In-person Archives - Ontario Physiotherapy Association

Challenges in Gait: NDT Workshop in the Management of Adults with Stroke, Brain Injury & Other Neuromotor Disorders

Course Description: In order for individuals’ post-stroke or brain injury to be truly independent when walking, they need to be challenged beyond forward walking. Functional gait includes being able to walk at different speeds, on different surfaces, changing directions, combining gait with other activities and negotiating stairs. Often this is difficult for many individuals who have suffered a neurological injury. This one-day workshop will present NDT principles related to treating in function during standing and walking. This workshop will focus on strategies to facilitate the trunk, UE and LE with the goal of challenging individuals’ post-stroke or brain injury in standing, during gait, and while performing various functional activities. These functional activities include forward walking, taking a few steps backward, turning, and stair climbing – all necessary to function in one’s home. The workshop will provide an opportunity for analysis of biomechanics and the assessment of movement dysfunction in an individual post-stroke or brain injury during these functional activities.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this workshop the participants will be able to:

Identify components of typical gait.
Demonstrate basic skill in analyzing atypical components of trunk, upper and lower extremity function, frequently associated with conditions of neurological dysfunction, during activities in standing, during gait and on the stairs.
Demonstrate basic handling skills to enhance patient’s movement as related to his/her functional goals during standing, gait and on the stairs.

Course Format: Workshop format will include a short lecture and then practical hands-on lab sessions for the remainder of the day. During lab sessions, participants will have the opportunity to analyze typical movement and practice handling skills on their fellow participants. Participants will have the opportunity to problem solve how these handling skills will be modified and progressed to promote functional improvements in standing and during gait activities.

Registration Form

Elevate Dry Needling Level 1: Foundations

Master the art. Understand the science. Elevate your practice.

Ready to integrate dry needling into your clinical toolbox with confidence, precision, and clinical clarity?

Elevate Dry Needling Level I: Foundations is a 2-day intensive course designed to build true competency — not just technical skill, but deep clinical reasoning behind why, when, and where to needle.

Elevate Dry Needling Level I is the first of two comprehensive courses designed to develop confident, clinically sound dry needling practitioners. Level I establishes the foundation — technical precision, uncompromising safety, and a strong clinical reasoning framework grounded in neuromuscular assessment rather than memorized protocols.

Level II: Advanced builds on this base by progressing into more anatomically complex regions, advanced integration strategies, and nuanced clinical presentations, while maintaining the same high safety standards.

Together, the two levels provide a clear pathway from foundational skill to advanced clinical application — equipping you with the depth, confidence, and reasoning to integrate dry needling at the highest level of patient care.

This course blends:
✔️ Technical precision
✔️ Neuro-muscular assessment frameworks
✔️ Evidence-informed clinical reasoning
✔️ Uncompromising safety standards

What You’ll Learn

Elevate Dry Needling Level I is a highly hands-on, clinically focused course designed to build real-world competence and confidence. Participants spend the majority of the weekend practicing assessment, anatomical landmarking, and precise needling techniques under close instructor supervision. You can expect to learn:

Safe and effective dry needling application across
- Upper extremity
- Lower extremity
- Cervical spine
- Lumbar spine
  (Thoracic spine covered in Level II: Advanced)
Detailed anatomy with clinically relevant landmarks
Indications, precautions, and contraindications
The clinical reasoning of how to determine when to needle — and when not to
Integration of Intramuscular Electrical Stimulation (IMS/e-stim) as a powerful adjunct
Practical application guided by current research

Why Choose Elevate?

Our Lead Instructors have extensive experience teaching dry needling across North America at both foundational and advanced levels. We don’t just teach needle insertion — we teach:

Clinical decision-making
Neuromuscular assessment integration
Clinical application and up-to-date evidence are woven throughout the entire weekend
Safety as the non-negotiable foundation of practice

Above all, we are committed to clinical effectiveness and the highest possible teaching quality!

Course Details: Elevate Dry Needling Level 1: Foundations

Lead Instructor:
Slav Feldman MScPT, MClSc(MT), FCAMPT, ACPAC

Dates: Nov 14-15, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (both days)

Location: CBI Markham Copper Creek: 110 Copper Creek Dr Suite 101, Markham, ON L6B 0P9

Examination: Written theoretical and practical competency evaluation included

What’s Included

✔️ Full-colour comprehensive manual (anatomy-directed needling + safety guidelines)

✔️ Lunch, snacks, and coffee both days

✔️ Lifetime access to:

- HD dry needling videos for all muscles taught

Elevate Dry Needling Level 1: Foundations is a highly practical, hands-on clinical course designed to build your confidence from day one.

You can expect:

Plenty of Hands-On Time: We emphasize maximum amount of time practising the skill of dry needling.

Learn by Doing: Expect heavy hands-on practice, high repetition, and real-time feedback from instructors.

Ready for Monday: You’ll build the muscle memory and confidence to safely treat patients right away.

