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ForwardComprehensive Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation: Interventions and Strategies to Maximize Outcomes in Functional Independence and Participation
This course offers Live (in-person) only
*This course is only available to Mayo Clinic personnel* 
Course Directors: Allison Bauer, O.T., O.T.D., CSRS and Danielle Anshus, M.S., O.T., O.T.D., CSRS
October 17, 2026 - Siebens Building - Rochester, MN
Designing effective interventions for individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) goes beyond knowing the expected outcomes at each injury level. To deliver truly comprehensive care, rehab professionals must also account for the unique challenges and opportunities presented throughout the continuum of recovery.
This course addresses key components of SCI rehabilitation, including:
- Common complications that impact progress and performance in ADLs and IADLs
- Prevention and management of shoulder pain
- Seating and positioning essentials for function and skin integrity
- Optimized movement strategies for upper extremity and truncal control across injury levels
Through real-patient video analysis, case discussions, and interactive lab sessions, participants will gain hands-on experience designing and applying interventions that truly matter — from movement strategies to advanced transfer skills and implications to function. This course is designed to challenge your clinical reasoning and expand your intervention toolkit.
Target Audience
The intended audience includes occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, physical therapists, and physical therapist assistants.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:
- Identify common complications of patients with SCI and their impact on ADL and IADL performance
- Examine interventions for targeting upper extremity function and truncal control for patients with varying levels of injury in the acute and subacute setting.
- Analyze the common causes of shoulder pain and design an optimal strengthening program.
- Distinguish key components of seating for optimal positioning in order to engage in functional tasks.
Attendance at any Mayo Clinic course does not indicate or guarantee competence or proficiency in the skills, knowledge or performance of any care or procedure(s) which may be discussed or taught in this course.
PROGRAM
Saturday October 17, 2026 | |
7:30-8:00am | Registration & Continental Breakfast |
8:00-9:00 | Demographics, Clinical Syndromes, Common Complications & Functional Implications of Level of Injury |
9:00-9:45 | Early interventions for Acute Level Patients |
9:45-10:00 | Break |
10:00-10:45 | Shoulders and SCI: Pain & Exercise Progressions |
10:45 – 11:30 | Seating & Positioning for Engagement in Functional Tasks & ADLs |
11:30-12:00pm | Case Studies |
12:00-12:30 | Lunch |
12:30-1:30 | Cervical Level Injuries: Function, Goals & Transfers (Includes Lab) |
1:30-2:30 | Thoracic Level Injuries: Function, Goals & Transfers (Includes Lab) |
2:30-2:45 | Break |
2:45-4:15 | Practice Facilitation of Movement Progressions for Cervical & Thoracic Level Injuries (Lab) |
4:15-5:00 | Design Additional Interventions (Lab) |
5:00 – 5:15 pm | Q&A |
All travel and lodging expenses are the sole responsibility of the individual registrant.
Course Directors: Allison Bauer, O.T., O.T.D., CSRS and Danielle Anshus, M.S., O.T., O.T.D., CSRS
Guest Faculty
J. J. Mowder Tinney, PT, PhD, NCS is a highly experienced physical therapist, holding a PhD and multiple certifications including a Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy (NCS). With over 30 years of expertise, primarily focusing on neuromuscular deficits, she received her education from the University of Colorado – Boulder, University of Miami, and Nova Southeastern University. JJ is recognized for her outstanding contributions, receiving awards such as the Award for Excellence in Neurologic Education from the ANPT and the Marilyn Moffat Distinguished Service Award. She conducts seminars nationwide on various topics including neurological deficits, spinal cord injuries, and exercise prescription for aging adults.
Accreditation Statement
In support of improving patient care, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
Credit Statements:
PT
Physical therapy credit: Sponsored by the Program in Physical Therapy, College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic. This course meets the criteria for up to 8.0 Continuing Education Units per Minnesota Physical Therapy Rules 5601.2400, 5601.2500.
AOTA
Occupational therapy credit: Mayo Clinic - Rochester Campus is an approved provider of continuing education by the American Occupational Therapy Association #5660. The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products or clinical procedures by AOTA. At the conclusion of this conference, participants will be awarded a certificate for up to 8.0 contact hours or 0.80 AOTA CEUs.
Other Healthcare Professionals:
A record of attendance will be provided to all registrants for requesting credits in accordance with state nursing boards, specialty societies or other professional associations.
For disclosure information regarding Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development accreditation review committee member(s) and staff, please go here to review disclosures.
Available Credit
- 8.00 AOTA Contact Hours
- 8.00 PT
Mayo Clinic recognizes these types of educational programs would not be possible without your support; however, Comprehensive Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation: Interventions and Strategies to Maximize Outcomes in Functional Independence and Participation is not able to offer any opportunities at this time.
Please update your profile to let us know if you have dietary restrictions or access requirements.
Commitment to Belonging and Inclusion
Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development (MCSCPD) strives to foster a learning environment in which all individuals are valued, allowing all to achieve their fullest potential.
Every effort will be made to accommodate dietary requirements; however, some requests may not be feasible based on venue kitchen capabilities. Attendees will be contacted in advance if a dietary restriction cannot be fulfilled.
The Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development strives for fully accessible learning experiences. If you anticipate any barriers while attending this course, please reach out to the course coordinator who will be in touch with all registrants. If you need disability-related accommodations, please contact the Office of Wellness and Academic Support – Disability Access Services at MCCMS.DS@mayo.edu.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
View Cancellation and Refund Policy
All requests must be submitted in writing using the Contact Us Form.
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