3206 – Chronic Pain Specialty Certificate Program

Advanced / Pool Workshop / 3-Day Program

Fort Myers, FL / Tuesday-Thursday, July 7-9 – 15.0 credit hours equal to 15.0 CECs/.15 CEUs

Tuesday July 7

Pool: 8:00-9:45 am

Classroom: 10:00-11:45 am

Lunch on own: 11:45 am-1:00 pm

Pool: 1:00-2:30 pm

Classroom: 2:45-4:00 pm

Wednesday July 8

Pool: 8:00-9:30 am

Classroom: 9:45-11:15 am

Sit-down Luncheon: 11:30 am-1:30 pm

Pool: 1:45-3:30 pm

Classroom: 3:45-4:45 pm

Thursday July 9

Pool: 8:30-10:00 am

Classroom: 10:15-11:45 am

Faculty: Sheralee Beebe, BA, MES, and Ruth Sova, MS, ATRIC

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Chronic pain, no matter the trigger, often responds well to warm water aquatic therapy. This ATRI Certificate Program will spend a short time on theory (definition, cause and function of pain) and a lot of time on practical application. Evidence-based pain reduction techniques will be experienced and protocols will be tried. Discuss traditional (Ai Chi, Massage, Watsu® and Reflexology, Ai Chi Ne, Cranialsacral Therapy) and non-traditional protocols (such as breath re-education, passive relaxation techniques, behavior modification and improved health consciousness) to apply to clients with depression and pain.

Computer use, technological advances and improved efficiency mean we all attempt to perform beyond our means. This kind of pressure has devastating physiological and psychological ramifications. Assess pain-aggravating behavior. Discuss pain-free movement patterns and progressions for clients with chronic pain and chronic conditions such as (RSD/CRPS, FMS, RA, PTSD, MS, obesity) and older adults. Develop a pain management plan with ideas that can be used in one-on-one rehab and personal training, in groups, and for independent client use. Precautions are included.

Ai Chi is one of the techniques practiced so all attendees will leave this 15-hour program with, not only an ATRI Chronic Pain Specialty Certificate, but also Ai Chi Certification.

Ai Chi – Balance, Harmony and Healing textbook, protocols and documentation forms are included in the course materials.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

• Integrate progressions for balance, coordination, endurance, muscular strength, etc.
• Review reasons for pain and why deep relaxation and breath-work can be included in a program.
• Assess client pain, numbness and tingling of low back, hip, neck, shoulders, LE and UE, and exercise-specific considerations.
• Identify the habits and behaviors that have the potential to create and aggravate chronic pain syndromes.
• Define and differentiate the types of pain and accompanying symptoms that affect clients.
• Discuss the challenges to treatment success, and examine alternate strategies that can be applied to help clients gain better management over their pain.
• Experience decrease in sympathetic response.
• Release muscle tension and guarding.
• Experience Ai Chi, Massage, Watsu®, Ai Chi Ne, Cranialsacral as well as passive relaxation techniques, energy meridian exercises and behavior modification.

FACULTY: Sheralee Beebe, BA, MES, is a Post-Rehab Aquatic Specialist, who has been practicing since 1991. She has developed three full-service aquatic rehab programs in Canada and California. Sheralee is the co-author of the ATRI Rheumatology Certification, and is a member of the ATRI Standards and Certification Committees.

FACULTY: Ruth Sova, MS, ATRIC, founder/president of ATRI, is an internationally known speaker, author and consultant. She is the founder of six different businesses including the Aquatic Therapy & Rehab Institute, the Aquatic Exercise Association, Living Right Magazine, America’s Certification Trainers, Armchair Aerobics Inc., and the Fitness Firm. A leader in the health and wellness industry, she also draws on her vast experience as an entrepreneur to teach others what it takes to assume the risk of business and enterprise. Ruth is the author of numerous articles and 15 books on her specialties of wellness and business. She is the recipient of numerous awards including the Sevier-McCahill Disability International Foundation Award; and the John Williams, Jr. International Swimming Hall of Fame Adapted Aquatics Award. Known for her high energy and practical teaching approaches, Ruth has brought thousands of people over the years to understand the benefits of water exercise.