If you’re ready to add a powerful, evidence-informed tool to your clinical practice — and apply it with clarity, confidence, and safety — this course is for you.

Register and learn more:
www.elevatedryneedling.com

Dizziness Decoded — Part 1: BPPV, BVL & UVL Assessment and Treatment

Part 1 of the Dizziness Decoded Series — also a complete stand-alone course.

Build clinical confidence with the vestibular patients you see most often. This hands-on, 2-day course is designed for physiotherapists who want to assess and treat dizziness with clarity, structure, and skill.

What Part 1 covers — BPPV, BVL & UVL:

Part 1 focuses on the three vestibular presentations clinicians encounter most frequently in practice. You’ll leave able to differentially assess and confidently treat:

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) — posterior, lateral, and anterior canal
Bilateral Vestibular Loss (BVL)
Unilateral Vestibular Loss (UVL)

You’ll learn:

Comprehensive vestibular history-taking and red-flag screening
Hands-on assessment: Dix-Hallpike, head impulse test, oculomotor screening, etc
Repositioning maneuvers for every canal variant of BPPV
Treatment progressions for BVL and UVL — what works, what doesn’t, and why
Clinical decision frameworks for when to treat, and when to refer out

About the instructor:

Roopali Neemuchwala, PT, FCAMPT, is a Canadian physiotherapist with 25+ years of clinical experience and over 4,000 vestibular patients treated. She holds her FCAMPT designation and is certified in vestibular rehabilitation through Emory University — one of the most rigorous vestibular programs in North America.

Stand-alone or part of a series — your choice:

Part 1 is a complete course on its own. It’s also the foundation of the four-part Dizziness Decoded series:

Part 1 — BPPV, BVL & UVL (this course)
Part 2 — Differential Diagnosis (Aug 15–16, 2026)
Part 3 — Cervicogenic & Post-Concussion VRT (Nov 4–5, 2026)
Part 4 — Clinical Management (Jan 16–17, 2027)

Take Part 1 alone, take any combination, or bundle the full series for $1,999 CAD (save $301).

Format: 2 days, in-person, hands-on. Cohorts capped at 12 clinicians for direct instruction and practice time. Held at Progressive Rehab in Brampton, ON.

Date: October 3–4, 2026

Cost: $575 CAD (Part 1 only) | $1,999 CAD (full 4-part series)

Learn more and register: rehabacademy.ca/courses/p1-mastering-bppv

Bowen Therapy Techniques – 101

Bowen therapy originated in Australia and has been utilized worldwide for over 50 years to address difficult cases of sciatica, back pain, frozen shoulder, knee issues, sports injuries, trigeminal neuraliga and more. The gentle application of these techniques makes them appropriate for all ages and stages of health. Benefit from years of clinical knowledge to ensure mastery of the techniques and quicker client resolutions.

Advanced Clinical Practice in TMJ and Headache Disorders

Level UP Your Practice with the Advanced Clinical Practice in TMJ and Headache Disorders

This course is designed for Physiotherapists seeking a deeper understanding of orofacial pain, TMD, and headaches, and aiming to expand their clinical toolbox with evidence-based and hands-on techniques

Expand your practice by building referral relationships with dentists, physicians, and maxillofacial surgeons – positioning yourself as a go-to provider in this underserved niche.

What you will learn upon completion of the TMD Course:

Participants will learn how to perform a detailed TMJ and headache evaluation, developing individualized treatment strategies using manual therapy, neuromuscular re-education, soft tissue techniques, and exercise prescription.

What you will get at the end of the TMD Course:

A certificate of completion
You will be able to use the designation “CTMD” (Certified TMD Practitioner) under your title.
You will have a free lifetime listing on our website for patients, insurance companies, physicians and employers to verify and find you and your current place of practice.
CTMD Merchandise

Prerequisites: Registration with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario

In-Person Learning:

1 Intensive Weekend In Person: 20 hours total

Fee: $695.00 plus HST

Course Location:

Lifemark Physiotherapy Wortley Village,

190 Wortley Rd, Suite 207, London ON N6C 4Y7

Course Dates:

11, 12 July, 2026

Instructor:

Ashish Vora, PT, BPT, FCAMPT, CFIMS, CGIMS, MClSc (Adv. Practice)

2023 CPA Mentorship Award Recipient,

Adjunct Lecturer, Department of Physical Therapy, UofT.

Anatomy Refresher

Presented by the London District of OPA

In partnership with Western University we are offering an opportunity to attend a 4 hour workshop in the anatomy cadaver lab to refresh your anatomy knowledge.

The workshop will take place on Western Campus on June 19 from 12-4pm. It will be guided as well as have time for self-directed learning.

This is the first time this anatomy lab has been opened to the community and we are thrilled to share this experience with you!

