In commemoration of its 50th anniversary, the University of Central Arkansas Department of Physical Therapy will host a special lecture from internationally known pain scientist and physical therapist Adriaan Louw, on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022, in Ida Waldran Auditorium from 1:40-2:30 p.m.
The lecture, titled “Pain Science Science Education: How science is changing our approach to pain,” is free, open to the public and recommended for all health care and primary science faculty, students and professionals. Louw will discuss his extensive research in pain science and how it can be incorporated into undergraduate and graduate education.
The UCA Department of Physical Therapy, led by chairperson Kevin Garrison, identified pain neuroscience as an area to develop further in its Doctor of Physical Therapy curriculum over a year ago. Associate Professor and Program Coordinator David Taylor, Professor Charlotte Yates and Clinical Instructor Lori Mize formed a task force to make opportunities like Louw’s visit possible.
“We are pleased for our students and faculty colleagues to have the opportunity to hear from an internationally known speaker on the topic of pain neuroscience in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the first graduates of the UCA physical therapy program,” Garrison said.
Louw is a certified spinal manual therapist and a certified pain specialist. He has authored and co-authored more than 50 peer-reviewed articles related to spinal disorders for pain science. He earned his bachelor’s, master’s and Doctor of Philosophy in physiotherapy from the University of Stellenbosch in Cape Town, South Africa.
In addition to his lecture, Louw will present a two-day continuing education unit (CEU)course Nov. 4-5 that will update participants on the latest evidence and clinical application of therapeutic neuroscience education for patients in pain. The course is open to physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other health care providers. To sign up for the CEU course, email Stacey Stephens, clinical instructor II, at staceys@uca.edu.
