Full Course Description

Sex Hormones, the Female Brain, and the Birth Control Pill

Ovulation is just the tip of the iceberg. Women’s sex hormones can turn BILLIONS of cellular switches on and off throughout the body, all at one time. Understand the impact of sex hormones for patients who are, both on and off the pill in this science-backed and in-your-face presentation that exposes the most commonly overlooked implications for sex hormones and hormonal birth control. With effects on stress, hunger, emotional regulation, pain perception, mood, learning and more, there’s more to the pill than meets the eye (or ovaries).

Program Information

Objectives

Determine the hormonal differences between women who are on and off hormonal birth control.
Evaluate the differences between different types of hormonal contraceptives available and how they can impact patients’ experiences.
Investigate the range of psychological and experiential side effects that women can have on the pill.
Employ a series of self-care strategies that patients can use to troubleshoot their side effects and (if necessary) their hormonal birth control.

Outline

Hormones and the Brain

How hormones work in the body
Women’s sex hormones
Estrogen, progesterone, testosterone
Understanding the cyclic nature of the ovulation
The effects of women’s sex hormones on the brain

How Hormonal Birth Control Works

Suppression of the HPG axis, replacement with synthetics
Different categories / generations of synthetics
Different delivery modalities – why IUDs are and are not different

Often Overlooked Impact on Patient Care

Who does a woman become on hormonal birth control?
Mood and emotional regulation
- Bad: anxiety, mood disorders
- Good: palliative for women with PMS / PMDD
Sexual Desire and Function
Weight training and muscle mass
Stress hormones & inflammation
Effects on hunger, weight gain
Risk of osteoporosis

Patient Education and Empowerment

What’s in their pill?
Tuune for medical practice
Tracking tactics
Self-care strategies for symptom management

Target Audience

Athletic Trainers
Chiropractors
Nurses
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapy Assistants

Copyright : 04/13/2023

Post Pregnancy Pains

Make the transition into mom life easier with effective tools for the aches and pains that go hand in hand with having a baby. Explore the biomechanical and hormonal changes that impact the musculoskeletal system alongside proven strategies to restore function post-partum. Learn today’s best techniques for therapeutic exercise, postural modifications, and low-cost tools to restore core function and reduce pain for common post-partum issues.

Program Information

Objectives

Investigate the anatomic and physiologic changes related to pregnancy and postpartum and how they affect evaluation and intervention.
Perform an appropriate evaluation of a pregnant or postpartum patient with musculoskeletal dysfunction or pain.
Assess for diastasis rectus abdominis with objective measurement skills.
Demonstrate proper breathing techniques to help stabilize the core.
Assess functional planes of motion and develop treatment plan based on these planes of motion.
Demonstrate progressions and regressions for strength training and exercises.
Develop an exercise plan to get a postpartum woman back to exercising.

Outline

Musculoskeletal Changes Associated with Pregnancy and Associated Dysfunction

Biomechanical changes
Hormonal implications
Postural adaptations
Low back, neck, and shoulder pain
Core weakness/diastasis recti
Incontinence

Exercise, Manual Therapy and Simple Interventions to Reduce Pain and Optimize Function

Enhance Core Function:
- Diaphragmatic breathing techniques
- External pelvic floor exercises
- Exercise progressions and regressions
Shoulder, Neck and Low Back Pain:
- Manual therapy techniques
- Therapeutic exercise
- Kinesiology taping
Modifications to posture for baby care that reduce pain

Target Audience

Athletic Trainers
Chiropractors
Nurses
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapy Assistants

Copyright : 04/13/2023

Endometriosis Unmasked: A Functional and Whole-Body Approach to Symptom Management

Endometriosis is not just a “simple” pelvic condition or a painful period. It’s a debilitating full-body disease and it took me 16 years to get a diagnosis. Sadly, that’s common for many women. We will expose the most common myths and misconceptions about endometriosis, the 5 mistakes I made early on with my own endo, and how you can better help your patients thrive. Big pharma and surgery are NOT the only way to manage endometriosis. You’ll learn a holistic approach to treatment that will enhance your patient care and drastically improve your quality of life.

Program Information

Objectives

Evaluate endometriosis and debunk misconceptions.
Assess which endometriosis symptoms one may be overlooking while treating patients.
Determine how to correctly treat patients without pharmaceuticals.
Utilize wholistic options to support those diagnosed with endometriosis.
Extrapolate why a multidisciplinary approach is needed for endo patients to thrive.

