Course Description:
The world population is gradually aging, and osteoarthritis affects nearly two-thirds of older adults. This course provides rehab professionals with a thorough overview of the factors involved with managing older patients who have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis (OA). We look at the definitions, pathophysiology, epidemiology, clinical presentation, and differential diagnosis of osteoarthritis, as well as diagnostic testing and basic medical management. We then discuss rehab evaluation of the older patient with osteoarthritis and treatment options that may be helpful, aimed at maximizing each patient’s functional outcomes. This course will be immediately useful in clinical practice for all rehab professionals who work with older adults.
Methods of Instruction:
Online audio/video course
Course Instructor:
Sally Stillings, MA, PT, MPT, CHT
Sarah R. (Sally) Stillings, MA, PT, MPT, CHT, is a physical therapist and Certified Hand Therapist in Texas. She received her PT degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Prior to becoming a therapist, Sally taught university-level writing courses and worked in medical publishing. In her extensive career as a PT, she has held a variety of clinical, teaching, administrative, and business roles, including general PT practitioner, clinic manager, upper extremity specialist, hand therapy clinic coordinator, continuing education instructor, and business administrator. Her work now focuses on creating evidence-based CE materials for rehab professionals. Sally is a lifelong runner who celebrates all those who cover the ground.
Disclosures:
Financial: The course presenter receives an honorarium from AdvantageCEUs.com. The presenter has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: The presenter has no relevant non-financial relationships.
Sponsor: It is the policy of AdvantageCEUs.com not to accept commercial support.
Content: This course does not focus solely on any specific product or service.
Target Audience:
Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapist Assistants and Athletic Trainers.
Educational Level:
Intermediate
Prerequisites:
None
Course Goals and Objectives:
At the completion of this course, participants should be able to:
- Differentiate between categories of arthritis and recognize the incidence, prevalence, epidemiology, pathophysiology and how it develops
- Identify risk factors for OA and differentiate between age, gender, ethnicity, genetics and abnormal loading
- Recognize the clinical presentations and associated symptoms
- Differentiate between the types of laboratory testing
- Recognize and use the OARSI Classification and differentiate between other types of testing
- Identify how to perform a good physical examination for a patient with osteoarthritis and identify special considerations with pain assessment
- Recognize the goals of a conservative arthritis program and identify how that translates into a rehabilitation program
- Recognize and differentiate between other forms of treatment: Pharmacological, Intra-Articular Injections, Surgical Intervention, and Rehab Intervention
- Recognize how to create an effective rehabilitation program along with appropriate patient education
- Identify the specific prescription components for an effective rehabilitation program, along with indications/contraindications
Criteria for Obtaining Continuing Education Credits:
A score of 70% or greater on the post-test