Despite being one of the most common causes of chronic illness, it takes over 4 years on average to reach an autoimmune diagnosis…
By the time these patients show up at your clinic, they’ve endured years of pain, stiffness, loss of function, impaired sleep, digestive issues, and more — without any answer as to why.
But when you discover the best practices from functional and naturopathic medicine, chiropractic, physical therapy, and psychology, you can help facilitate faster diagnoses and healing.
Join eight leading experts, including authors Michelle B. Slater, PhD (Starving to Heal in Siberia), and Jyothi Rao, MD (Body on Fire), to obtain the clarity you need to:
Reduce pain and fatigue so you can improve endurance and tolerance to activity
Use food as medicine to reduce systemic inflammation with simple dietary changes
Identify common red flags and understand when to refer for additional testing
Develop the best plan of care for patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, MS, chronic Lyme disease, Alzheimer's, and more
Enhance well-being with non-pharmacological solutions like stress management, activity modification and sleep coaching
Confidently identify hidden causes of pain and inflammation and offer real solutions with a plan of care that addresses decreased mobility, pain, edema, nutrition, stress, and more...
…so you can go beyond management and revitalize your patients with improved quality of life!
Autoimmune & Chronic Inflammatory Illness Summit
What Rehab Professionals Need to Know to Expose Hidden Barriers to Treatment
*Please note you would need to watch the presentations that are being presented live in order to receive live credit.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS, NO MATTER YOUR SETTING
You’ll learn from an all-star panel how to collaborate with the medical team to reach the correct diagnosis and develop the best treatment plan — and how to power through the common pitfalls encountered when patients do not respond to traditional treatment.
Then take your skills even further with an exclusive FREE bonus package that’s valued at $539 and includes up to 12 self-study CE hours. Discover important skills and strategies for nutrition, thyroid function, Ayurveda & yoga, adrenal health, gut health & hormones, edema management, and more!
KEYNOTE PRESENTERS
Michelle B. Slater, PhD
Debilitated by late-stage neurological Lyme disease to the extent that she was no longer able to teach at her university or perform simple tasks like driving and reading, Slater spent several years pursuing every known treatment, from aggressive allopathic methods to holistic remedies. She recovered completely from Lyme disease, regaining her memory and returning to researching, writing, hiking, and running. Since 2017, she has not experienced a single symptom.
Jyothi Rao, MD
Her unique methods have been shaped by 26 years in practice along with training in medical acupuncture and functional medicine. She will discuss the role of lifestyle choices and their impact in turning on and off inflammation in the body.
LIVE EVENT SCHEDULE
Day 1 | May 18
Keynote: Starving to Heal Michelle Slater, PhD 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Central
From being a high-functioning member of society to a bedridden Lyme patient, I, too, was dismayed that I needed to “adapt to a new normal.” Slater spent six years researching and seeking both allopathic and alternative treatments as her Lyme disease and autoimmune disease became progressively worse. She offers a firsthand account of how chronic illness drastically impacted her life and the process of navigating the healthcare system and becoming her own advocate.
Slater ultimately recovered through radical autophagy, otherwise known as medical dry fasting. Dry fasting was my last-ditch effort to cure my severe case of late-stage Lyme disease, and it gave me my life back, a miracle I never thought would be possible. I share my personal story to inspire healthcare practitioners and their patients because hope and recovery are possible for patients with complex cases.
Inflammation and Parasites — What's Bugging Your Patient's Recovery? Karen Pryor, PT, DPT, ND, PhD 9:20 AM – 11:20 AM Central
Most of our referrals have pain and inflammation as presenting symptoms. This contributes to increased recovery time and decreased functional ability. Whether pain and inflammation appear localized or systemic, they have “causes”. Growing evidence is pointing to co-infections as a source of chronicity and failed response to standard treatment protocols. Discover how to identify and intervene against these culprits that serve as hidden barriers to success in your treatment outcomes. You will be able to confidently identify hidden causes of pain and inflammation as well as design a plan of care that addresses pain, decreased mobility, edema, and dietary considerations.
Achieve Superior Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Underlying Autoimmune Disease Mica Foster, DC 12:20 PM – 2:20 PM Central
Underlying autoimmune disorders are challenging standard treatment protocols and are becoming more commonplace in rehab settings. In this action-packed session, you will get key takeaways from the latest scientific publications on evolutionary concepts and metabolic processes as it relates to overall physical health. We will review case studies for clinical presentation, treatment, common challenges in rehab, and outcomes. Most importantly, you will gain a subset of tools to employ that will help you regulate the body's metabolism and immune tolerance for optimal health. Regardless of your treating diagnosis, you can achieve superior outcomes with underlying autoimmune disorders and customize your plan of care concerning the unique needs of your patients.
