Speaking Engagements

Aquatic Physical Therapy for Kids and Adults

Saturday, May 1, 2010
Children’s Hospital Spinal Muscular Atrophy Day
Waltham, MA

Laura presented at the Children’s Hospital Boston Department of Neurology’s fourth annual Boston SMA Day. This one-day conference was intended to bring researchers and families together to share the most up to date information on Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Laura presented a segment on aquatic physical therapy for kids and adults with a focus on pediatrics. The presentation showed video segments of aquatic physical therapy with a young child at Beede.

All parents of children with special needs, not just SMA, were invited to attend. This free conference took place at The Conference Center at Waltham Woods, 860 Winter Street, Waltham, MA.

Laura’s power point presentation on aquatic physical therapy for kids and adults with a focus on pediatrics. The presentation shows video segments of aquatic physical therapy with a young child, Sarah, at Beede. The purpose of each video segment is to show how aquatic physical therapy helps individuals achieve land based goals and improve overall functional abilities.

Analysis of Swim Strokes: Modifications for Neurologic, Orthopedic, and Chronic Pain Clients

1998 and 2002
American Physical Therapy Association – Combined Sections Meeting
Boston, MA

The Aquatic Section sponsored Laura Diamond to speak on “Analysis of Swim Strokes: Modifications for Neurologic, Orthopedic, and Chronic Pain Clients”
This presentation included an analysis of basic swimming strokes and their modifications for specific client populations. The purpose and role of stroke modification as a means of achieving physical therapy goals in a therapeutic aquatic program was explored.

Business Basics: Targeted Practice Areas: How to Get Started

2002
American Physical Therapy Association – Combined Sections Meeting
The Private Practice Section and the Aquatic Section
Boston, MA

Laura Diamond presented on “Business Basics: Targeted Practice Areas: How to Get Started”

This was a two-person panel contrasting two different niche private practices. The format included an introduction, 20 minute presentations by each speaker and question and answer periods. Topics that were addressed included business plan, marketing, organizational structure, contract development, locations, payer mix, profit margins, and fee schedules.

Building a Successful Cash-Based, Niche Practice – An Aquatic Therapy Manual

2001
Private Practice Section
Annual Conference & Exposition
Memphis, TN

Laura Diamond presented on “Building a Successful Cash-Based, Niche Practice – An Aquatic Therapy Manual”

This presentation addressed topics specific to the practice management of a small, cash-based, niche private practice. Specific business practices and practice models were discussed, including an aquatic based practice. Topics included: contract and site development, internal and external marketing, sole proprietorship vs. corporation, consultants, staffing, and billing/reimbursement issues. This session was designed for people who were starting a private practice or who own an existing practice and want to simplify, downside, get out of managed care and increase profit.