Sports Physical Therapy
8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (7.5 CE hours) | Friday, May 1, 2026 | UNMC Omaha Campus
UNMC’s Physical Therapy program is offering elective courses as part of our DPT curriculum, and we are excited to open the remaining available spots to clinicians who are interested.Course Description
This is an in-person, one-day course designed to enhance skills and knowledge in the area of sports physical therapy. Topics will include advanced testing and assessment techniques, and advanced exercise prescription and dosing for athletes. This course will emphasize using clinical reasoning and evidence- based practice for enhancing management of sports-related conditions. This course includes a lab.
- Blood flow restriction training
- Upper and lower extremity return-to-sport testing and progression
- Advanced plyometric and strengthening exercise progression
- Injury prevention and performance enhancement programs
- Comprehensive management considerations in the high performance athlete
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Select and apply appropriate assessment methods and intervention techniques for musculoskeletal injuries in the sports PT setting.
- Identify and progress plyometric and strengthening exercises for athletes with sports injuries.
- Identify and interpret tests and measures to determine an athlete’s readiness to return to sport.
- Select and apply appropriate screening criteria and treatment parameters for various training modalities used in the sports PT setting.
- Identify other healthcare professionals and select appropriate screening tools to foster holistic management of the injured athlete.
8:05 – 8:30: Blood Flow Restriction Training for Rehabilitation of the Athlete
8:30 – 9:00: Plyometrics for Athletic Performance
9:00 – 9:20 Workload Progression to Optimize Athlete Recovery
9:20-9:30: Break
9:30-10:05: Return to Sport After Injury
10:05 - 10:20: Injury Prevention Programs for Athletes
10:40 – 11:10 Arm Care for the Overhead Athlete
Transition to Center for Health Living Gym for lab
11:15-12:00: Lab: Arm Care for the Overhead Athlete
12:00 -1:00: Lunch (on own)
1:00-2:15: Lab: Return to Sport Testing
2:15-2:25: Break
2:25-2:50: Lab: Performing Plyometrics
2:50-3:15: Lab: Injury Prevention Programs for Athletes – FIFA11+
3:15 – 3:55: Lab: Blood Flow Restriction Exercise
Transition to Classroom
4:00-4:50: Collegiate and Professional Athlete Rehabilitation Panel
4:50-5:00: Quiz & Course Evaluations
Sr. Associate Athletic Director of Performance/Physical Therapist
University of Nebraska Omaha Athletics
Mike Rosenthal PT, MPT, DSc, ATC
Board Certified Specialist in Sports Physical Therapy
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Zach Specht, PT, DPT
Board Certified Specialist in Sports Physical Therapy
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
Nebraska Medicine
Douglas Tvrdy PT, DPT
Board Certified Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
Madonna
Liz Wellsandt, PT, DPT, PhD
Board Certified Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Mike Wellsandt, PT, DPT
Board Certified Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Cost
$200 for clinical sites and alumni ($300 regular price)
Cancellation/Refund Policy:
100% if canceled two weeks in advance (by April 18).
50% if canceled up to two days prior to the course.
No refund if canceled the day before the course.
Contact
Email ptconed@unmc.edu with any questions regarding this course.