scientific and clinical rationale behind the development of an exercise program for patellofemoral joint dysfunction.
  4. Describe the scientific and clinical rationale behind the development of an exercise program to prevent ACL injury.
  5. Describe a functional return sport testing & training program for persons who have undergone ACL reconstruction
Schedule

Day 1
8:00-8:30         Introduction
8:30-10:00       Abnormal mechanics & lower extremity injury: An overview
10:00-10:15     Break
10:15-12:00     Pathomechanics of tibiofemoral joint dysfunction
12:00-1:00       Lunch
1:00-3:00         Pathomechanics of patellofemoral joint dysfunction
3:00-3:15         Break
3:15-5:00         Functional evaluation of the knee & lower quarter (lecture & lab)

Day 2
8:00-10:00      Treatment strategies for lower limb dysfunction (lecture & lab)
10:00-10:15    Break
10:15-12:00    ACL Injury prevention programs & training (lecture & lab)
12:00-1:00      Lunch
1:00 – 3:00      Exercise prescription & progression for common knee injuries
3:00 – 3:15      Break
3:15 – 5:00      Exercise prescription & progression for common knee injuries (cont.)

Additional information
  • All courses approved for CEU’s through the California Physical Therapy Association
  • Courses are limited to 32 participants on a first come, first served basis
  • There are many hotels on Century Blvd at LAX that are within walking distance of MPI (Concourse, Sheraton, Marriott Courtyard, Hilton). In addition, most hotels have a free shuttle to and from the hotel and all airline terminals so there is no need to rent a car.
Course registration

Complete the Registration form and send a check to the address listed (made payable to MPI). Credit card payment can be taken over the phone (310-670-6683)

Cancellation policy

Full refund if cancellation is received >21 days before the course date.
Full refund less 25% if cancellation is received 8-21 days before the course date.
Full refund less 50% if cancellation is received within 7 days of the course date.