Full Course Description

Pelvic Floor Function

Pelvic floor issues are not just a mom problem. They are more common than you realize – the taboo nature of the topic makes it difficult for patients to bring up.

On top of that, many therapists don’t feel comfortable addressing issues around pelvic floor dysfunction.

You’ll learn strategies to confidently identify and treat pelvic floor issues that are bringing down the quality of life of your patients. Being able to move is a necessity for health – and it should not be embarrassing or painful.

Walk away with practical and useful techniques that can be implemented immediately within your practice.

Program Information

Objectives

Develop an understanding of why pelvic floor function and dysfunction is important in our role as health care practitioners.
Inspect the anatomy and physiology of the pelvic floor and supporting structures.
Determine the most common conditions associated with pelvic floor dysfunction.
Evaluate how to properly assess for pelvic floor dysfunction from an external perspective.
Investigate treatment techniques and exercises to normalize function of the pelvic floor and improve body awareness.
Determine when it is appropriate to refer to another provider.
Construct a working list of the most common providers to have in your network.

Outline

Pelvic Floor Function

Role of the pelvic floor
Prevalence of pelvic floor dysfunction
5 functions of the pelvic floor

Anatomy of the Pelvic Floor

Bony Anatomy
Muscles of the pelvic floor
Nerves
Ligaments
Organs

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Normal vs. Abnormal
Common Causes of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Common conditions
Pain
Incontinence
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Diastasis Recti

Evaluating Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

History
Postural Assessment
Diaphragm and Rib Cage Assessment
Lifestyle/Stress Assessment
Mobility/Range of Motion
Strength
Diastasis Recti Testing
Standardized Tests

Pelvic Floor Rehab

Manual Therapy
Exercise
Modalities
Education

Creating a Team

When to Refer to Other Providers
Special Populations
Clinical Referral Sources

Target Audience

Physical Therapists
Physical Therapy Assistants
Nurse Practitioners
Physicians Assistants
OB/GYNs
Obstetric Nurses
Doulas
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
Personal Trainers
Licensed Massage Therapist

Copyright : 09/29/2020

A Movement Pro’s Guide to Menopause: Training Strategies for Optimal Aging

At the doctor’s office, everyone gets the standard pamphlet on all the other health related issues that will arise during a woman’s life: puberty, safer sex, pregnancy, pap smears...but they never seem to have one for menopause. Yet most women will tell you, entering menopause equates to serious changes for their overall state of well-being.

This session was curated in a flash – a hot flash.

It is time that we take things into our own hands and understand that there are things we can do to age well and on our own terms.

Jessica Hill, PT, DPT, MSPT, CSCS, SFMA, FMS, will explore the physiological changes that occur and how these changes can impact both our physical performance and overall health. You will learn powerful strategies to combat the fear surrounding menopause and keep your patients striving to be their best.

You'll explore the targeted interventions that directly address the key musculoskeletal changes that typically accompany menopause: increased visceral fat and decreased bone mineral density, muscle mass and strength. You will uncover actionable exercise strategies to secure a physiological edge in aging optimally.

Program Information

Objectives

Investigate what menopause is and its physiological ramifications on a woman’s body.
Determine actionable, evidence-based exercise strategies to promote physical health, performance, and aging well in peri- and post-menopausal women.
Utilize safety and scaling considerations pertaining to menopausal physiological changes for exercise program design.

Outline

Stages of Change: Peri, Menopause + Post

Primer on hormones
Physiological ramifications
Co-morbidities of estrogen deficiency

What to Expect: Systemic Effects of Estrogen Deficiency

Body composition
- Adipose tissue - insulin resistance
- Skeletal muscle - sarcopenia
- Connective tissue – tendon, ligament, cartilage, skin
- Bone – osteopenia/osteoporosis
Cardiovascular system
- Type 2 diabetes, htn, lipid profiles, etc.
Vasomotor issues (hot flashes)
Cognition, vestibular and visual systems, immune health

Making Muscle After Menopause

Strength training
High, moderate, and light exercise training
Fast velocity training, impact training
Vestibular and visual training

Program Design - Additional Recommendations and Considerations

Scaling programs to meet needs and capabilities
Stacking modalities – strength training with speed, vestibular, visual input
Recovery considerations based upon body composition changes
Nutritional supplement strategies to optimize connective tissue and bone health

Target Audience

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

Copyright : 05/21/2021

Pelvic Changes Associated with Pregnancy & Menopause: Practical Management Techniques

With all of the systemic changes, it’s no wonder that pregnancy and menopause are challenging times for many women. As a healthcare professional, you need to be aware of the hormonal changes and their impact on the musculoskeletal system.

