Description

Many fitness professionals lack the knowledge to safely and effectively design fitness programs that specifically meet the needs of the arthritic population. Understanding the types of arthritis, symptoms that stem from the disease process, and mastering methods to improve muscle strength, range of motion, and flexibility, is paramount when working with this population.  As the yearly number of people diagnosed with one or more types of arthritis increases, so does the demand for fitness professionals who have the skills and education to deliver quality and individualized fitness programming.

Course Overview

• Module 1: Types of Arthritis – Causes, Signs, and Symptoms
• Module 2: The Six Main Causes of Arthritis
• Module 3: Psychological Symptoms
• Module 4: The Diagnosis
• Module 5: Epidemiology
• Module 6: Anatomy, Biomechanics, and Function of Common Joints Affected by Arthritis
• Module 7: Understanding Treatment Strategies to Manage Arthritis Symptoms
• Module 8: Overview of the Healing Process of Dysfunction and Pain
• Module 9: Anti-Inflammatory Nutritional Recommendations
• Module 10: Exercise Progression for Clients with Arthritis
• Module 11: Exercise Resource Terminology Library
• Module 12: Marketing for the Arthritis Fitness Specialist
• Competency Assessment: Arthritis Fitness Specialist
• Bonus Module! Module 13: Practical Applications and Turnkey Adaptations

Course Objectives

• Learn the various types of arthritis and their causes
• Understand the symptoms of arthritis
• Analyze epidemiology of arthritis (US vs World)
• Describe the anatomy, biomechanics and function of common joints affected by arthritis.
• Understand treatment strategies in the management of arthritis: Mental vs. Physical
• Examine the healing process when treating dysfunction and pain
• Recognize the role of nutrition as it relates to arthritis
• Understand and demonstrate the common exercise progressions for clients with arthritis

Course Delivery and Assessment

This is an online, self-study course; all materials are delivered virtually. Students complete at their own pace.

This course is delivered through a written course manual, video narrated slide presentations, videos of sample exercises, and sample forms. Comprehension of the material will be measured via a mandatory, multiple-choice item, competency assessment requiring a minimum of 80% correct responses in order to pass.

Course language is English. Subtitles for courses are not available at this time.

Prerequisites

The completion of this specialization course, and the passing of its corresponding competency assessment, leads to a Certificate of Specialization. All of the online courses on MedFit Classroom which lead to a Certificate of Specialization are considered advanced level education, and are meant to be taken by fitness professionals who have previously acquired education and experience as a professional within the health and fitness industry. In order to receive the Certificate of Specialization, upon completion of this course you will be asked to provide proof of the following:

1. Evidence of a bachelor’s or master’s degree in fitness or health related field AND/OR possess a certification from a nationally-recognized certification, NCCA or ANSI/ISO accredited program AND
2. Evidence of professional liability insurance.

*If you do not meet the requirements for a Certificate of Specialization, you can request a Certificate of Completion.

Renewal of Specialization

This Certificate of Specialization will be considered valid for a period of two years. To keep the certificate current, you must complete 10 hours of continuing education, on relevant subject matter, and formally renew the certificate prior to the date of its expiration. As with many certifications and specializations in our field, professionals should anticipate some costs to continuing education and renewal of this certificate.

MedFit Classroom CEUs

The Arthritis Fitness Specialist course provides 10 CEUs toward renewal of MedFit Classroom fitness specializations.

Other Continuing Education Credits

This course is approved for credit by:

• American Council on Exercise (ACE) to provide 1.6 CEUs
• canfitpro to provide 4 CECs.
• International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) to provide 15 CEUs.
• National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) to provide 1.5 CEUs.

If your certifying body is not listed, you will be provided with a Certificate of Specialization at the end of the course that can be used to petition your certifying body for credit.

About the Course Author

Christine Conti, M.Ed is a former collegiate athlete, investment banker and English teacher who reinvented herself after a life-altering diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis at the age of 30. After a decade of being an “experiment of one,” undergoing various chemotherapy treatments and learning holistic approaches to fighting and reducing symptoms of her disease, Christine is in remission and is ready to teach you how to live a more quality life!

Christine has since been named IDEA World 2023 Fitness Pro of the Year. She is a best-selling author, international chronic disease and fitness educator, motivational speaker, podcaster and ultra-endurance athlete. Christine has now spent over two decades researching and studying alongside leading doctors, exercise scientists, and nutritionists to prevent and battle disease through healthy lifestyles. She is the creator of multiple courses such as the Arthritis Fitness Specialist, Orthopedic Fitness Specialist, Chronic Disease Fitness Specialist, FallPROOF Fall Prevention, Eating Disorders for Fitness Professionals and Let’s FACE It Together Facial Exercise & Rehabilitation.

Her signature best-selling inspirational book to grow courage and overcome fear, SPLIT-SECOND COURAGE, is available on Amazon in paperback, e-book, and Audible.