AIHM Pre-Conference Program
Thursday, October 24, 2024
11AM to 4:30PM

Whole Health Implications for the Integrative Approach to Acute and Chronic Pain: Focus on Exercise, Movement, and Manual Therapies

This series of multidisciplinary presentations by six experts makes the case for innovative non-pharmacological interprofessional approaches to care for acute and chronic pain patients. These evidence-based interventions are safe, clinically-effective, satisfying to patients, and a good value. Attendees will come away with a deeper understanding of the very common symptom of pain and many practical ways to improve their practices.

Facilitator/Discussant.
Chase Billotte, PT, DPT
Dr. Chase is a trailblazer for integrative physical therapy, being the first Doctor of Physical Therapy to finish the fellowship with AIHM. Recognizing a gap between movement and bodywork communities and integrative healthcare providers, he has spent the past year organizing this Pre-Conference event featuring a diverse range of experts. Chase practices at Family Health Centers of San Diego (FHCSD), where he specializes in pelvic floor health, pediatrics, and neuromusculoskeletal impairments across various age groups. He integrates a broad spectrum of manual (cupping, scrapping, taping, various myofascial release techniques and mobilizations of cranium and the rest of the body), and movement modalities, including Qi Gong, Tai Chi, Pilates, and ZOGA, to create engaging and effective therapeutic experiences tailored to each patient’s needs. He is involved in creating an integrative wellness clinic with FHCSD that aims to heal both the community and the caregivers.

Presentation 1. Conceptual Overview and Evidence for Whole Health Integrative Care for Pain. Heather Tick, MD.

Recent scientific research has made it very clear that pain is best understood stood when seen within the context of Whole Health. Pain care, especially if pain is chronic, can be frustrating for both patients and clinicians. Understanding the contributions and interconnections between all our physiologic systems can help make sense of the phenomena of pain and show the way to improved care. This session will address what we know within the context of complex pain problems. Attendees will be able to 1) identify the most prevalent cause of pain in the world and discuss two reasons why this situation persists, 2) describe the difference  between acute and chronic pain, and 3) understand two main reasons why opioids should not be the mainstay for the treatment of acute and chronic non-cancer pain.

Dr. Tick has been an active member of the integrative pain field for nearly 30 years. She co-founded and directed one of the first interprofessional pain centers in 2008, and in 2012, she became the first Gunn-Loke Endowed Professor of Integrative Pain Medicine at the University of Washington. She has written extensively on integrative pain medicine topics for many  academic publications.

Presentation 2. How to Integrate Movement and Exercise in Pain Care. Brent Anderson, PT, DPT, OCS.

This presentation focuses on how pathologies impact human movement and how human movement impacts the healing of human pathologies. Dr. Anderson dives into a holistic approach to movement science and the power of successful movement experiences, rehabilitating pathologies while restoring and maintaining health of body, mind, and spirit. Attendees will: 1) become familiar with the term pathokinesiology, 2) understand the impact movement has on all physiological systems, 3) learn how to incorporate successful  movement experiences into treatment protocols, and 4) appreciate the holistic impact movement has on the mind, body, and spirit. 

Dr. Anderson is a physical therapist and orthopedic certified specialist who has practiced for more than 30 years as a respected lecturer and consultant in performing arts medicine, rehabilitation Pilates, pain management, and spine health. As the founder and CEO of Polestar, a global Pilates education company established in 1992, Dr. Anderson has expanded Pilates education to over 60 countries. Currently, he serves as an assistant professor at the University of St. Augustine.

Presentation 3. How to Integrate Manual Approaches to Pain.Robb Russell, DC.

Following a brief review of the history and hypothetical underpinnings of various hands-on approaches to improve pain, function and wellbeing, the presentation will explain common types of manual treatments and the practitioners who administer them. The conditions and patients best suited for manual treatments for pain will be discussed with the intent of providing  attendees with actionable information to implement manual treatments  and/or make meaningful referrals to manual practitioners. Attendees will 1) understand the history and hypothetical underpinnings of various manual treatments and the practitioners who typically employ them, 2) understand the benefits and risks of manual treatments for patients in pain, and 3) learn when and how to incorporate manual treatments in practice and for patient self-care.

