Optimizing Orthopedic Wellness Through Gut Health - A Dual Approach

Optimizing Orthopedic Wellness Through Gut Health - A Dual Approach
This course includes
The instructors
Overview
In Optimizing Orthopedic Wellness Through Gut Health - A Dual Approach, Dr. Ginger Garner, PT, DPT, ATC, LAT, takes you through the ground-breaking science connecting digestive health to orthopedic wellness. Beyond a simple “nutrition for rehab” course - this is a deep dive into the world of gut health as it relates to physiotherapy, giving you knowledge and strategies you can use in clinical practice right away.
Over 2,000 years ago, the statement “death sits in the bowels” was made by Hippocrates - and modern science might be proving him right. Nowadays it is known that exercise, sleep, and diet are important factors in joint health, but this notion is rarely explored and emphasized in physiotherapy. Recent research has confirmed that gut health has a direct influence in systemic inflammation, nutrient absorption, immune system regulation, and hormonal balance. All of which are critical for joint health and healing, especially when considering conditions like osteoarthritis.
In this course, you’ll explore the Enteric Nervous System – commonly called your “second brain” – which contains more neurons than the spinal cord and produces 95% of the body’s serotonin. This system has close ties to the musculoskeletal system, communicating via the gut-brain axis to control pain sensitivity, stress, and recovery. Some of the topics you’ll learn include:
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How gut dysbiosis (microbial imbalance) can trigger or worsen joint degeneration
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Why functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) like IBS often coexist with orthopedic pain
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The role of the enteric nervous system in regulating inflammation, pain, hormone balance, and immune function
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The biopsychosocial approach as it applies to gut and orthopedic health
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Common signs of gut dysbiosis and strategies to improve it
Join Dr. Ginger Garner for an introductory online course on the relationship between gut health and orthopedic wellness, offering a pioneering dual approach to optimizing overall health. Participants will explore the fascinating interplay between the gut microbiome and orthopedic issues, uncovering how targeted interventions can positively influence both areas simultaneously.
Learning Objectives:
In this online course with Dr. Ginger Garner, we will:
- Identify mechanisms of integrative medicine that impact gut and MSK health
- List risk factors associated with risk for premature joint aging and degeneration
- Leverage actionable gut health strategies to support orthopedic health
- Overcome roadblocks to dual intervention in PT practice
Whether you're a healthcare professional seeking to expand your expertise or an individual interested in maximizing your orthopedic health, this online course offers invaluable insights and actionable strategies to support your journey toward optimal wellness.
Join Ginger on an exploration of the symbiotic relationship between gut health and orthopedic function.
Audience
This introductory online course is for:
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Physiotherapists and physiotherapy students in all settings
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Healthcare professionals seeking a holistic approach to orthopedic wellness
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Healthcare professionals who want to understand and integrate gut health into movement-based care
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Clinicians managing chronic pain seeking evidence-based interventions to optimize patient wellness
The instructors

PT, DPT, ATC, LAT
Dr. Ginger Garner PT, DPT, ATC/L is a clinician, author, educator, and longtime advocate for improving access to physical therapy services, especially pelvic health.
She is the founder and CEO of Living Well Institute, which has been training and certifying healthcare providers in Integrative Medical Therapeutic Yoga & Lifestyle Medicine since 2000. She also owns Garner Pelvic Health in Greensboro NC, which offers digital and in-person care.
Ginger is the author of multiple books and book chapters, published in several languages. She has presented at over 20 conferences worldwide and has reached an audience across 6 continents, teaching on a range of topics impacting the pelvic girdle, respiratory diaphragm, and the voice (which she calls the 3D or Three Diaphragm approach).
Ginger is an active member of APTA, serving as the Legislative Chair for APTA North Carolina, a Congressional Key Contact for APTA Private Practice, and in the Academy of Pelvic Health on the Prenatal and 4th Trimester Task Force. Ginger lives in Greensboro, NC and is a mom of four – three sons and the family rescue Lab, Scout Finch. Visit Ginger at the links above, on Instagram and YouTube.
Material included in this course
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Optimizing Orthopedic Wellness Through Gut Health - A Dual Approach
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Welcome!
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It All Begins... and Ends, with Gut Health?
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FGID Facts
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Role of Diet and Nutrition in OA?
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Know the Signs
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Conclusion and Questions
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Feedback
How can I get this course for free?
This course is free for Embodia Members. You can learn more about the membership options available by visiting the Embodia membership pricing page.
Is a certificate of completion included with this course?
Once you have completed the course, a certificate of completion (including learning hours and course information) will be generated. You can download this certificate at any time. To learn more about course certificates on Embodia please visit this guide.
This can be used for continuing education credits, depending on your professional college or association. If this course has been approved for CEUs in specific jurisdictions, it will be noted on the course page and CEU information may be added to your course certificate. Please read this guide for more information.