Osteopathy
The American Academy of Osteopathy (AAO) will showcase distinguished faculty exploring new perspectives on familiar osteopathic principles, highlighting practical applications across diverse patient populations that are often overlooked and clinical settings. Through engaging lectures and hands-on workshops, attendees will discover how osteopathic thinking can be applied beyond traditional contexts to enhance diagnosis, treatment, and patient-centered care. Topics include practical cranial applications, expanding osteopathic approaches to diverse patient populations, and efficient treatment strategies for today’s practice environments. The virtual platform will further explore innovations in osteopathic education and patient care. This engaging program will provide attendees with comprehensive, evidence-informed, and clinically relevant information that physicians can immediately incorporate into practice, reinforcing the breadth, versatility, and enduring value of osteopathic medicine.
Accupuncture for Menstrual Cycle Regulation
Description
Identify and accurately locate the key auricular points most supported by evidence for menstrual cycle regulation and dysmenorrhea Apply safe, evidence-based techniques using filiform needles or semi-permanent needles Integrate auricular acupuncture with osteopathic manipulative medicine to optimize pelvic circulation, autonomic balance, and whole-person care Educate patients on self-care, safety considerations, and realistic expectations for menstrual and hormonal health outcomes
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Common Etiologies of Pelvic Pain
Description
List the structures that are frequently involved in chronic pelvic pain Utilize advanced knowledge of pelvic dysfunctions to osteopathic care through an improved comprehensive, whole person approach Provide enhanced coordination of care for patients with pelvic pain
Speakers
Hormones, Pain, and the Musculoskeletal Manifestations of Perimenopause
Description
Recognize the impact of hormonal changes during perimenopause on the musculoskeletal system and their contribution to pain and functional decline Identify common musculoskeletal manifestations of perimenopause, including tendon disorders, joint pain, muscle loss, pelvic floor dysfunction, and adhesive capsulitis Apply evidence-informed strategies for evaluating and managing musculoskeletal symptoms associated with perimenopause, including rehabilitation, lifestyle interventions, nutritional supplementation, and the appropriate role of hormone therapy
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Defrosting the Frozen Shoulder
Description
Review some of the current evidence for the treatment of the frozen shoulder Introduce participants to the six distortions of the FDM Identify common distortions that contribute to the formation and continuation of the frozen shoulder condition
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Stiles/Laughlin Functional Approach to Upper Extremity Somatic Dysfunction
Description
Review the Stiles/Laughlin Functional approach to upper extremity somatic dysfunction including: Sternoclavicular joint, Glenohumeral joint, and Radial Head-Interosseous membrane
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Current Updates on Office-Based Treatment of Sports-Related Concussion
Description
Review concussion management as of September 2026 Discuss history clues in the updated treatment of the concussed athlete Discuss the physical examination clues in the updated treatment of the concussed athlete Discuss new treatment for concussion and Persistent Symptoms After Sports Related Concussion (PSaSRC) Discuss the 6th CISG Consensus Statement and highlight that which is new information or information altered by the document Discuss return to learn/play criteria
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Whiplash - Evaluating Dysfunction Junction
Description
Review the physiology of whiplash injury and common osteopathic findings Discuss the importance of addressing junctional areas – cervicothoracic junction and the suboccipital region Review high-yield techniques for treatment of clavicle, upper thoracics, upper ribs, sternum, manubrium, and upper cervicals Discuss the role and evidence for regenerative injections in cervical instability Exercise Rx for self-stretching the upper quarter
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The Paralympics and Paralympians: A Historical Rise and Unique Aspects of Caring for These Elite Athletes
Description
Review a history of the Paralympics sports Describe unique opportunities and challenges to caring for Paralympians Explain differences between different major international adaptive/Para sports organizations Recognize and be aware of different medical issues that may arise in specific adaptive/Para athlete populations
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Intro to Sutural Cranial: Simple Cranial Techniques for the SBS and Face
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Maximizing Your Treatments With the Cranial Axis
Description
Review the location of the Superior Transverse Axis (cranial axis of the sacrum) Observe the advantages of this anatomical landmark for patient positioning Use the above information for expedited patient treatments