Outline

A&P of Endometriosis and Common Treatment

Hormone driven
Chronic, systemic inflammation
Medications
A pill for every ill mentality
Hysterectomy
Ablation
Excision Surgery

Red Flags and Symptoms that Could Mean Endometriosis

Painful and irregular periods
Nerve pain
Fertility issues
Extreme abdominal bloating
Nutrient deficiency
Weight gain
Sleep issues
Chronic inflammation
Mood disorders
Acne
Hormonal migraines
Bleeding outside of the menstrual cycle
Unexplained illnesses
Depression
Anxiety

Patient Evaluation and Diagnosis

Hormone Balance & Testing
5 critical questions to ask in evaluation
Laparoscopy
Excision Surgery

Wholistic Solutions for Symptom Management

Targeted nutrition tips
Sleep
How to modify exercise plans
Stress reduction tactics
Coping with a chronic illness
Lymphatic drainage optimization
DUTCH Testing
Gi Mapping
Mindset techniques to optimize chronic illness mental health
Detoxification protocols
Cycle Syncing
Pelvic Physical therapy

Target Audience

Athletic Trainers
Chiropractors
Nurses
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapy Assistants

Copyright : 04/13/2023

Conscious Cancer Care: A PT’s Personal Experience and Clinical Insights

Our current evaluation and treatment procedures of pre-op and post-op cancer patients needs to be rewritten. One in two people in the United States may have a cancer diagnosis. Karen Pryor’s journey with bilateral mastectomy brought her face to face with an outdated system of protocols, that warrant revision. The process of diagnosis, surgery and treatments are primarily fear based. Patient’s today, when armed with knowledge, demonstrate reduced anxiety and participate in their self-care and have improved functional outcomes.

Consider the deep history of your patient to determine therapy progression. In this recorded session, take the humorous and serious journey with Karen and discover how to empower you patients and yourself.

Program Information

Objectives

Develop Pre-op and Post-op gentle treatment techniques that support recovery and healing.
Construct home programs utilizing integrative knowledge of nutraceuticals, mindfulness, and hydration.
Investigate scar tissue mobilization techniques through early post-op treatment to reduce fear avoidance behavior and pain.

Outline

Pre-op & Post-op Treatment Techniques for Recovery

Testing, teaching to patient, guidance for family support
Clothing, support foam wedges and pillows

Designing Home Programs

Teaching the patient from identification of a mass to after surgery and nutritional support
Foods to avoid
The body listens to every word and thought

Post-op Treatment & Scar Management

Scar tissue manual therapy
Webbing/cording and what to do to increase flexibility
Self range of motion and frequency. Pain reduction and increased rest

Target Audience

Athletic Trainers
Chiropractors
Nurses
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapy Assistants

Copyright : 04/13/2023

Take Charge over PCOS: Nutrition and Lifestyle Strategies to Combat Symptoms

Women everywhere are searching for the answers to their PCOS symptoms and striking out. Having PCOS herself, Angela knows how frustrating living with this condition can be and firmly believes that you can help patients take back control. She has dedicated her career to be on the leading-edge of helping people with PCOS improve their health and has evidence-based nutrition strategies to enhance your patient care. Learn her top tips for managing reproductive and metabolic aspects of PCOS along with unwanted symptoms and beneficial supplements.

Program Information

Objectives

Determine common symptoms, diagnostic criteria and lab tests used to identify PCOS.
Implement targeted nutrition interventions for improving insulin resistance.
Utilize effective and evidence-based lifestyle practices in the treatment of PCOS.

Outline

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes, related conditions, Diagnosis

Rotterdam criteria:
- Hyperandrogenism
- Ovulatory dysfunction
- Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound
Obesity, inflammation, increased LH, infertility, depression, anxiety, eating disorders
Insulin resistance
Use of Oral contraceptives, metformin (currently off label for PCOS) and GLP-1s (also off label)

Lifestyle as Medicine to Heal PCOS

Nutrition
Tips for managing blood sugar and cravings
Benefits of adding healthy fats
Intermittent fasting
Non-Diet approach to PCOS
Dietary supplements
Stress management
Physical activity
Sleep

Target Audience

Athletic Trainers
Chiropractors
Nurses
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapy Assistants

Copyright : 04/13/2023

Eat for the Health of it

What can we eat to improve the immune system, build normal tissues and reduce abnormal cell growth? There is plenty of information available to help us understand the role of food as health support. “Let thy food be thy medicine and exercise is essential.” Karen Pryor PhD, PT, DPT, ND, CH, CPRCS will delve into facts and stories of how changing what patients eat, combined with their activity level, changed their health, inflammation and pain levels. Whether pre-op, post-op, oncology patient or physical trauma, food may change the healing ability and energy levels.

