Managing Patients on GLP-1 Medications in Physical Therapy (Recorded Webinar)

Course overview

Rehabilitation professionals are increasingly likely to manage patients on GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, which are revolutionary in their efficacy in promoting weight loss in patients with obesity and improving glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. With nearly one in eight American adults reporting they have used GLP-1s, it is vital for rehabilitation professionals to develop effective management strategies. Their expertise is crucial in addressing complications from obesity and type 2 diabetes, such as diabetic tendinopathy and osteoarthritis, while considering that GLP-1s are associated with muscle mass loss and sustained calorie deficits, increasing injury risk and affecting recovery. Therefore, providers must screen for GLP-1 use, identify injury risks, and promote resistance training and aerobic exercise that patients enjoy to mitigate these risks and foster healthy behaviors. This course highlights the necessity of adopting behavior change principles and providing guidance on resistance training, aerobic conditioning, and injury prevention. Achieving long-term health benefits of GLP-1s requires rehab professionals to be well-informed about these medications' side effects and to play a vital role in patients' health journeys through expert exercise guidance and chronic condition management.