Instructors

Dorota Klubowicz

Dorota Klubowicz is a physiotherapist and owner of St. Marys Physiotherapy Rehabilitation Clinic with a special interest in women’s health, education, and mild traumatic brain injury. She co-leads the Virtual Concussion Program, a fully funded initiative supporting individuals with mild traumatic brain injuries, and is working on developing a new brain injury program for women survivors of domestic violence. In addition to working on completing her PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences, focusing on women’s health and pain, Dorota actively contributes to her community as VP of Finance for the Ontario Physiotherapy Association’s London District and as a board member for the St. Marys Wellness Center.

Tina Ziebart

Tina Ziebart is an Assistant Professor at Western University in the School of Physical Therapy. She is also a physiotherapist. Tina has built her career around teaching exercise to people with osteoporosis, both through research and clinically. Dr. Ziebart’s research program is looking to further understand the benefits of exercise in people with osteoporosis, exercise adherence in older adults, and the influence of disuse in special populations on the bones.

Cost

The London District of OPA is generously covering half of the cost to access this learning opportunity.

$60+HST for OPA members

$75+HST for non-members

Registration deadline is June 15. There are limited spots available. There will be a waitlist to ensure all the spots are filled by June 19.

Registration is now closed.

The Balance Course

Empower Your Practice

Advanced Balance Course for Physiotherapists and health care providers

Course Overview

Using the newly published: World Guidelines for falls prevention and management for older adults: A global initiative: As compass for directional change.

Along with guidance from ParticipACTION Canada, Parachute, Ontario Fall Prevention Collaborative, Seniors Division of the CPA and the World Health Organization Global Action Plan on Physical Activity. This course will embrace a comprehensive understanding of evidence-based practice, blending clinical expertise with client-centred care and the latest research on falls and balance.

We will be Challenging the Norms. Moving beyond the conventional mindset of “zero falls” and explore the nuanced balance between safety and maintaining or improving gait and balance. Our course challenges traditional approaches by emphasizing the importance of daily movement.

Practical Application:

Gain practical skills to assess and address balance and agility impairments intentionally.
Explore targeted and intense exercises designed to optimize functional ability even in complex health scenarios.
Not your regular balance course!!

Are you a dedicated physiotherapist and health care provider seeking to elevate your expertise and contribute to the holistic wellbeing of your clients, particularly those at risk of falls?

Enrich your clinical toolkit with our specialized Advanced Balance Course!

Why Focus on Balance Gait and balance impairments are powerful predictors of falls, and as healthcare professionals, we play a pivotal role in mitigating this risk. The global shift away from a sedentary lifestyle demands a proactive approach to maintaining mobility and independence well into advanced age. Being Independent with risk is the new level of function

Research Integration: We bridge the gap between clinical practice and emerging research. Explore the latest findings, understand the implications, and integrate this knowledge into your daily physiotherapy practice.

Redefining “Safe” Together: As physiotherapists, let’s redefine what “safe” means within our discipline. Focus on optimizing physical health, especially in terms of gait and balance, while respecting the safety guidelines of our multidisciplinary colleagues.

Course Benefits for Physiotherapists:

Elevate your skills in falls prevention through intentional, evidence-based exercises.
Collaborate with a community of like-minded physiotherapists seeking positive change in falls management.
Stay at the forefront of the field with insights into the latest research and Practical applications.

Take the Lead in Falls Prevention: Join us in taking the lead in falls prevention. Embrace the challenge of optimizing functional ability, empowering your clients to move confidently and age actively.

Secure your spot!

Register for The Balance Course and become a trailblazer in falls prevention within your physiotherapy practice. Elevate your skills, redefine “safe,” and make a lasting impact on the lives of those you serve. Course objectives:

Understand the principal components of balance in the human body.
Identify key balance deficits in patients with common neurological disorders.
Determine which assessment tool is most appropriate in specific situations
Benefit from evidence based tools
Guide therapist to effective assessment and treatment planning
Understand the principal theories of human movements Understand the principals of motor learning and neuroplasticity
Understand principals of frequency, intensity and duration of treatment

Course Dates:

March 21-22, 2026 Toronto, Ontario

April 18-19, 2026 Waterloo, Ontario

May 23-24, 2026 North Bay, Ontario

September, 2026 Halifax, Nova Scotia

September, 2026 St John’s, Newfoundland

October 17 & 24, 2026 Ottawa, Ontario

November 7-8, 2026 Toronto, Ontario

Cost: per participant $650 + taxes (Hard copy binder included)

Hours: This course is two full days (8 hrs) 8:30 am to 4:30 pm/each day

Audience: All health care providers working with persons with balance issues can benefit from the course. All courses have a maximum of 30 participants which will enable the instructor to spend quality time with the participants.

Host: Offer this course in your work setting. Be a host and have us come to you. We have enjoyed bringing this course to many hospital rehabilitation departments. The advantage of hosting is you get to pick the people, the place and time/dates. The host person gets to participate at no charge for the work involved in organizing the logistics around the course.

Contact Chantal von Schoenberg directly for more information.