Arthritis, Osteoporosis, and Osteopenia

It is now estimated that one-third of the United States population has reported having a musculoskeletal disease. With the prevalence of this disease continuing to grow, it is important that therapists are equipped to positively impact quality of life and function for these patients. While exercise prescriptions are a very important component of treatment, it is also critical that we understand the positive and negative impact nutrition, diet and medications can play in the progressions of patient outcomes. Gaining an understanding in this area will promote the best treatment plan possible for improving pain, posture and function.

This relevant, one-day workshop will focus on a comprehensive approach to effectively treating common musculoskeletal disease. Participants will review the latestresearch, biology as well as common patient populations at risk for these diseases. Nutrition, diet and the digestive process will be analyzed so that we can gain an understanding of how we can play a positive role in this area. Pharmacological considerations will be evaluated to help participants recognize how these can effect exercise treatment. Participants will leave having the best practices for assessment and treatment of patients with arthritis, osteoporosis and osteopenia. Participants will take away exercise and strengthening considerations that will promote functional improvement for pain, posture, flexibility and overallquality of life.

Target Audience: Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants, Athletic Trainers

Highlights

• Utilizing the most optimal exercise and treatmentstrategies for improved functional outcomes for patients with arthritis, osteoporosis, and osteopenia
• Best practices for assessment, testing and clinical diagnosis of musculoskeletal disease
• Exercises and techniques to improve balance, posture, flexibility in geriatric and high risk populations
• The latest research, biology and impacts that musculoskeletal disease has on aging and function
• Analyze the importance of nutrition, how the digestivesystem works and the immune function it provides against disease and inflammation
• Pharmacology considerations for pain, calcium intake and other effects