Clinical Implications of Inflammation & Autoimmunity in Neurological Diseases Shelly Denes, PT 2:40 PM – 4:40 PM Central
While inflammation is commonly addressed by rehab professionals, the presence of systemic inflammation is a very different and unique contributing presentation of no less importance. COVID-19, the rise in autoimmune disorders, and a growing link of inflammation in neurological diseases further the importance of having a baseline understanding of the physiology of systemic inflammation. You will gain insight into the interplay of inflammation, the immune system, and the autonomic nervous system. The application will emphasize the impact on ROM, stiffness, pain, edema, endurance, fatigue, neuroplasticity, and more. We will investigate cytokines in COVID-19 and autoimmunity in neurological diseases, namely multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, and Guillain-Barre Syndrome.
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Day 2 | May 19
Keynote: Medical Diagnosis of Chronic Inflammatory Disease: Relationships of the Gut, Hormones & Sleep in Function Jyothi Rao, MD 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM Central
Join Internist, Dr. Jyothi Rao, author of Body on Fire and medical director of Shakthi Health and Wellness Center as she shares her approach to chronic inflammatory illness. Her unique methods have been shaped by 26 years in practice along with training in medical acupuncture and functional medicine. She will discuss the role of lifestyle choices and their impact in turning on and off inflammation in the body.
Special attention will be directed to the role of the autonomic nervous system in maintaining health as well as how stress can overwhelm our resources and lead to imbalance. She will also explore the role of the microbiome, gut/brain connection, cortisol, and how the breakdown of systems can lead to chronic illness. You will become an informed member of the healthcare team with an understanding of how functional medicine providers identify root causes and imbalances causing chronic illness.
Tackling autoimmunity with targeted nutrition and lifestyle tactics Cindi Lockhart, RDN, LD, IFNCP 9:50 AM – 11:50 AM Central
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 get powerful nutrition and lifestyle tactics that manage autoimmune dysfunction at the cellular level.
Recovery from Lyme & Other Inflammatory Disease – A Naturopathic Medical Approach Kristin Becker, ND 12:40 PM – 2:40 PM Central
Many people flock to health practitioners for relief of pain and neurological symptoms that are not yet diagnosed by conventional medicine. Recognizing potential symptoms of chronic Lyme in your patients may facilitate appropriate referrals to a licensed naturopathic doctor who can work in conjunction with other healthcare practitioners with life-changing effects. Treatment of Lyme disease goes beyond eradicating the Lyme spirochete, borrelia, or blocking pain. Become a more informed member of the healthcare team by learning the various naturopathic approaches to diagnosis and treatment for an expanded view of the unique needs and presentation of Lyme and chronic inflammatory illness.
Promoting Physical and Psychological Wellbeing During Chronic Illness Sacha McBain, PhD 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Central
After discussion of medical history, failed treatments, persisting symptoms, and documentation of all the details of current pain and limitations, patients often become distressed and struggle to maintain composure. Now what? Join clinical psychologist and medical traumatic stress expert, Sacha McBain, PhD as she shares how to promote psychological well-being during chronic illness. In this session, Dr. McBain will provide an overview of the psychosocial impacts of living with chronic illness, with an emphasis on medical trauma. Participants will learn practical strategies that they can incorporate into their practice to improve communication with patients, increase engagement in care, and facilitate deeper healing and recovery.
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.
Strengthening the Immune System and Alleviating Pain with Ayurveda and Yoga: Self Care for the Practitioner and Patient Betsy Shandalov, OTR /L, C-IAYT, AWC | Click here for information about Betsy Shandalov
The global pandemic has brought about many changes to society that affect our body, mind, and spirit.
Many have become less physically active, living more sedentary lifestyles. At the same time, high levels of stress and anxiety are affecting mental wellbeing. An unhealthy combination with a multitude of negative physical, mental, and emotional consequences.
Integrative medicine — a lifestyle medicine for prevention and wellness — focuses on healing the whole person and includes all aspects of our lifestyle.
Betsy Shandalov is an Occupational Therapist, certified yoga therapist, Reiki practitioner, and Ayurvedic wellness coach. She will share her tried and true techniques using integrative medicine to heal trauma.
In this experiential session, you'll learn the science of Ayurveda, including diet, lifestyle, breathing techniques, meditation, and yoga, and how these hands-on treatment modalities help patients manage physical pain and bring balance back to mind and spirit. With a focus on the latest research on the integrative medicine techniques for pain management and building the immune system, you will learn practical techniques to assist you and your patients with ways to maximize health, decrease pain, and increase longevity.
Stress is unavoidable. And unfortunately, we live in a society where it's ok to work ourselves into total exhaustion. It not only affects our health and daily function, but also every other hormonal system — insulin resistance, thyroid function, and sex hormone balance.
