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Carole B. Lewis Distinguished Lectures

VIDEO – Michelle M. Lusardi / 2023

Key Words and Challenges Defining Our Role

Michelle M. Lusardi, DPT, PhD, FAPTA
Michelle M. Lusardi, DPT, PhD, FAPTA reviewed the challenges of population aging, encouraged us to “think like gerontologists” to better understand the needs of the older adults we care for, and asked us to define ourselves as professionals and masters of movement in a caring vocation. She proposed we plan, initiate, and evaluate a yearly mobility wellness visit, similar to Medicare’s required wellness screening visit, incorporating collection of “Big Data” to develop norms, not only by decade of age and gender, but also by setting and medical diagnosis.

VIDEO – William H. Staples / 2022

Management of the “Difficult” Patient

William H. Staples, PT, DPT, DHSc, FAPTA*

The purpose of physical therapy is to improve movement for function and restore individuals to the level of activity needed to work, live, and play. Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and fear affect the older adult. Managing pain is also a significant component of physical therapy with many tools to address pain and the perception of disability. The pain-relieving effects of many physical therapy interventions tend to be short-term and provide limited success in the long-term. Exercise, stretching, and movement may offer more lasting relief from pain and provide tools that patients can use to self-manage their symptoms.

VIDEO – Dale Avers / 2020

We can Do Better – Aging and The Value of Physical Therapy

Dr. Dale Avers

Presented Thursday, February 13, 2020 at the Combined Sections Meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association in Denver, Colorado