Carmel IN, May 30-31 2026

  • May 30-31, 2026

    Carmel, IN, USA
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    Non-Invasive Spinal Electrical Stimulation 

    NISE-Stim Certification Part1

    by Lorena Vargas, PT

    Target Audience: Physical Therapists (PTs), Physical Therapy Assistants (PTAs), Occupational Therapists (OTs), Physicians.

    Presented by: Lorena Vargas, PT
    Date: Saturday May 30, 2026
    Time: 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. (9 hours)

    Date: Sunday May 31, 2026
    Time: 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (7 hours)

    Course Location: BeelievAbility
    75 Executive Dr J,
    Carmel, IN 46032

    Sponsor: BeelievAbility

    Course Coordinator: Allie Watkins

    Email: beelievability@gmail.com

    Cost:

    Early Bird Discount until March 22, 2026     $660
    Group Discount (3+)                                 $660
    Regular after March 23, 2026                     $690
    Registration: Through this Jotform

    CEUs: 16 contact hours, 

     

    This course is approved for 16 hours by APTA Arkansas, California, Florida (# 50-54090), TPTA Texas

    Courses approved by other state boards in the following jurisdictions are likely accepted for licensure credit based on the state regulation:

    AL | AK | AR | CO | CT | DE | GA | HI | ID | IN | IA | KS | KY | ME | MA | MI | MO | MT | NE | NH | NC | ND | OR | PA | RI | SC | SD | UT | VT | VA | VI | WA | WI | WY

    Courses approved by other APTA chapters in the following jurisdictions are likely accepted for licensure credit based on the state regulation:

    AZ | DC | MD | MS | NM

    Please reach out to your state licensing board to confirm the currency and accuracy of this information. If you have a specific question about CEU approval for this course in your state, please direct your inquiry to info@ceuapproval.com.

    The following states are not pre-approved:  IL, LA, MN, NV, NY, NJ, OH, OK, TN, WV

    Participants licensed in states not pre-approved may file for individual approval using the instructions on this document.

                                                            

    Course Description:

    This specialized course is designed for physical therapists and clinicians seeking the most advanced applications of Non-Invasive Spinal Electrical Stimulation (NISE-Stim) to enhance clinical outcomes in children with:

    Cerebral palsy (CP)
    Hypotonia
    Spinal cord injuries, Spina Bifida
    Brachial plexus paralysis
    Other neuromotor impairments

    Course Highlights:
    ✔ Muscle Activation – Learn how NISE-Stim can be used to activate muscles, allow them to fire faster and improve strength.
    ✔ Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) – Discover effective treatment strategies for improving trunk, upper, and lower extremity control.
    ✔ Muscle & Nerve Testing – Gain expertise in assessing muscle-nerve function and optimizing stimulation parameters.
    ✔ Hands-On Training & Clinical Videos – Participate in practical sessions and review real case studies to enhance your skills.

    This course will provide step-by-step guidance on selecting optimal stimulation settings, refining treatment plans, and advancing therapy techniques for better patient outcomes.

    NO PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE OF ELECTRICAL STIMULATION IS NEEDED, BUT CLINICAL KNOWLEDGE IS NECESSARY!

    A Chattanooga Continuum or EMPI Continuum e-stim unit will be used for the course. The presenter will bring enough units and electrodes for up to 30 participants. A cheaper unit costing $70, the Twin Stim IV will be introduced as well.

    The Turtle Bracing concept will be presented as well. It allows the therapist to fabricate quick, custom molded, inexpensive bracing to UE, LE and trunk which can be remolded and adjusted to growth and fit many times.

    Biography:

    Lorena Vargas, PT, MHA is a pediatric physical therapist with nearly 20 years of experience in neurodevelopment, early intervention, and electrical stimulation. She earned her physical therapy degree in Colombia, completed a specialization in Neurorehabilitation, and later obtained a Master’s in Health Administration in the United States. Lorena is the founder and director of Sol Shine Physical Therapy in Colorado, where she provides family-centered care for infants and children with neuromuscular, developmental, neurological, and genetic conditions.

    Since 2020, Lorena has specialized in functional and neuromuscular electrical stimulation and began formal training in Non-Invasive Spinal Electrical Stimulation (NISE-Stim) in 2022. She has supported multiple in-person and virtual NISE-Stim courses as a teaching assistant and, in 2025, became an instructor for Spanish-speaking therapists. Through her clinical work and international teaching, Lorena is dedicated to expanding access to advanced rehabilitation approaches and helping children reach their fullest potential.