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Everyone Has a Plan Until They Get Punched in the Mouth - OMT for Face Trauma
Description
Review commonly dysfunctional sutures of the face and how to diagnose them Discuss indirect unwinding of facial sutures Demonstrate competence in the use of techniques presented
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Stronger for Longer: Mobility and Strength Prescription in Older Adults
Description
Apply a detailed exam of the upper extremities Evaluate the differences in exam from right to left to find the key somatic dysfunction Assess mobility, strength, balance, and functional limitations in older adults using practical office-based screening tools Differentiate age-related physiologic changes from modifiable impairments that contribute to functional decline, falls, and loss of independence Develop individualized exercise prescriptions incorporating strength, mobility, balance, and aerobic training principles for older adults across varying functional levels Apply evidence-based exercise dosing strategies, including frequency, intensity, time, and type (FITT), to promote healthy aging and improve functional outcomes Integrate osteopathic principles and practices into movement assessment and exercise prescription to optimize structure-function relationships and support whole-person health Implement patient-centered strategies to improve adherence, overcome common barriers to physical activity, and promote lifelong movement and independence
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StrongHER: The Osteopathic Playbook for Female Contact Athletes
Description
Perform a focused osteopathic and sports medicine evaluation of common injuries or injury patterns in female contact athletes Differentiate common physiologic and biomechanical considerations unique to female contact athletes Apply evidence-informed principles to determine appropriate management, referral, and return-to-play considerations Integrate osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) techniques into the comprehensive care of female contact athletes with lower extremity injuries Develop patient-centered treatment plans that optimize function, recovery, and injury prevention
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Northup Lecture - Osteopathy in the House of Medicine
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Strength Motivation
Description
Recognize physical, psychological, and environmental barriers that limit patient participation in strength training and functional movement Perform simple functional movement assessments to guide individualized exercise recommendations and identify opportunities for osteopathic and interdisciplinary care Apply motivational interviewing and evidence-based behavior change strategies to improve adherence to strength and movement prescriptions Develop practical exercise prescriptions and referral pathways appropriate for patients across the lifespan and functional spectrum.
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Resilience Rx: A 12-Step Framework to Prevent Burnout and Promote Well-Being
Description
Identify personal and systemic causes of burnout in osteopathic family medicine Use a 12-step framework that combines behavioral science and osteopathic principles to improve your well-being Do self-directed OMT to relieve musculoskeletal tension and support autonomic regulation Use evidence-based mindfulness, gratitude, and movement to improve stress resilience Explain how the well-being of physicians improves equity and reduces implicit bias in patient care
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Performance Nutrition: Evidence-Based Fueling for Active Individuals
Description
Review current evidence-based recommendations for energy, macronutrients, and hydration needs in physically active individuals Identify nutrition strategies that support exercise performance, recovery, and injury prevention Evaluate common sports nutrition products and dietary supplements for safety, efficacy, and appropriateness
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Research: Sequencing by Area of Greatest Restriction/Hindrance
Description
Discuss the historical context of Dr. Edward Stiles's mentorship by Dr. Fred Mitchell Senior Briefly review organization and expansion of sequencing concepts by Dr. Stiles with functional influences by Dr. George Laughlin Review first-published clinical research of sequencing by AGR/H by Dr. Yvonne Yang done in close collaboration with Dr. Stiles during her residency and continued mentorship Explore unique case reports utilizing sequencing by AGR/H Review updates for future research utilizing the osteopathic approach, sequencing by AGR/H
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Somato Emotional Release
Description
Review the physiology of chronic pain Review the concept of Somato Emotional Release and how it may present as a somatic dysfunction Intertwine osteopathic concepts of the facilitated segment Review the Autonomic Nervous System access points in the body
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