Fall Conference

APTA Utah 51st Annual Fall Conference

November 6-7, 2026

Utah Valley University

EVENT DETAILS

12 CEU Hours + 1 Ethics

IN-PERSON ONLY

Dates: November 6-7, 2026
Times: Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm & Saturday 8:00 am-3:00 pm

Ethics Presentation will be Saturday 7:00 - 8:00 AM.

Location: Utah Valley University

ORTHO & NEURO TRACK
Adriaan Louw, PT, PhD, CSMT

"Integrating Pain Science, Movement, and Neuroplasticity in Modern Rehabilitation"

Join us for a comprehensive, evidence-based deep dive into modern pain science and its direct application to clinical practice. This multi-session educational series, led by internationally recognized expert Adriaan Louw, PT, PhD, is designed to equip physical therapists and healthcare providers with practical tools to better understand, assess, and treat pain across the continuum of care.

Grounded in the latest neuroscience, this program explores the evolution of pain models, the role of the brain and nervous system in pain experiences, and the critical influence of beliefs, behaviors, and early interventions on long-term outcomes. Attendees will gain a clear framework for identifying pain mechanisms—including nociceptive, neuropathic, and nociplastic pain—and learn how to tailor evaluation and treatment strategies accordingly.

Through a combination of lectures and step-by-step clinical guidance, participants will learn how to effectively implement pain neuroscience education (PNE), integrate it with movement-based therapies, and apply techniques such as graded exposure, pacing, manual therapy, and graded motor imagery. The series also addresses real-world clinical considerations including patient communication, therapeutic alliance, documentation, coding, and time management.

Special emphasis is placed on early intervention strategies to prevent the transition from acute to chronic pain, the integration of hands-on and hands-off approaches, and the application of pain science principles in athletic and performance populations.

This course series is ideal for clinicians seeking to enhance patient outcomes, reduce chronicity, and immediately translate cutting-edge pain science into everyday practice.

Adriaan Louw, PT, PhD, CSMT
Adriaan earned his undergraduate degree, master’s degree, and PhD in physiotherapy from Stellenbosch University in Cape Town, South Africa. He is an adjunct faculty member at St. Ambrose University and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, teaching pain science. Adriaan has taught throughout the US and internationally for 25 years at numerous national and international manual therapy, pain science, and medical conferences. He has authored and coauthored more than 100 peer-reviewed articles related to spinal disorders and pain science. Adriaan completed his PhD on pain neuroscience education and is the director of the Therapeutic Neuroscience Research Group—an independent collaborative initiative studying pain neuroscience. Adriaan is senior faculty, pain science director, and vice president of faculty experience for Evidence in Motion.

PEDIATRIC TRACK

COMING SOON

Tuition Rates:

Annual Fall Conference Highlights

• Local and National Exhibitors

• APTA Utah Business Meeting Luncheon Friday

• Research Presentations on Saturday