Program Information

Objectives

Evaluate and list anti-inflammatory foods.
Empower the patient with knowledge regarding nutritious food to eat and those foods to avoid.
Apply alkaline nutrition to inhibit cancer cell growth.
Construct home programs utilizing knowledge of nutraceuticals, mindfulness, and hydration.

Outline

Farming the same soil
Nutrients needed for healing
Anti-inflammatory foods and calming the patient
Where to shop and how to clean food
Movement and inertia – exercise is key
Gerson diet and philosophies of thought for healing
Take away information for patient consultation and information

Target Audience

Athletic Trainers
Chiropractors
Nurses
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapy Assistants

Copyright : 04/13/2023

No Birth Control, Now What? Tips for Helping Patients Transition off the Pill

Hormonal contraceptives are prescribed for a growing number of symptoms, not all of which are even tied to birth control. As women begin to think about stopping the pill, they are faced with more questions than answers. Will I get my period back? When will fertility return? How can I navigate post pill symptoms? Restore hormone balance and create a healthy and healing blueprint using food and a mind-body approaches to get to the root cause of period & fertility problems.

Program Information

Objectives

Determine self-care strategies for patients who are transitioning off the pill.
Determine diet and lifestyle strategies to educate patients to promote hormone health, symptom free cycles, and cycle regularly.
Integrate lifestyle and nutrition strategies that can promote fertility.

Outline

The Female Body and Birth Control

What symptoms/conditions that it is prescribed for outside of being used as a contraceptive
How birth control impacts the body and the menstrual cycle

Overlooked Side Effects of the Birth control Pill

Side effects: Mood, weight gain, migraines, acne, irregular cycles, heavy cycles
Family Planning and Trying to Conceive
When will fertility return after stopping birth control?
Stressors challenging fertility

What are the 3 Overlooked Factors here:

Mistake 1: Lack of post birth control support (My 4 Pillars to nourish your body in the transition off birth control)
Mistake 2: Lack of Cycle Awareness (the education on how your cycle functions, what to expect from a healthy cycle, and how to decode different cycle symptoms and HOW to prioritize what areas for support).
Mistake 3: Lack of diet and lifestyle foundations for women’s health (the 8 pillars I find essential to address to create sustainable hormone health moving forward)

The 4 Pillars to Address when stopping birth control

The 4 pillars for post birth control balance
Replete nutrients/blood sugar balance—implications of undereating and low blood sugar
Daily Detox Support
Stress Balance and Adrenal Support
Gut Nourishment

Creating Cycle Awareness:

Women need to be educated on their female bodies
What does a healthy cycle look like?
What to expect from a healthy cycle?
How to decode different cycle symptoms and HOW to prioritize what areas for support

Creating Foundations For Healthy Hormones

Nutrition Based Interventions
Nervous System Balacne
Circadian support: Light exposur,meal timing, sleep routines
Blood Sugar Balance: Meal timing, type, and total amount
Balanced Exercise- Implications of over-exercising

TTC

Reflecting on the 3 mistakes- particularly related to this population
Preconception runway 3-6 months (intentional support)
Steps for support prior to fertility treatments

Patient Education and Empowerment- The Big Takeway’s, What can YOU do?

Education on the 4 pillars (awareness of this) to support the body post birth control
Cycle charting and awareness
Self-care strategies for symptom management
When to refer for lab testing
Supplemental support and intervention

Target Audience

Athletic Trainers
Chiropractors
Nurses
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapy Assistants

Copyright : 04/13/2023

Tackling autoimmunity with targeted nutrition and lifestyle tactics

Autoimmunity is on the rise. It’s the third most common cause of chronic illness in the US and women lead the pack as 80% of those affected. Sadly, it takes an average of 4.5 years to get diagnosed. We owe it to ourselves and our patients to better understand how to manage the condition holistically. Dive into environmental and physiological risk factors, when and how to properly test and powerful nutrition and lifestyle tactics that manage autoimmune dysfunction at the cellular level.

