I Survived, Now What?: Treating the Musculoskeletal Consequences of Maturing with a Chronic Health Condition 2024

I Survived, Now What?: Treating the Musculoskeletal Consequences of Maturing with a Chronic Health Condition is organized by A.T. Still University (ATSU) and will be held from Sep 27 - 29, 2024 at ATSU Arizona School Of Health Sciences, Mesa, Arizona, United States of America.

Description:
Children with medical problems and/or physical disabilities are surviving to adulthood. Adults with chronic health conditions are living longer. As these patients “survive” their health conditions, atypical breathing patterns and atypical postural control strategies often develop and cause repetitive stress on the musculoskeletal system. The consequences can be chronic pain, inefficient motor plans, and/or physical dysfunction, all which limit health and participation.

Current research supports this paradigm, showing a higher incidence of chronic pain and decreased quality of life among children and adults with long-term health conditions. The focus of this course is on identifying, treating, anticipating/preventing common consequential spinal and rib cage restrictions: thoracic kyphosis, scoliosis, pectus deformities, rib flares, asymmetries, tightness, etc. These musculoskeletal restrictions can limit breathing (health) and/or shoulder, trunk, and hip/pelvis mobility (participation). Labs present manual therapy techniques (soft tissue techniques, joint mobilizations) and neuromotor re-education techniques.

While Dr. Massery’s primary focus is on pediatrics and young adults, the material is pertinent across the whole lifespan.

Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Describe the relationship between chronic health conditions (pediatric & adult), atypical motor plans for breathing and/or postural stability, and the development of secondary musculoskeletal deficits.
• Screen for musculoskeletal abnormalities, inadequate core stabilization strategies and compensatory breathing patterns that may contribute to the abnormal alignment of the rib cage, trunk and/or spine secondary to pediatric and adult chronic health conditions.
• Develop and demonstrate musculoskeletal mobilization and soft tissue techniques of the rib cage, trunk and spine to correct or minimize these deformities.
• Develop subsequent treatment plans for neuromuscular retraining that is focused on simultaneously optimizing breathing, core stabilization and postural development across the lifespan in order to minimize long-term secondary postural impairments.