Course Description:

Older patients have multiple diagnoses, take multiple medications and are frequently de-conditioned and possibly have never exercised. Therefore, exercising geriatric patients presents a unique challenge to therapists. Participants will learn different exercise techniques and innovative interventions for all the body’s major joints as well as for the most common diagnoses seen in the older person (i.e. stroke, Parkinson’s, gait and balance disorders, etc.). These exercise techniques will be supported by evidenced based studies which are absolutely vital in justifying rehabilitative services in this day of Medicare changes and managed care. Participants will learn how to use functional tools to establish and guide exercise programs, thus improving functional test scores, balance, treatment outcomes and safe mobility.
Working with older patients and developing exercise programs can be challenging and sometimes difficult. But it can also be fun and rewarding and using evidence based treatment strategies will ensure you are providing the best care possible. There has never been a better time to start using evidence based exercise. The research is out there and the library of evidence is growing bigger every day. This course will make the research applicable to the clinical setting and provide therapists the opportunity to broaden their horizons for exercising with this unique and deserving patient clientele.