Kinesiology Taping Techniques for Swallowing Disorders

This course assumes a prior knowledge of dysphagia and anatomy/physiology of the head and neck. For an excellent review, we recommend bundling the ecourse Anatomy of Swallowing. You will find an option for a discounted bundle during checkout. VitalStim Providers and past attendees of John Kelly’s Myofascial Release and Other Manual Techniques in Dysphagia Management course may have already completed Anatomy of Swallowing (not sure?.., just ask CIAO). 

Elastic taping techniques have gained the attention of rehab providers offering support while allowing functional movement. This research-based modality has a variety of applications to address functional impairment. This course will focus on taping strategies relevant to dysphagia therapy. Therapeutic applications provide re-education of the neuromuscular system, influence lymphatic drainage, improve localized circulation and reduce pain. Diagnoses familiar to the dysphagia specialist benefit from its use. Taping strategies offer muscular inhibition as in craniomandibular hypertonus, muscular recruitment facilitating hyoid movement and minimize postural compensation related to sensory input. This course will educate the dysphagia clinician on the therapeutic benefit of taping to improve motor patterns and facilitate a client's functional independence. Though focused on the adult population, experienced pediatric clinicians can easily apply these techniques to the pediatric population. This course will be heavy in labs where participants will gain the confidence, they need to be successful.

Please wear lab attire that allows for access to the shoulder and between the scapula (e.g. loose fitting t-shirt, tank top etc.)

Appropriate Disciplines: SLP/SLPAs, OT/COTAs
Course Level: Intermediate
Assessment Methods: Hands-on labs, Q&A, Self-Assessment on Evaluation

NOTE: Participants who are attending this course on tour:

• Will receive 1:1 time with the instructor while practicing taping techniques at a course on tour.
• Taping supplies for live, in-person attendees have been generously donated by StrengthTape

NOTE: Participants who are joining the Live Streaming event (and not a part of our live studio audience) should have the following available: 

1. Alcohol prep pads (3-5) to clean the skin contact area
2. Pair of scissors.
3. Kinesiology tape (full roll if you have it; minimum 6 feet, any brand will work). This can be purchased at a drugstore or ask your Physical Therapy Dept to borrow some. The instructor will show how to cut for each lab practice.
4. Lab partner We highly encourage you to have a lab partner available (friend or family member). One lab involves taping the scapula which is hard to do on yourself.

                                                                                                                                                      

TWO WAYS TO ATTEND:

1. Live (in-person)- see city and states in drop down above
2. Live Stream- follow instructions below

Live Stream/Live Studio Audience

1. Attend as part of the LIVE STUDIO AUDIENCE in Gulf Breeze, Florida - Studio audience seats are limited - so register today!
2. Attend via LIVE STREAM from anywhere around the world. Live stream participants will login to access the event from their computer.

     Note (Live Stream):

• This event is streamed in real time. 
• Course agenda is in Central time, please adjust for your time zone
• Registrants who attend the live broadcast will be able to interact with instructor.
• All registrants will have access to the broadcast recording for 14 days.
• A group may view the course together, however each attendee must be individually registered in order to receive CE credit.

     CEUs (Live Stream):

• SLPs - this course is registered with ASHA as Blended Learning. ASHA CEUs may be earned by attending live, viewing the recording, or a combination of both.
• OT/PTs - Participants who need live hours for state license renewal must attend in real time yet, will still have access to the recording for 14 days.

    Completion Requirements (Live Stream):

• Attend/view entire course
• Pass multiple choice quiz (80% min score)
• Complete online course evaluation

Course Objectives

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

• Review oral, pharyngeal myofascial anatomy and physiology
• Describe biomechanical consequence of muscular and soft tissue dysfunction with their effects on swallowing
• Define postural impairment and basic craniomandibular dysfunction and their relationship to mastication
• Define impaired breath patterns and proper assessment in a functional breathing screening
• Discuss precautions and contraindications for preparatory myofascial release and taping application
• Demonstrate evaluation, basic soft tissue mobilization and taping application for the jaw, anterior cervical, rib cage and scapula in feeding treatment
• Identify a proper treatment approach utilizing medical taping techniques through selected case study based on evaluation findings
• Identify postural dysfunction and upper quadrant instability and relate to an interdisciplinary approach to rehabilitation in the management of swallowing impairment

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Course Instructor(s)

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Course Agenda

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