Program Information

Objectives

Evaluate the definition and prevalence of, as well as diagnostic measurements (subjective and objective) for common autoimmune conditions.
Assess the 3 primary causes of autoimmunity: genetics, gut dysfunction, and environmental triggers.
Determine a customized and systemized approach to optimizing the management of autoimmunity via personalized nutrition, supplementation, gut repair, activity, sleep, mindfulness, and avoidance of environmental toxins.

Outline

Autoimmunity is On the Rise

Definition and prevalence
Different forms
Identification
- Common symptoms – subjective assessment
- Lab values – objective assessment
Causes
- Genetic predisposition
- Intestinal hyperpermeability
- Environmental trigger

Holistic management of Autoimmunity

Diet/Nutrition
Supplementation
Gut repair
Activity/Exercise
Sleep optimization
Stress management
Reduction/omission of environmental toxins

Target Audience

Athletic Trainers
Chiropractors
Nurses
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapy Assistants

Copyright : 04/14/2023

Core and Pelvic Floor – Identifying and Treating Pelvic Floor Dysfunction from Outside of the Pelvis

Spoiler alert: it’s not just a mom problem!! 1 in 3 women seen in a primary care setting will have pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD). With symptoms ranging from lower urinary tract issues and incontinence to pelvic pain and sexual problems, you need simple assessments that quickly pinpoint the problem. With the large co-incidence of other pain conditions such as low back and abdominal pain, learn practical exercises to reduce symptoms and enhance function. Walk away with straight forward techniques to identify and treat pelvic floor dysfunction externally, as well as when and where to refer if needed.

Program Information

Objectives

Investigate strategies to appropriately screen for pelvic floor dysfunction in their patient population.
Demonstrate treatment techniques and exercises to normalize function of the pelvic floor and improve body awareness.
Determine which patients are appropriate for a pelvic floor physical therapy referral.

Outline

Pelvic Floor & Anatomy overview

Pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function
Other Muscles that Work with the Pelvic Floor

Screening for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (PFD)

Pregnancy and Postpartum
PFD Symptoms Overview
Subjective Exam

External PFM Assessment

PFD Treatments
Kegel overview
To Kegel or not to Kegel?
Other exercises for the PFM
Dilators, Pelvic Wands, Vaginal Weights – oh my!

Appropriate Referrals

Red flags and when to refer
Where to find referral partners

Target Audience

Athletic Trainers
Chiropractors
Nurses
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapy Assistants

Healthy Aging for Women in the Menopausal years

In this recorded session, view Dr. Keri Marshall, Naturopathic Doctor and Epidemiologist as she discusses the health challenges and nutrient gaps that women face as they age and how they impact one another. You’ll walk through some of the latest research about what is driving nutrient shortfalls, and how that may have negative health consequences, especially in the aging body. Explore many of today’s hottest topics including the microbiome, hormone imbalance, weight management and more! This proven framework for optimal aging builds a lasting foundation for bone, muscle, heart, and brain health.

Program Information

Objectives

Investigate the interconnected link between sleep and stress, as well as the other systems in the body that can be impacted when the body is out of balance.
Determine which macronutrients can help support healthy aging for and what dose of specific nutrients can help to fill key essential nutrient gaps, to help restore the body back to health and build a lasting foundation for bone, muscle, heart, and brain health.
Assess the role the digestive and immune systems, along with the microbiome, play in ensuring the right balance of hormones and neurotransmitters are being created, to ensure quality sleep, maintain mental wellness and build stress resilience.
Integrate diet and lifestyle tips for your patients to help support stress, digestion, optimal sleep, and bone health.
Determine which nutrients and botanicals may have potential drug interactions, including which ones may have a supportive role.

Outline

Health is a complex system of interdependent and interrelated factors

Nutrition crisis in the US
Interconnectivity of gut health, the immune system, inflammation and mood
Stress and disrupted sleep and the downstream effect
Treat the cause, not just the symptoms

Changes in a women’s body after 50 and treatment recommendations

Physical changes – connective tissue: joint, bones, muscles, hair and nails
Brain health, cognition, and mood
Hormones and weight management
Menopausal symptoms

Current US Dietary Guidelines and Nutrient Recommendations

Optimizing nutrient intake
Translate latest nutrition research into clinical practice
Good fat verses bad fat and its role in inflammation

What is Healthy Aging?

