THERMOGRAPHIC DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING
Graded Motor Imagery for the treatment of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Graded Motor Imagery for the treatment of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Topic: Eliminating Chronic and Recurrent Pain with Posture Therapy

Date Aired: Wednesday, March 22, 2017

Presenter: Mark Butler, PT, DPT, OCS, Cert. MDT


Webinar Overview:

The traditional method of treating patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) by encouraging exercises or movements that increase pain levels often results in less than ideal outcomes.  By taking into account the changes to the brain and nervous system that occur when someone is suffering from long-term chronic pain, and by using the latest research in how the brain and neural tissue adapts and learns new tasks, we are changing our focus from a body-based to a brain-based treatment program.

The practice of using focused imagery by athletes to increase performance is well known.  Clinical studies have shown increased strength gains from this practice alone.  Therapists are seeing promising results by applying this principle known as Graded Motor Imagery (GMI) in treating patients with CRPS and other chronic pain syndromes.  In this presentation, he will review the basic science behind this treatment and through a case study example demonstrates the 4-stage GMI process as a successful rehabilitation intervention.


About the Presenter:

Mark has taught over 200 weekend courses on Neural Mobilization, Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization, Examination & Treatment of the Shoulder, Cervical Spine, Lumbar Spine, Therapeutic Taping, and Radiology.  He has presented at more than 25 national and regional conferences on Neural Mobilization, Brachial Plexopathies, the Shoulder, and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.

He is fortunate to be honored as one of the therapists selected on an annual basis to receive the prestigious James Tucker Excellence in Clinical Practice and Teaching Award by the New Jersey chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association.  Currently he manages the Medford NovaCare office where he carries a full caseload.