In this extensive training, you'll finally get the adrenal health training you've been waiting for. Cindi Lockhart, RDN, LD, IFNCP, will explore how simple lifestyle modifications can enhance adrenal function and help your patients feel better.
The impact of these easy, yet intentional behavior changes are significant. With this approach, symptoms of these adrenal issues can be mitigated without medications. Learn strategies to:
Naturally manage stress and improve sleep
Identify the specific action steps to optimize your patients' nutritional status
Kick those salt or sugar cravings to the curb!
You have the power to guide your patients to better well-being. Thanks to Cindi's proven methods, you can arm yourself with tools you can easily integrate and immediately apply — as soon as your next session!
The tides are changing, now more than ever, Western medicine is beginning to recognize the benefits centuries-old Eastern holistic practices offer for health and wellness. Furthermore, patients are demanding alternatives to medication treatment strategies. Are you prepared to meet this need? Step out of the “tried and true” treatment rut and embrace new strategies to build a connection between the mind and body. In this exciting interactive course, the implementation of mindful movement strategies such as Tai Chi, Yoga, and Qi Gong are presented to improve mental health, emotional peace of mind and strengthen the mind-body connection.
Gain confidence in teaching and implementing new techniques through personal practice
Reduce the tendency to go through the day on “auto-pilot”
Differentiate yourself from peers with effective and practical methods patients have not likely encountered
Utilize mindfulness to see the world through a different lens — gain a host of new possibilities to improve the quality of life of your patients today.
When the gut isn't functioning properly, other parts of the body are going to struggle as well. Bloating, diarrhea, constipation, cramping, skin rashes, acne, anxiety, depression...the list goes on.
Turns out your parents were right; you are what you eat. Integrative and Functional Nutritionist Cindi Lockhart, RDN, LD, IFNCP shows you exactly how the foods we consume impact both our gut health and our hormones! Get the answers to all these questions and so much more in this invigorating session:
Why gut health may be one of the largest contributors to overall health?
Do probiotics really make a difference?
Do hormones dictate the ability to lose weight?
How can we reduce inflammation?
You will uncover the key factors to gut health, symptoms and causes of dysfunction, and their impacts on hormone balance. You'll also explore the simple to use 5R gut repair protocol to heal and restore gut function and hormone balance long-term. Empower patients to make the proper changes in their lifestyle to optimize their gut health and hormones — simultaneously!
Working in the clinic is BUSY! You need solutions that are both time and cost effective.
And that is exactly what manual lymph drainage (MLD) brings to the table. Offering a wide array of conditions that can be treated: pre and post-op, edema, joint replacement, c-sections, lipedema and lymphedema, just to name a few. MLD is sure to be a part of the solution for many of your clients.
Bringing over 20 years of experience to the table, Elisa DiFalco, MS, OT, CMLDT, LMT, will provide you with the tools you need to:
Develop a MLD protocol that easily fits into your treatment session
Quickly assess and identify the problem
Identify the 3 early warning signs of a lymphatic infection
Improve lymph viscosity for accelerated outcomes
Whether a new therapist or seasoned practitioner, this must have seminar will provide valuable insight for incorporating MLD in the clinical setting. You'll walk away with strategies that you can implement immediately!
100% Satisfaction Guarantee
Register for this intensive training course without risk. If you're not completely satisfied, give us a call at 800-844-8260.
We’re that confident you'll find this learning experience to be all that's promised and more than you expected.
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MEET YOUR EXPERTS
Michelle Slater, PhD, is a scholar of comparative literature and president of the educational nonprofit Mayapple Center for the Arts and Humanities in Connecticut. She holds a PhD in French literature from Johns Hopkins University.
Her long battle with and recovery from late-stage neurological Lyme disease served as the genesis for this book. Debilitated by the disease to the extent that she was no longer able to teach at her university or perform simple tasks like driving and reading, Dr. Slater spent several years pursuing every known treatment, from aggressive allopathic methods to holistic remedies. When all failed to deliver recovery, she discovered Dr. Sergey Filonov's dry fasting program and spent two months in Siberia under his care. She recovered completely from Lyme disease, regaining her memory and returning to researching, writing, hiking, and running.
Since 2017, she has not experienced a single symptom.
Karen Pryor, PhD, PT, DPT, CH, CFPS, has a doctorate in physical therapy and has practiced for 40 years in the field. Dr. Pryor is the owner of Health Sphere Wellness Center, an integrative therapy clinic in Nashville, Tennessee. Involved with early intervention in the birth-three population for over 30 years, she has developed neuroplasticity techniques that are used in a wide variety of settings, including homes, childcare centers, and school systems, to advanced pediatric therapy programs. Dr. Pryor serves on several boards, including the Leadership Interagency Council for Early Intervention (2014-2019), a position to which she was appointed by Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam. In 2010, she received the President's Volunteer Service Award for her contributions to the advanced treatment of children from President Barack Obama. In addition to her work with children, Dr. Pryor has served as an adjunct professor at the Tennessee State University Occupational Therapy Assistant program. She is a clinical instructor for several universities and colleges. With her years of experience and passion for complete wellness, Dr. Pryor advances a more expansive view of how to integrate therapy throughout the lifespan by using neuroplasticity techniques.
