This highly experiential webinar will focus on a comprehensive rehab approach to the epidemic condition of low bone mass (osteoporosis and osteopenia) with practical, safe, therapeutic and functional movement and exercises that the participants will be invited to do right during the webinar and can begin in their practice the very next day.  Focusing on better body alignment to improve muscle contraction and weight-bearing forces on bone, this innovative, comprehensive, evidence-based, 12 point approach of The Meeks Method has been shown to be useful and safe for other diagnoses, such as spinal stenosis, as well.  Participants will have available to them complimentary handouts of a Pre-Assessment Form, The Re-Alignment Routine and a full-color PDF copy of the PowerPoint presentation.

Level of Instruction:  Introduction

 

 

Course Objectives

  • Identify the Principles of Movement of The Meeks Method including Movement From & For The Bones, Internal Plumb Line and the basics of body alignment
  • Identify the Patterns of Postural Change
  • Identify and outline the pathology and epidemiology of Osteoporosis and apply this information to clinical practice.
  • Identify the indications and contraindications for the management of osteopenia and osteoporosis in relation to normal bone.
  • Identify and outline the clinical management of spinal compression fractures.
  • Outline the comprehensive Meeks Method Wheel and recognize how to use it in practice.

Course Agenda

  • 8:00 PM – Focus on the Bones – At the Bones, Inside the Bones, Beyond the Bones
  • Body Alignment—Patterns of Postural Change, Seated/Standing Alignment
  • Osteoporosis – Definition, Pathology, Epidemiology
  • Vertebral Fracture Statistics and Protocol for Management
  • Meek's 12 Point Intervention
  • Finishing with Meek's 12 Point Intervention
  • Taking Action—YOUR Next Step
  • 9:30 PM – Q/A and Adjourn

Faculty

  • SARA M. MEEKS, PT, MS, G.C.S, K.Y.T

Since 1984 I have been specializing in the management of persons with osteoporosis and osteopenia. Since seeing my first patient with known osteoporosis and an acute compression fracture in 1984 and developing a successful program for that patient with no clinical pathway or treatment protocol on which to rely, I have spent my entire career focusing on the physical therapy management of people with osteoporosis. In 1996-1997, I was the director of a physical therapy clinic in which every patient I saw was diagnosed with the conditions of osteopenia and/or osteoporosis. Osteopenia and osteoporosis were the PRIMARY diagnoses of my patient population. These patients also had many other conditions commonly seen in a physical therapy population; however, they were seeing me because of my program for osteoporosis. Focusing on the condition in this way allowed me to learn more about the condition than I would ever have had an opportunity otherwise. It was during this time that I further developed and refined my comprehensive management program (The Meeks Method.)  In clinical practice until late 2005, I continued to learn through my patients, my peers, and the research literature and am still doing so through my contacts with peers in my seminars and also through a telephone and personal consultation practice.  I bring to my courses this extensive experience and know that, although I have had a rather unique opportunity to learn about this devastating, epidemic and life-threatening condition, I still think that I know very little of what there is to know and am always learning. My intention in my seminars is to provide YOU with an opportunity to learn also and then, as you take this program into your own treatment setting, you can help me spread the word on S.A.F.E. and therapeutic movement for persons with osteoporosis.

 

Contact Hours: 1.5

Price: $49
Early Bird Rate: $39