Longevity and intrinsic (e.g., genetic), and extrinsic (e.g., lifestyle, diet, and environmental) factors
Building resilience
Optimizing joint and muscle health
Building a better brain
Balancing hormones (not just estrogen, but hinger and stress hormones too!)

Macro and micronutrients to restore health and build a foundation

Science-based nutrition recommendations
Balancing macronutrients
Nutrient shortfalls impact health and physiology
Food intolerances, gut health, and the microbiome
Tips for integrating healthier eating

Managing joint health, inflammation and chronic pain

Anti-inflammatory diet
Exercise, core training and daily movement
Maintain healthy body mass and prevent sarcopenia

Breast health, pelvic floor and urinary tract health maintenance

Self-exams and self-care
Pelvic floor strengthening
Urinary incontinence and leakage
Urinary Tract hygiene

Integration of care and services to optimize patient care

Stress management tools
Tips to improve sleep hygiene
Dietary interventions and dosing for dietary supplements
Hydrotherapy, exercise and conditioning
When to refer and to who

Case Studies, Drug Nutrient/Herb Interactions

Target Audience

Athletic Trainers
Chiropractors
Nurses
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapy Assistants

Behavior Change and Making Habits Stick

Lifestyle is discussed as the gold standard of health care…but behavior change is not easy. And very few clinicians have actionable tools that equip patients to make healthy habits stick long term.

Learn a step-by-step framework and master this evidence based, whole person approach to treat - and often reverse – up to 80% of chronic disease. Led by nationally recognized wellbeing expert, Kara Mohr, PhD, this session explores the relationship between lifestyle, behavioral and environmental drivers alongside major modern chronic diseases.

Program Information

Objectives

Assess steps to successful behavioral changes.
Utilize appropriate interview techniques to lead patients through the steps of successful change and habit implementation.
Develop elements for putting sustainable behavior changes into practice.

Outline

Process of change
Strategies to move toward positive change
Habit stacking
Learning positive habits
Unlearning negative habits
Self-monitoring
Assessing for change readiness
Fixed vs growth mindset
Leading toward change with motivational interviewing
Developing life habits and putting change into action

Target Audience

Athletic Trainers
Chiropractors
Nurses
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapy Assistants

Self-Care to Prevent Professional Burnout after COVID

Working through a pandemic in which life as we knew it was turned upside down, has left many with feelings of exhaustion and questioning aspects of daily life including our occupation. Whether related to the pandemic or a culmination of challenges, professional burnout is a struggle many healthcare professionals are facing. Dr. Vanessa Ruiz, a naturopathic physician and RN offers non-pharmacological strategies to reignite the passion for what you do. Methods such as restorative yoga, visualization, nutrition, and cognitive behavioral techniques are presented to prevent professional burnout. Leave this session with improved confidence to navigate through stressful times.

More YOU: The Power of Passion

As a busy healthcare professional, it’s easy to forget the magic that you bring to the table every day: giving your all, always listening, invariably putting the patient need’s first.

And through all of that, you may find yourself in a situation where you’re starting to feel burnt out.

I know because I’ve been there...but then found my jump-off point where I determined what I wanted – and I went for it. Through this experiential session, you’ll explore how to:

Create the window of opportunity to emphasize your skillset
Develop opportunities that align with your passion
Shine through with authenticity in everything you do
Make more space for what YOU want to do

My goal is not for you to think what I think or do what I do. My goal is for you to think, and do, what YOU have decided is right for YOU. Because after all, if you create something that can help someone, it becomes your responsibility to share it.

Live in fearless pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.

What we often forget is that we hold the key to our future. We do have choices and we will never get the things we don’t ask for.

Whether it's improving patient buy-in, treating pain, or getting a new job, more you is the mojo. So before you join me for this session, ask yourself – what are you waiting for?

Program Information

Target Audience

Athletic Trainers
Chiropractors
Exercise Physiologists
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Personal Trainers
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapy Assistants
Physicians
Physician Assistants
Strength and Conditioning Coaches