    For more information, visit spinalstim.net and solshinept.com

    Program Objectives:
    1. Explain the required stimulation parameters and appropriate protocols/procedures used in pediatrics.

    2. Describe the advantages, limitations, contra-indications, and indications for the use of electrical stimulation in the management of pediatric patients.

    3. Discuss the various mechanisms by which functional electrical stimulation and spinal electrical stimulation can affect the peripheral neuromuscular, peripheral vascular, skeletal as well as central nervous systems.

    4. Describe the procedures for nerve conduction testing.

    5. Explain the application of lower spinal stimulation protocols and procedures.

    6. Describe how to implement functional electrical stimulation in gait.

    7. Explain electrode placement for plexus paralysis using upper spinal stimulation.

    8. Select appropriate patients and implement surface spinal electrical stimulation in children with spina bifida or other neuromotor impairments.

    9. Advise caregivers how to properly use the stimulation at home in to achieve more effective and efficient outcome.   

    10. Explain the advantages, limitations, contra-indications, and indications for the use of Turtle Bracing for pediatric patients.

    11. Fabricate a Turtle Brace and assess the Turtle Brace for good alignment and fit.                                                     

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    Class Schedule (subject to change)

    Day 1 (9 hours)

    7:30 AM: Registration

    8:00–9:00 AM: Electrical stimulation technology (electrical parameters, electrodes). What we must know about the stimulation systems

    9:00–10:30 AM: Hands–on laboratory I: Sensory vs. muscle activation, twitch vs. tetanic contraction, symmetrical vs asymmetrical current

    10:30–11:00 AM: Research

    11:00–11:15 AM: Break

    11:15 AM–12:00 PM: Electrical excitability testing for peripheral nerve damage, upper and lower extremity, and trunk

    12:00–1:00 PM: Introducing surface non-invasive spinal cord stimulation

    1:00–1:30 PM: Lunch

    1:30–2:30 PM: Demo patient: nerve conduction testing and spinal stimulation treatment

    2:30–3:00 PM: Discussion of the evaluation findings and treatment approach

    3:00–3:30 PM: Spinal Stimulation for club foot, nerve pain, CP, scoliosis, plexus paralysis, bowel, and bladder

    3:30–3:45 PM: Break

    3:45–5:00 PM: Turtle Bracing lecture and hands-on fabrication of Turtle Braces 

    5:00–6:00 PM: Hands–on laboratory II: Various placements and settings for surface non-invasive spinal cord stimulation for lower extremity, spinal stimulation on sensory level.

     

    Day 2 Schedule (7 hours)


    7:30–8:00 AM: Review of key points

    8:00–9:00 AM: Hands-on Laboratory III: Spinal Electrical Stimulation for upper extremity and trunk for various impairments, spinal stimulation on the sensory level  Hands-On Laboratory: NISE-Stim for various impairments

    9:00–10:00 AM: Functional Electrical Stimulation

    10:00–10:15 AM: Break

    10:15–11:15 AM: Hands-On Laboratory: FES for sit-to-stand transitions, bilateral reaching, gait, transitions, crawling, and unilateral reaching

    11:15 AM–12:15 PM: Demonstration patient: assessment and treatment. Discussion of findings and treatment approach

    12:15–12:45 PM: Lunch

    12:45–1:45 PM: Five demonstration patients for class treatment

    1:45–2:00 PM: Break

    2:00–2:30 PM: Feedback on treatment

    2:30–3:30 PM: Review key points and Q&A

     

    Research:
    Motavalli, Gerti, Jan J. McElroy, and Gad Alon. "An exploratory electrical stimulation protocol in the management of an infant with spina bifida: a case report." Child Neurology Open 6 (2019): 2329048X19835656.

    Goutam Singh, PT, PhD; Anastasia Keller, PhD; et al.
    Safety and Feasibility of Cervical and Thoracic Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation to Improve Hand Motor Function in Children With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury. Neuromodulation 4/2023, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neurom.2023.04.475

    Kristin Girshin 1,2, Rahul Sachdeva, et al. Spinal Cord Neuromodulation to treat Cerebral Palsy in Pediatrics: POUNCE Multiside Randomized Clinical Trial 6/2023 Frontiers in Neuroscience, 10.3389/fnins.2023.1221809

    James J. Laskin, Zeina Waheed,et al. Spinal Cord Stimulation Research in the Restoration of Motor, Sensory, and Autonomic Function for Individuals Living With Spinal Cord Injuries: A Scoping Review, Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2022;103: 1387-97, http://www.archives-pmr.org/

    Parag N. Gad, Evgeniy Kreydin, Non-invasive Neuromodulation of Spinal Cord Restores Lower Urinary Tract Function After Paralysis, Frontiers in Neuroscience, doi: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00432

    Samejima, S. Caskey, C. D. Inanici, F. Multisite Transcutaneous Spinal Stimulation for Walking and        Autonomic Recovery in Motor-Incomplete Tetraplegia: A Single-Subject Design. Phys Ther 2022;102: DOI10.1093/ptj/pzab228.