With over a decade of experience in pelvic floor therapy, Liz Frey, FCAMPT, will unpack the hormonal changes associated with pregnancy and menopause and shine a focused light on their impacts on the pelvis. You’ll explore:

Why the inner core is often the missing piece of the puzzle
How to connect with the diaphragm and pelvic floor to target incontinence, prolapse and dyspareunia
Exercise interventions to maximize strength and mobility

Filled with evidence-informed techniques you can use to optimize function, this is a “must attend” presentation for all healthcare professionals who work with women!

Program Information

Objectives

Evaluate the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and menopause as they relate to the female pelvis.
Differentiate pelvic conditions that affect women with and determine strategies to connect the diaphragm and pelvic floor.
Determine strategies to connect the diaphragm and pelvic floor for maximal mobility and stability.

Outline

Implications of Hormonal Changes During Pregnancy and Menopause

Overarching impact on MSK system
Impact on the pelvis
Importance of connecting with the core

Most Common Pelvic Conditions

Incontinence
Prolapse
Dyspareunia

External Strategies to Manage and Recover from Pelvic Conditions

Exercise specific do’s and don’ts
Strategies to connect the diaphragm and the pelvic floor
How to maximize strength and mobility

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

Copyright : 05/20/2021

Peri/Menopause: Empow(her)ing the Busy Woman

“Alexa, turn this hot flash off!”

“Alexa, help me get rid of this bloated belly!”

Unfortunately, it’s not always that easy. And when it comes to the curriculum from school – peri/menopause was almost completely skipped over. Now that you’re in practice, you see how common these issues really are!

You need simple yet practical solutions for these busy women who are in their 30s-50s and trying to balance their career, family and personal health.

Aimee Bailey, DPT, RYT-200, will help you to empower your patients who are struggling with peri/menopause symptoms. This session will pinpoint differences between perimenopause and menopause, what symptoms to look for, how to treat this client population and how to promote health and healthy habits.

You can help them to better understand their cycles and life phases so that they can remain healthy and active through their lifespan. You’ll learn powerful tactics that address bone health, heart health, strength, libido and more! Help your patients reduce peri/menopause symptoms with these targeted strategies in your very next session.

Program Information

Objectives

Evaluate perimenopause and menopause as well as the most common symptoms.
Integrate education, simple lifestyle changes and exercise to enhance women’s health during this phase of life.
Assess the basic role of hormones in women’s monthly cycles and how they change through the lifespan.

Outline

Perimenopause and Menopause – What's the Difference?

Path to diagnosis
Natural vs surgical/atypical presentation
Impact of hormones in these processes

Treatment Strategies for Managing the Symptoms

Cardiovascular
Bone heatlh
Musculoskeletal
Mental

How Mindset Plays a Pivotal Role

Empow(her)ing busy women
Presenting a positive outlook
Increasing Knowledge is the Key to Power

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

Copyright : 05/20/2021

Master Thyroid Function with Nutrition and Lifestyle Optimization

When the answer to ‘how are you doing?’ always seems to be “I’m tired,” it's apparent that there are issues at hand. Fatigue, weight gain, constipation and depression – these are all symptoms of a thyroid that is not functioning optimally.

Women are up to 8x more likely to have thyroid dysfunction, yet most still go undiagnosed! The good news is that many of these symptoms can be addressed with simple lifestyle modifications that are proven to get big results!

Join Cindi Lockhart, RDN, LD, IFNCP as she uncovers:

Why the basic lab panel may not be enough to uncover thyroid dysfunction
When raw broccoli may not be what the doctor recommends (SAY WHAT?!?)
Streamlined strategies that optimize thyroid function, holistically

During this session, you’ll discover targeted ways to identify and address thyroid disrupters. And best of all, you’ll learn effective lifestyle strategies to naturally and holistically rebalance the thyroid.

Program Information

Objectives

Evaluate thyroid’s function in the body, how to best assess via lab testing, as well as the 3 primary types of thyroid dysfunction.
Investigate the common symptoms and environmental causes of thyroid dysfunction.
Determine a customized approach to optimizing thyroid function (and therefore energy and weight) via diet, gut health, exercise, stress reduction, and environmental exposures.

Outline

The Thyroid Hormone Pathway

Organs involved in thyroid function
Assessing thyroid function
Interpreting lab values

Thyroid Dysfunction: Symptoms and Causes

Hypo, Hyper and Autoimmune
Hashimoto’s, Grave’s disease, Thyroiditis
Common symptoms of hypothyroidism
Thyroid disruptors
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Gut dysfunction
- The many faces of stress
- Hormone imbalances, Insulin and estrogen
- Environmental toxins

Optimizing Thyroid Function, Holistically

Nutrition & diet
Goitrogens, Micronutrients, Gluten
Gut health
Exercise
Sleep
Stress management
Environmental toxins

Target Audience

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

Copyright : 05/21/2021

Estrogen Dominance: Symptoms, Causes, & Holistic Resolutions to the Ever-Common State of Estrogen Overload

The phrase “estrogen dominance” is not typically used in research, but the reality is that it’s prevalent and can occur at any stage in a woman’s life. In this session, we’re going to walk through the good, the bad and the ugly as they pertain to our bodies’ ability to metabolize and eliminate estrogen.

