Therapeutic Strategies for Degenerative Joint Disease: Overcoming Pain and Improving Function – Chad M. Thompson

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What is the one thing you hear from every client whose life you touch? The desire to remain independent and enjoy a quality life with family and friends. We see our clients working longer, with industry seeking our assistance to manage an aging work force. We see children experiencing sports related arthritic changes in their teen years, based on MRI results. Our lifestyles have changed – with more convenience foods, a lack of exercise and sedentary work environments.

The result is earlier degenerative joint changes, disability and pain. However, evidence shows no predictive factors based on diagnostic test results to distinguish the severity of degenerative joint conditions as they link to quality of life or function. Grant me your time and learn the keys to effectively managing these clients through targeted exercise intervention, weight management and aerobic capacity.

Important information will be highlighted through case studies, demonstrations, mock patient presentations and analysis of the latest coming from research studies that should guide your treatment decisions. I will take you through the assessment process, detailing the key steps of the pathological changes, and evaluation techniques and concepts, specifically including skills to evaluate and treat the degenerative joint. We will delve in to both non-operative and surgical interventions currently used to treat DJD patients, as well as the latest rehabilitation protocols, so that you can return your own clients to active once again!

1. Summarize the commonly-experienced condition of degenerative joint disease.
2. Explain focused history taking techniques and examination methods to create diagnostic skills for evaluation of upper and lower extremity degenerative joints.
3. Analyze the decision-making processes regarding conservative and surgical treatment options for patients with degenerative joints.
4. Evaluate the methods most effective to educate patients regarding: the arthritic process, treatment options, recovery steps, and long-term expectations.
5. Compare the recovery and rehabilitation stages to best counsel patients.
6. Design a treatment program for acute as well as outpatient clients.

Usefulness of Diagnostic Testing

• What to Ask for – and Why?
• Predictive Quality of the Diagnostic Test
• Value of MRI vs. X-ray
• Interrupting Lab Tests to Assist with Exercise Prescription

Can We Cure Arthritis?

• OA vs. JRA vs. RA vs. Gout
• DMARD and Bio DMARD
• Medication Management
• Inflammation Management
• Prophylaxis
• Remission

Joint Conservation

• Sliver Sneakers
• Building Your Rehab Team
• Ergonomics for Work and Home
• Form Equals Function
• Positional Awareness

Techniques to Maintain Mobility

• Motion is Lotion
• Muscle Imbalances
• Joint Stability
• Dietary Supplements
• Super Foods vs. OTC Supplements

Physical/Occupational Therapy Management

• Cost Analysis
• Home Health vs. Rehab vs. Outpatient Care
• Why Pre-hab?
• Should We Shop for Joint Replacement

Improve Function in a Single Visit?

• The Impact of Corrected Postures
• Restoration of Joint Mechanics
• Scar Care
• Active and Passive Insufficiency Explained
• Address Muscle Insufficiencies
• Targeted Exercise Selection
• 3-D Gait Analysis (Case Discussions)
• Intervention Pitfalls
• Addressing Power and Functional Strength

Clinical Measure of Success

• Strength to Body Weight
• Functional Outcome Measures
• Utility
• Predictive Values
• Successful Discharge Criteria
• Exercise Prescription

Critical Pathways

• Patient Rehab
• Outreach Transitional Program
• Outpatient Care
• Recovery: 1+ year Lower Quarter Total Joint, 2-year Shoulder Recovery
• Activity Guidelines
• Quality of Life
• Advocate for Your Client