Osteoporosis Management: An Introductory Course for Healthcare Professionals

At some point during their careers, almost all PTs and OTs will work with patients who have Osteoporosis or low bone mass. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, about 54 million Americans have Osteoporosis or low bone mass (osteopenia) which places them at risk for fragility fractures. Studies suggest that approximately one in two women and one in four men over the age of 50 will sustain such fractures. Osteoporosis also occurs in those under 50-adults, teenagers, and even children.

As therapists, we work with many different types of diagnoses. Osteoporosis may be present as a secondary diagnosis or undiagnosed. Prescribing the wrong exercises can, at the very least, be ineffective and at worst cause more harm. How do we ensure that we are screening for osteoporosis and creating a program that is safe, effective, and meets the needs of each patient?

This one day interactive course includes lecture and lab activities along with a case study. Participants will leave with an understanding of the scope of the problems, specific tests for evaluating patients, and appropriate safe exercises for an Osteoporosis program. Evidence based research, along with critical thinking will provide an understanding of the unique challenges of the osteoporotic population.

You will have the opportunity to experience Osteoporosis-safe exercises in your own body and learn visual imagery techniques. This provides your patients with optimal alignment and reduces compensatory strategies which put them at risk for future fractures. You will be able to explain the various tests for osteoporosis to your patients and provide them with education and a safety checklist when going to the gym or other fitness programs after therapy.

This course is designed for immediate application on Monday morning.

Prerequisites
None. This is a beginner-level course.

Pre-Course Learning Requirements
10-14 days before the course, participants will receive an invite to join Teachable, an online learning platform. In Teachable, registrants will find video lectures, other pre-course learning materials, course manual files, mandatory liability waiver, and URLs for any Zoom meetings. We require registrants to complete teachable components in sequential order. Videos lectures are required and must be completed in-full before proceeding to the next Teachable section. At the conclusion of the course, registrants can access their post-test and course evaluation form to provide our curriculum team feedback on their experience, as well as download their certificate of completion - all via Teachable.

Audience
This continuing education seminar is targeted to physical therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapist assistants, occupational therapist assistants, registered nurses, nurse midwives, and other rehabilitation professionals. Content is not intended for use outside the scope of the learner's license or regulation.