But what is it that causes estrogen to build up in the first place?

Integrative and functional nutritionist Cindi Lockhart, RDN, LD, IFNCP brings over 30 years of experience and expertise in women’s health issues to help you discover the underlying root causes of hormone disruption, debilitating symptoms and chronic health conditions — as well as the environmental factors that disrupt this delicate balance. Transform your outcomes and optimize patient functioning — you’ll learn:

Why having excess body fat can lead to estrogen dominance and an increased risk of breast cancer.
How to keep the intricately connected hormone system balanced
Potential implications for fertility, endometriosis, fibroids, ovarian cysts

Cindi will show you step-by-step how to create the most highly effective lifestyle protocols for your clients. You’ll teach them how to simplify, heal, thrive and get the results they’ve been waiting for!

Program Information

Objectives

Evaluate the function and metabolism of estrogen in the body, as well as the physiology of estrogen dominance.
Assess the common symptoms and causes of estrogen dominance.
Determine a customized approach to optimizing estrogen balance via diet, exercise, stress reduction, and environmental exposures.

Outline

The Sex Hormone Cycle: Estrogen and Progesterone

Function of estrogen and progesterone in the body
Metabolism of estrogen: the good, bad and ugly metabolites
What is estrogen dominance – physiology of hormone imbalance
Symptoms and associated conditions

Causes of Estrogen Imbalance

Nutrition
Gut health, the estrobolome
Adipose cells – they produce estrogen!
Stress
Medications –let’s talk birth control & HRT
Environmental sources
- Plastics
- Personal care products
- Cleaning products
- Heavy metals

Holistic Resolutions to Estrogen Overload

Nutrition
Water
Exercise
Sleep
Stress Management
Minimize environmental exposures

Target Audience

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

Copyright : 05/20/2021

Heart Disease in Women: Lifesaving Insights from a Cardiac Clinician

The differences between men and women go well beyond just the reproductive organs.

The way that women display symptomology for heart conditions is different. Heart Disease is the #1 killer of women and yet studies show that women do not receive the same cardiac care as men. Their pain is often dismissed or downplayed by doctors and they are often just sent to a psychiatrist for anxiety instead.

Your female patients depend on you. You’ll learn:

The critical differences between a male and female heart and their impact on symptoms
Red flags that other practitioners often overlook
Effective assessment strategies for identifying CVD risk

You will walk away with many pearls of wisdom from this cardiac expert to implement into your daily practice and personal life. Become the person who has the confidence and skills to deliver the very best care for your female patients!

Program Information

Objectives

Distinguish the impact of heart disease in women
Evaluate the risk factors, clinical presentation, and treatment outcomes of heart disease in women.
Appraise the strategies to have a healthy woman’s heart.

Outline

Heart Disease in Women

Heart Disease is the #1 killer of women
Epidemiology
Go Red for Women Campaign
Cardiac Risk Factors specific to women
Clinical management goals of risk factors
Gender Differences in rehab after cardiac event
Strategies to have a healthy woman’s heart
AHA Top 10 Take home messages for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease

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

Comprehensive Management of Breast Cancer

1 in 8 women are diagnosed with breast cancer, and the survival rate is increasing. A substantial amount of research and growing number of specialists help these patients through a very challenging time of uncertainty. We can help this population thrive!

Cancer rehabilitation services are greatly underutilized, and you can make a positive impact on the lives of these women. You’ll learn:

Evidence-based treatment techniques that mitigate side effects of cancer treatment
Red flags to watch out for and appropriate referral guidelines
Key components of a comprehensive risk-reduction program
How to advocate for available resources to improve quality of life

As a pivotal player in the healthcare team, you can improve function, quality of life and optimize breast cancer recovery.

Program Information

Objectives

Utilize a breast cancer case to understand breast cancer treatments and cancer treatment-related side effects, which may lead to physical, emotional, and cognitive limitations.
Apply interventions to manage breast cancer treatment-related side effects.
Evaluate the appropriateness for treatment or need for referral to the interdisciplinary care team (oncology team or other health care providers).

