Identify the pathophysiology and epidemiology of osteoporosis and low bone mass.
Explain bone biology and its relationship to osteoporosis and fragility fractures.
Identify the modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors associated with osteoporosis and low bone mass.
Understand and explain differences between the various diagnostic and screening processes used for osteoporosis and low bone mass, and how the results are used in clinical decision making.
Explain how peak bone density, the female athlete triad, and epigenetics relate to osteoporosis and low bone mass.
Describe the association and prevalence of osteoporosis and low bone mass in men.
Fractures
Identify the most common fragility fractures and their impact on individuals.
Explain the biomechanics of vertebral compression fractures, their clinical signs and symptoms, and how they are managed, both surgically and non-surgically.
Discuss fracture prevention and home safety tips with patients.
Interventions
Identify the most common pharmacological interventions and their possible adverse side effects.
Describe the newly released APTA Clinical Practice Guideline “Physical Therapist Management of Patients with Suspected or Confirmed Osteoporosis”, and understand how to select appropriate, evidence-based physical therapy evaluation and interventions specific to this population.
Exercise
Understand how to create and organize safe and effective group exercise classes for the optimum learning of the individual participants.
Demonstrate exercises that can be immediately implemented in your plan of care.
Be able to explain the necessary precautions in the practice of yoga and Pilates.
Promote wellbeing and whole-body approaches into each therapy session using imagery, mindfulness, and the Feldenkrais Method.
Understand how low-magnitude vibration platforms may affect bone loss.
Nutrition
Identify the role of physical therapy in nutrition counseling.
Discuss the key nutrients needed to support skeletal health as well as the emerging role of the microbiome in osteoporosis.
Understand and provide food-based/functional nutrition recommendations to the physical therapy client with osteoporosis and low bone mass.
Explain the “calcium paradox” and understand the use of supplements in the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis and low bone mass.