    Anastasia Keller1,2, Goutam Singh 1,2, et al. Noninvasive spinal stimulation safely enables upright posture in children with spinal cord injury NATURE COMMUNICATIONS https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-26026-z

    Solopova IA, Sukhotina IA, Zhvansky DS, et al. Effects of spinal cord stimulation on motor functions in children with cerebral palsy. Neurosci Lett. 2017;639:192-198.

    Krucoff MO, Rahimpour S, Slutzky MW, Edgerton VR, Turner DA. Enhancing Nervous System Recovery through Neurobiologics, Neural Interface Training, and Neurorehabilitation. Front Neurosci. 2016;10:584.

    Gerasimenko Y, Gad P, Sayenko D, et al. Integration of sensory, spinal, and volitional descending inputs in regulation of human locomotion. J Neurophysiol. 2016;116(1):98-105.

    Lee NG, Andrews E, Rosoklija I, et al. The effect of spinal cord level on sexual function in the spina bifida population. J Pediatr Urol. 2015;11(3):142 e141-146.

    Sayenko DG, Atkinson DA, Floyd TC, et al. Effects of paired transcutaneous electrical stimulation delivered at single and dual sites over lumbosacral spinal cord. Neurosci Lett.2015;609:229-234.

    Shideler, B.L., et al., Toward a hybrid exoskeleton for crouch gait in children with cerebral palsy: neuromuscular electrical stimulation for improved knee extension. J Neuroeng Rehabil, 2020.

     

  • Registration


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  • Liability Waiver and Agreement

    1. Intellectual Property and Teaching Restrictions

    I acknowledge that all course materials, presentations, videos, documents, and recordings related to NISE-Stim are the intellectual property of Gerti Motavalli, LLC, protected by copyright law.
    I agree that I will not teach NISE-Stim courses, workshops, or training sessions to other therapists or professionals, nor will I reproduce, distribute, or modify any NISE-Stim materials for instructional, promotional, or commercial use.
    I may, however, educate families, caregivers, and other professionals about what NISE-Stim is, its purpose, and its general benefits—provided such communication does not constitute teaching or training in the NISE-Stim method.

    2. Purpose of Instruction

    I understand that the purpose of the Class is to provide professional education, demonstrations, and hands-on learning in Non-Invasive Spinal Electrical Stimulation (NISE-Stim).
    The Class is intended to expand professional knowledge and clinical skill and does not authorize participants to teach NISE-Stim.
    To receive full continuing education credit, I must attend the entire course as scheduled.

    3. Assumption of Risk and Safety

    I understand that participation in this Class involves the use of electrically powered therapeutic equipment. I agree to exercise appropriate care and caution in its use and acknowledge that I am responsible for my own safety and personal belongings at all times.
    I hereby release and hold harmless Gerti Motavalli, MSPT, LLC, and all affiliated instructional staff, assistants, contractors, and facilities from any and all liability for injury, loss, or damages incurred during my participation in the Class.

    4. Professional Responsibility

    I understand that the Sponsor and its affiliates are not responsible for my conduct or professional services as a licensed therapist, health professional, or provider of related services.
    I remain fully responsible for the care and safety of my own patients and for adhering to the laws and regulations governing my professional license.
    If I request mentorship from Gerti Motavalli regarding a specific patient, I acknowledge that I remain the licensed professional responsible for that patient’s care and clinical outcomes.

    5. Release of Liability

    I hereby release and hold harmless Gerti Motavalli, MSPT, LLC, its employees, contractors, assistants, and affiliates from any and all claims, damages, or causes of action arising out of or related to my participation in the Class or mentorship, including but not limited to injury, property loss, or professional disputes.

    6. Acknowledgment

    I have read and fully understood this Liability Waiver and Agreement. I voluntarily accept and agree to all terms and conditions set forth herein.

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        • Please note that in the event of unforeseen circumstances, such as sudden severe illness or canceled flights, that prevent me from attending the course, I will refund the course fee in full. However, I cannot be held responsible for any additional expenses that participants may incur, such as travel or accommodation costs.

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