Vitamin D: Vitamin, Hormone, & Protector

Course overview

Physical Therapists help injured patients become mobile again, and provide support and retraining for people with permanent and temporary disabilities and those recovering from surgery and cardiac events. In order to help the patient achieve optimum rehabilitative goals, the therapist must have a basic understanding of human anatomy and physiology, and the factors that contribute to both impairment and restorative function. A chronic vitamin D deficiency is now recognized as a major cause of disability and impaired function. The impact of a deficiency has the potential for increasing one?s risk for cardiovascular disease, cancer, musculoskeletal problems, infections, autoimmune disease, cognitive and mood disorders, and diabetes. This course with help increase the physical therapists? understanding of the various factors that can contribute to a vitamin D deficiency in order to help them identify at-risk patients. The discussion of common symptoms of a deficiency will also help alert them to the potential sources of impairment that can result. Physical therapists will also benefit from the explanation of the proper blood test to determine vitamin D status, how to interpret the test results, and the current practice guidelines for treating and preventing a deficiency. The use of risk factor assessment and identification will help the therapist develop an appropriate therapeutic approach. Finally, the discussion of the best natural and fortified food sources of vitamin D, recommendations for supplementation, and possible supplement/drug interactions, will enhance the effectiveness of the treatment plan.