Innovations in PT
Innovations in Physical Therapy Track
APTA Virginia Fall Summit 2025 • South University, Richmond, VA • Oct. 25, 2025
Register for Innovations in Physical Therapy TrackPain Recovery and Integrative Systems Model (PRISM): A Whole Health Approach for Physical Therapist Practice
Presenters:
Rose M Pignataro, PT, DPT, PhD
American Board of Wound Management Certified Wound Specialist
Certified Health Education Specialist
Joe Tatta, PT, DPT
Meaghan Ellis, SPT
Description: More than 50 million American adults experience persistent pain. The rising prevalence of chronic pain, along with comorbid mental health and substance use disorders, has created an immense societal need for effective, evidence-based, non-pharmacological strategies to promote pain recovery. Pain is a multidimensional experience involving alterations in physiological structures and functions, as well as bidirectional interactions with cognitive-emotional factors. Physical therapists are uniquely positioned to assist people experiencing chronic pain by using an integrative, person-centered approach. The Pain Recovery and Integrative Systems Model (PRISM) was developed for specific, tailored use in physical therapist practice.
Learning Objectives:- Discuss the increasing need for integrative, non-pharmacologic interventions for chronic pain and the unique skill set of physical therapists in fostering a salutogenic approach to pain recovery and resilience.
- Assess components of the multimodal pain experience, including physiological impairments and functional limitations, as well as cognitive, emotional, psychological, and contextual influences.
- Apply principles of salutogenesis, psychologically informed practice, social cognitive theory, the transtheoretical model, and behavioral activation using motivational interviewing within the context of pain recovery.
- Empower improved function and quality of life using PRISM – the Pain Recovery Integrative Systems Model, to foster effective self-management incorporating pain literacy, therapeutic movement, resilience, a sense of purpose, and a supportive context.
Animal Rehabilitation - A Growing Demand
Presenter:
Cynthia Kolb, PT, DPT
Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist
Description: The field of animal rehabilitation is the fastest growing field in veterinarian medicine. Physical therapists have played a key role in the development and training of practitioners in this area. This presentation will have a comparison anatomy introduction between a canine and human, discuss the common rehab conditions seen in the small animal patient, along with treatment techniques borrowed from human rehab. Case studies will be included along with video presentation. Current language in both the Virginia Physical Therapy and Veterinarian Practice Act will be discussed in regard to being an Animal Physical Therapist, along with the stressed need to be an active part in our physical therapy organizations.
Learning Objectives:- Analyze the anatomical differences and similarities between canine and human patients and evaluate how treatment techniques used in canine rehabilitation have been adapted from human physical therapy.
- Identify the most common neurological and orthopedic conditions in canine patients and apply appropriate treatment techniques for these conditions.
- Discuss and evaluate case studies to demonstrate an understanding of physical therapy treatment techniques through active engagement.
- Understand and interpret the current Virginia practice acts for both the Veterinary Medical field and the Physical Therapy field, and advocate for the involvement of Physical Therapists in their professional organizations to protect this unique field of rehabilitation.
Fitting into the World of Lifestyle Medicine
Presenters:
Valeria Niehaus, PT, DPT
Mark Niehaus, MD, FACP, FAAP
Description: The prevalence of widespread lifestyle-linked chronic disease and the shift to value-based care is providing space for the role of physical therapy in lifestyle modification and disease prevention. As physical therapists and physical therapist assistants, it is important that we gain knowledge to compliment lifestyle medicine strategies that are practiced today in primary care. Physical therapists and assistants have the opportunity to spend a greater amount of time with patients than most other clinicians. Educating ourselves in the six components, or pillars, of lifestyle medicine according to the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) will enhance our practice and provide more comprehensive care to our patients that can lead to better physical therapy-related outcomes. The six pillars of lifestyle medicine are: nutrition, physical activity, restorative sleep, stress management, avoidance of risky substances, and social connection. This session will provide a deeper of understanding of lifestyle medicine, the role of physical therapists and assistants in educating patients on the six pillars, incorporating these strategies into clinical practice, and furthering education and training of this modality of evidence-based healthcare.
Learning Objectives:- Understand the definition of Lifestyle Medicine, the components that make up this specialty, and the link to the prevalence of lifestyle-linked chronic conditions.
- Learn and identify the 6 pillars of Lifestyle Medicine.
- Understand the space that physical therapy may have in complementing the lifestyle medicine practiced by a primary care physician.
- Incorporate lifestyle medicine education and strategies into clinical practice.