APTA Orthopedics Hot Topic Sessions at CSM 2026

Discover the top sessions curated by APTA Orthopedics. From cutting-edge research to breakthrough treatments and multi-systemic approaches to common conditions, these "Hot Topic" sessions are designed to elevate your clinical practice and offer something essential for every orthopedic professional.

A Multi-Systemic Approach to Tendinopathies: Muscle-Tendon Tissue, Brain, Psychology, and Systemic Disease

Description:

Traditional rehabilitation for tendinopathies often overlooks the complex interplay between biomechanical, neurological, psychological, and systemic factors. This session introduces a multi-systemic framework for understanding conditions like rotator cuff, Achilles, and patellar tendon disorders. You will learn to integrate research findings on:

• Local muscle-tendon tissue properties.

• Central pain processing and sensorimotor deficits.

• The influence of psychological factors (e.g., fear-avoidance).

• The role of systemic diseases (e.g., diabetes, metabolic syndrome).

Attendees will gain clinically applicable skills to incorporate biomechanical, neurophysiological, and psychosocial assessments into their decision-making, using case studies to illustrate how targeting both local and systemic factors leads to enhanced tendon adaptation and functional recovery.

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What Every Orthopedic Therapist Should Know about CRPS

Description:

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a challenging condition where essential physical touch and movement can be perceived as a threat. Since most cases occur after orthopedic injuries, a working knowledge of CRPS is critical for all orthopedic therapists. This session provides a deep dive into the pathological central nervous system changes—including alterations in brain maps, neurotransmitters, and pain pathways—that manifest clinically as neglect, allodynia, hyperalgesia, and problems with laterality.

You will learn essential physical testing techniques, including two-point discrimination, laterality recognition, and neurodynamics. Based on current best-evidence, the session will thoroughly cover the use of Graded Motor Imagery as a treatment strategy, integrating:

• Pain Neuroscience Education

• Laterality Training

• Motor Imagery

• Sensory Discrimination

• Mirror Therapy

Equip yourself with the knowledge to effectively assess and treat CRPS and ensure the best outcomes for your patients.

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Blending Pain Neuroscience Education with Movement in PT - A Step By Step Practical Guide

Description:

Persistent pain often includes spreading pain, fatigue, and cognitive issues, creating high frustration for patients. The good news is that Pain Neuroscience Education (PNE) has demonstrated efficacy in decreasing pain, disability, fear-avoidance, and catastrophizing—even surpassing some pharmacological approaches. Crucially, patients who understand their pain are better able to move. This session focuses on the current best-evidence supporting a blend of education, movement, and nervous system calming strategies (PNE+). This clinical step-by-step session will showcase various pain metaphors and movement strategies embedded with pacing and graded exposure to create meaningful change in people with persistent pain. This session is a must for all therapists treating people in pain.

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Explore All APTA Orthopedics Sessions

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