Mica Foster, DC, graduated from the University of Bridgeport College of Chiropractic in 2005. She is also a licensed Craniosacral therapist, Reiki Master, HeartMath practitioner, and Artist. She has a private practice in Hood River, Oregon. She treats a wide array of musculoskeletal disorders with a focus on finding ease and promoting stress reduction. She enjoys teaching "The art of meditation: drawing mandalas" to all ages. She has created "community coloring collaboration" walls to invite community involvement and communication. She has created "custom color pages for the classroom" to decrease stress and increase focus. Her art therapy has been distributed nationwide. Her illustrations have been featured in the book Ten Fingers Ten Toes Twenty Things Everyone Needs to Know in 2019.
Shelly Denes, PT, CFPS, C/NDT, CGCP, is an expert in fall prevention and neuro-rehab with more than 25 years of experience treating patients with hemiplegia, neuromuscular disorders, TBI, and SCI. She has a special interest in COVID-19 'Long Haulers' and advanced technology. She had been involved extensively with neuroprosthetic devices, lower extremity orthotics, and exoskeletons at the Rehab Institute of Michigan.
Ms. Denes travels nationally to present seminars on fall prevention and geriatric rehabilitation. Additionally, her expertise has been presented through expert witness work, both nationally and locally. Ms. Denes is a graduate of the University of Michigan's PT program, and she earned her certification in Neurodevelopmental Treatment for Adult Hemiplegia (NDT) at The Rehab Institute of Chicago. She helped create the certifications of 'Fall Prevention Specialist' and a 'Geriatric Care Professional' with Evergreen Certifications and sits on their advisory board.
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Jyothi Rao, MD, has been practicing medicine for over 20 years. She received her Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and completed her internship and residency at the prestigious New England Medical Center (Tufts) in Boston. Before opening Shakthi Health & Wellness Center, Dr. Rao practiced medicine in New York and Maryland.
A strong proponent of holistic medicine, Dr. Rao is certified in Medical Acupuncture from UCLA. She is also certified in Cardiopulmonary Stress Testing, which is a personalized assessment of cardiac and pulmonary disease.
Cindi Lockhart, RDN, LD, IFNCP, is board-certified as an integrative and functional nutrition practitioner with over 30 years of professional practice. She has trained nutrition, fitness, and medical practitioners throughout most of her career, yet maintains a personal practice with clients as she believes that the only way she can effectively educate and inspire other practitioners is through her own practical experience with clients. In addition to educating on how Food is Medicine, Cindi also specializes in coaching clients and practitioners on the importance of managing stress, optimizing sleep, proper exercise and movement, and reducing exposure to environmental toxins. Cindi has extensive expertise in women's health issues including hormonal imbalances, thyroid dysfunction, and autoimmunity as well as gut health, weight management, histamine intolerance, and immune health.
Kristin Becker, ND, is a naturopathic doctor and founder of The Natural Path to Health Clinic in St. Paul, MN. Her desire to guide patients with disabilities and debilitating joint pain to exercise and improve joint movement led her to the development of Flow – The Natural Path to Healthy Joints, which she teaches at the Fitness in the Parks programs. She earned her doctorate at Bastyr University of Naturopathic medicine, graduated magna cum laude from Hamline University, and is a member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
Sacha McBain, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and assistant professor at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) in Little Rock, AR. Dr. McBain received her master's in psychology and doctorate in clinical psychology at Palo Alto University in Palo Alto, CA. She completed her pre-doctoral internship at UAMS with a specialization in integrated care and traumatic stress, and her postdoctoral fellowship in clinical psychology and implementation science at the Department of Veterans Affairs South Central Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC) in North Little Rock, AR.
Dr. McBain is the Associate Director of UAMS' Center for Trauma Prevention, Recovery, and Innovation. She leads the Trauma Surgery Psychology Consult Service in UAMS' Division of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, which is designed to address the psychosocial needs of patients hospitalized after a serious injury or illness.
Dr. McBain's expertise includes increasing access to care for people with recent trauma to improve the prevention of PTSD with a specific focus on trauma related to medical events. She has completed training in community health and prevention research and implementation science to identify and put into place organizational practices within healthcare systems designed to increase access to mental health care following a traumatic medical event. She provides training and consultation to medical services across the country regarding the implementation of trauma-informed care practices. She recently co-authored the 2023 Best Practice Guidelines: Screening and Intervention for Mental Health Disorders and Substance Use and Misuse in the Acute Trauma Patient from the American College of Surgeons.