Outline

Breast Cancer Journey

Surgery and reconstruction
Chemotherapy
Radiation therapy
Hormone therapy

Effective Interventions for Treatment Side Effects

Musculoskeletal impairments
Lymphedema
Cardiotoxicity
Cancer related fatigue
Peripheral neuropathy/balance and falls
Cognitive deficits and psychosocial impacts

The Comprehensive Breast Cancer Care Team

Red flags to watch out for
Most common sites of metastases
Clear understanding of when to refer

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

Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias in Women: The Latest in Prevention, Intervention and Compassionate Care

Dementia is one of the fastest growing women’s issues in the world. In the U.S. over 13 million women are living with Alzheimer’s or caring for someone with it. Worldwide, women with dementia outnumber men two to one.

It’s a complicated puzzle and the latest research is showing us that sex impacts risk, diagnosis, and manifestation.

Dr. Sherrie All is a licensed clinical neuro-rehabilitation psychologist and brain health expert whose trainings on dementia care have helped professionals across the country to understand the disease and provide the best care possible.

In this critical session, Dr. All will bring you up to date on the latest research surrounding dementia in women PLUS give you tools and interventions you can use to prevent and reduce difficult behaviors and improve your ability to communicate with cognitively impaired patients. 

As someone in rehab who works with patients with dementia, this is one training you can’t afford to miss!

Program Information

Objectives

Assess how the manifestations of each type of dementia impacts identification and prognosis.
Investigate how non-verbal communication skills can help professionals identify meanings behind gestures when working with patients who have dementia.
Determine how patient safety can be enhanced with strategies to redirect wandering and manage paranoia.

Outline

Manifestations and Prognosis for Each Type of Dementia

The number one risk factor for dementia 
Dementia vs. Alzheimer's - what's the difference? 
The latest research on dementia in women
What we know about prevention

Communication Strategies to Improve Care

Smart communication strategies – avoid arguments and get down to business
Three things you should never do when talking to a person with dementia
Causes of and solutions to challenging behaviors 
Innovative communication tools you can use when communication becomes difficult or slows to a stop

Causes of and Solutions to Challenging Behaviors

Two ways to assess for a hidden cause of challenging behaviors
Sundowning — How to prevent it from happening and handle it when it does
These five signs indicate a patient might be at risk for wandering — Here's how to spot them
Hallucinations vs. delusions vs. schizophrenia — How do you tell the difference?
Paranoia management strategies

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

POST-Covid Brain: Using Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine to Increase Brain Neuroplasticity for Treatment and Prevention for Adults and Pediatric Patients

COVID Brain… the unfortunate follow-up for many COVID-19 survivors.

Unfortunately, many who have contracted and recovered from COVID-19 are displaying lingering neurological complications, including confusion, headaches, changes in behavior, and even stroke.

Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to high levels of psychological distress in the general public. Presenting as anxiety, depression, even aggression, this level of stress has caused alterations in the immune system and the brain.

Betsy Shandalov is an Occupational Therapist, certified yoga therapist, Reiki practitioner, and Ayurvedic wellness coach who brings decades of experience using integrative medicine to heal trauma for staff and patients to the forefront to provide tools you can use immediately with your patients.

In this session, Ms. Shandalov will explain how integrative medicine treatments like Ayurveda, yoga, meditation, and breathwork can not only encourage brain neuroplasticity for the general population, but also for clients who have recovered from COVID-19 infection. Ms. Shandalov will explain the latest research on the SARS-CoV-2 virus and its effect on the brain, and how to integrate these age-old traditions into your patients’ treatments.

Program Information

Objectives

Demonstrate how to help a client change their daily lifestyle and routine using Integrative Medicine with symptoms affecting their brain during and after the pandemic.
Create a customized treatment plan for a client with cognitive dysfunction using Integrative Medicine techniques.
Assess the role of trauma on brain neuroplasticity and formulate 2 examples of how what happens in the body can affect the brain.

Outline

Ayurveda as a Treatment Modality for Neuroplasticity

Doshas/body constitutions
Ayurveda approach to diet, herbs, lifestyle and philosophy
Yoga, breathwork and meditation for cognitive change
Integrative Medicine and its role with COVID-19

Societal Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Our Brains and Mental Health

Mental Health and its global impact on each person and society
Latest research on brain health
Practicing meditation, seated yoga and breathing for brain health
Ayurveda and its role in increasing brain neuroplasticity

The Role of Trauma and Neuroplasticity

Vagus nerve/polyvagal theory
Adrenal fatigue
Inflammation and stress
COVID-19 vs trauma

Case Study: Client with Anxiety and Depression During the Pandemic
Case Study: Client with Cognitive Dysfunction After COVID-19

How to treat online
Goals to improve neuroplasticity
How our brains change as we work with our clients
Integrative medicine and lifestyle healing for a lifetime

Target Audience

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