Iowa BPI Therapists

Dana Johnson


Response to UBPN questionnaire:
NOTE: Only questions answered are included here

Are you a physical or occupational therapist, and does your center offer physical and/or occupational therapy for children and adults with brachial plexus injuries?

Physical Therapist. I treat only infants/children. Many obstetric brachial plexus injured (obpi) patients.
Indicate the number of years of experience in treating brachial plexus injured (bpi) patients.

20+.
Identify what bpi patients you have experiece in treating (obstetrical brachial plexus, trauma, adult and/or pediatric.

Various brachial plexus injuries. Primarily obpi-only pediatrics.
How many bpi patients have you treated?

25+.
Do you follow your patients post surgically?

Yes.
Do you or your staff have a working relationship with physician(s) who are brachial plexus injury specialists?.

No.
What therapy techniques, methods and interventions do you use, including, but not limited to, aquatic therapy, hippotherapy, kinesiotaping and splinting.

  1. Early movement education model
  2. Aquatherapy
  3. PNF patients
  4. Kinesiotaping
  5. Balance, movement, direct control and gravity influence programs
.
Are you familiar with NMES/TES stimulation or other types of stimulation? If yes, what type(s) of stimulation do you use?.

I am familiar with TES stim. I do not use any.
List any specialized education or training and/or seminars or clinics you have attended in treating bpi individuals.

Seminars (some of many):
  1. Brachial Plexus Palsy Awareness Seminar
  2. Pediatric Aquatic Therapy Specialty - ATRI
  3. Motor Control, Motor Learning and Motor Development
  4. Strength Training Specialist Certification Program
  5. Certified Infant Massage Instructor
  6. Child Development Training
  7. Neuromuscular Disorders Seminar
  8. Post Surgical Management of Spinal Instrumentation
  9. American Academy for CP and Developmental Medicine
  10. Six Keys to Managing Deformities

I had worked as a PT and later as a supervisor for California Children's Services. In orthopedic clinics we would see many bpi patients for therapy.
Have you authored or co-authored any articles regarding brachial plexus injuries or participated in any research studies?

No.
Indicate any other facts that you feel would help families and individuals understand your practice

I provide in-home pediatric developmental therapy wiht emphasis on parent empowerment. Early therapy intervention is necessary to avoid secondary complications with reflexes, asymmetry, coordination n/balance and motor control.

Pediatric therapy involves the combination of play activities and day to day opportunities rather than an "exercise program". Parents involvement create the best outcome!
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