Participants performing posture evaluation. Level 1 Seminar.

Participants teaching and learning
Bridging Exercise

1. Articulate basic information on the diagnoses of Osteoporosis and low bone mass, first signs and risk factors, epidemiology and pathology for these conditions.
2. Know how to identify people who may be at risk in their own clinic.
3. Know why the interventions for normal bone, low bone mass and osteoporosis would be essentially the same but how they might differ according to the clinical condition of the patient.
4. Articulate the elements of a thorough pre-assessment and assessment for persons with known or suspected osteoporosis or low bone mass with tools that can be used to measure progress.
5. Apply the concept of the Patterns of Postural Change© to exercise prescription.
6. Know the Principles of Movement and philosophy of the exercise program, and be able to perform and teach the site-specific strengthening and flexibility exercises.
7. Be able to instruct in Postural Correction, Balance and Gait Training according to the Principles of Movement of The Meeks Method
8. Be able to identify specific treatment guidelines and considerations for patients in acute, sub-acute, rehab, outpatient, nursing home, skilled nursing facility, assisted living facility and home care settings.
9. Understand the importance of, and be able to instruct patients in ADL's and body mechanics with guidelines appropriate for the geriatric population and for people with osteoporosis.
10. Be familiar with the suggested use of effective modalities and specific treatments that are used to augment the exercise program.
11. Know when and how to make referrals to other health professionals as indicated by patient's clinical condition.
12. Apply concepts of safety and advise patients on exercise programs they may currently be doing (e.g., Aerobics classes, Gym machines, Senior classes, Pilates, Yoga, T'ai Chi, Aquatherapy) so that they will be as safe as possible in other environments.

• Description and Relevance to Clinical Practice
• Course Outline for Level 1

Back: Level 1 - Osteoporosis: A Comprehensive Treatment Strategy

Level 2

Participants Celebrating
Exerstriding

Look out hamstrings—here we come!
Using the green stretch-out strap

13. Know how to use special equipment, warm-up routines, free weights, and walking poles in patients with low bone mass and/or osteoporosis with a "bottom line" of safety in movement for these populations
14. Be familiar with advanced movement concepts of core strengthening, hip flexibility and strength (including four routines for hip flexor, hamstring and other lower extremity stretching)
15. Be familiar with concepts of SAFE spinal rotation initiating movement from the spine, considering positioning from least to most spinal compression and the force of gravity in movement
16. Be familiar with a peer-reviewed research article on vertebral body integrity and susceptibility to compression fracture
17. Have the experience of exercise critique (for safety and therapeutic intent) of two exercises commonly prescribed for patients with osteoporosis
18. Have an opportunity to brainstorm and network with other therapists on the development of an osteoporosis program in their own treatment setting

• Description and Relevance to Clinical Practice
• Course Outline for Level 2

Back: Level 2 - Advanced Movement Concepts for Skeletal Health

Level 3

19. Be able to perform a complete patient assessment with prescription of the beginning exercise program according to The Meeks Method.
20. Be able to perform and be ready to teach advanced exercises for the patient with osteoporosis.
21. Develop networking skills and information on program development for patients with osteoporosis with peers.

• Description and Relevance to Clinical Practice
• Course Outline for Level 3

Back: Level 3 - Therapy For The Therapist