Dr. Russell is a Doctor of Chiropractic and the Assistant Vice President and Clinical Chief of Staff at Southern California University (SCU) Health. He practiced in a multi-specialty clinic in Long Beach for nearly three decades before joining the SCU faculty. He has held several leadership positions including Chair of the Chiropractic Section of Pacific Hospital of Long Beach,  and Exam Commissioner for the California Board of Chiropractic Examiners.

Presentation 4. Care of Pelvic Floor Pain and Dysfunction. Maureen Mason, MS,  DPT, WWCS, PYT, CCI

This talk will help reduce stigma and shame, and educate  and empower health care providers and patients in understanding pelvic floor  dysfunction. Profiles in integrative care will be presented from simple to complex cases. Holistic, conservative care programs are indicated treatment  for (non-emergency based) pelvic pain, bladder, bowel, pelvic organ prolapse  and sexual health challenges. Insights in the application of yoga, embodiment,  and interoception will be provided with a brief audience participation.  Resources for free self-care guides will be available to help educate and  empower health care providers and the public. Attendees will: 1) know specific  pelvic-floor dysfunction symptoms that may occur for pelvic pain, bladder, bowel, prolapse, and sexual health challenges, 2) Identify a major myth about pelvic floor dysfunction and the use of kegel exercises, also known as pelvic  floor muscle exercises, and 3) identify techniques from yoga, embodiment, and  interoception practices and their application for helping urinary incontinence. 

Dr. Mason is a highly-credentialed author, educator and clinician focusing on orthopedics and pelvic-centered physical therapy. She has guided HMOs and private practices in building results- oriented pelvic rehabilitation protocols for women and men for over three decades. Dr Mason hosts educational programs for the public and health care professionals and has a busy private practice in Bay Park San Diego.

Presentation 5. Posture, Movement and Mobilization: Wholistic Approach for Challenging Pain Patients. Wojtek Cackowski, ATSI

“Zoga Movement” is a global approach to human biomechanics and movement abilities. It combines movement education and touch to break through immobilised areas of the body and generate new physiological movement patterns, breaking the pain cycle. Attendees will: 1) learn how to look at global posture and connect postural and movement disorders to influence on pain and discomfort, 2) understand how movement and mechanical stimuli is directing physiological behavior of tissues and how this adaptation of a body can be used to promote better balance of global biomechanics, and 3) learn simple movement interventions that can lead to more comfort for most common areas of pain.

Wojciech Cackowski is a certified ATSI structural integration practitioner with education in sports education and physiotherapy. With ten years of experience, he combines manual therapy and yoga with myofascial therapy. He is the founder of Zoga Movement® which was influenced by in-depth research on the layered movement of fascial anatomy conducted on cadavers. As a certified Scarwork®, Bonework® educator and structural integration specialist, he contributes to clinical applications for pediatric neurological, scoliosis and foot specialists. 

Presentation 6. Putting it all Together: Bridging the Integrative Pain Care Gap from Healthcare to Community Spaces. Catherine Justice, PT, DPT, CST, C-IAYT, E-RYT

Dr. Justice will summarize the day’s information and describe how these approaches can be practically applied in healthcare practices and in the community.

Dr. Justice is an Integrative Physical Therapist, a Certified Yoga Therapist, and Program Manager for Integrative Medicine at Hennepin Healthcare Systems (HHS) in Minneapolis. She also serves as Associate Editor for the International Journal of Yoga Therapy and has conducted research on the therapeutic use of yoga for Parkinson’s Disease, arthritis, and lower back pain. She is the founder of The Art of Wellness, an organization dedicated to optimizing wellbeing for individuals, organizations, and communities, and is a freelance writer and frequent speaker at international conferences.