This week you should cover Chapter 18, Musculoskeletal Injuries of the Lower Extremity and Chapter 19, Musculoskeletal Injuries of the Upper Extremity. Chapter 18 addresses common injuries and how to properly recognize, manage and program for them. Chapter 19 addresses common injuries and important factors to consider when working with clients with these injuries.

As an ACE-AHFS being aware of the nature and treatment of the most common lower and upper extremity musculoskeletal injuries will make you better prepared to work with clients with these injuries. Once a client has been cleared by a physician or physical therapist your role will involve continuing clients on the road to success and providing the medical team with updates about client progress.

Upon the completion of Week 15, you should have a working knowledge of:

• Essential screening questions for a restorative exercise program. (Chap. 18)
• The role of the ACE-AHFS in building upon progress made in physical therapy or a medical rehabilitation program addressing flexibility, strengthening and functional integration. (Chap. 18)
• Signs and symptoms and principles of restorative programming (flexibility, strengthening and functional integration) for iliotibial band complex, hip osteoarthritis and total hip replacement. (Chap. 18)
• Mechanisms of injury, signs and symptoms, and principles of restorative programming (flexibility, strengthening and functional integration) for patellofemoral pain syndrome, meniscal injuries, ACL injuries, and total knee replacement. (Chap. 18)
• Mechanisms of injury, signs and symptoms, and principles of restorative programming (flexibility, strengthening and functional integration) for ankle sprains, plantar fasciitis, achilles tendinopathy, and shin splints. (Chap. 18)
• The use of the RICE principle in addressing common muscle strains. (Chap. 18)
• Referring to the appropriate medical professional when a structural deviation is suspected. (Chap. 18)
• What an ACE-AHFS should be aware of when working with a client with a musculoskeletal injury. (Chap. 19)
• Mechanism of injury, treatment options, program goal and strengthening progressions for acriomioclavicular joint injuries. (Chap. 19)
• Mechanism of injury, treatment options, program goal and strengthening progressions for shoulder instability. (Chap. 19)
• Mechanism of injury, treatment options, program goal and strengthening progressions for rotator cuff injuries. (Chap. 19)
• Mechanism of injury, treatment options, program goal and strengthening progressions medial epicondylitis. (Chap. 19)
• Mechanism of injury, symptoms and precautions for carpel tunnel syndrome and DeQuervain’s sydrome. (Chap. 19)

1. Print out this email and add it to your study binder.
2. After reading Chapters 18 and 19 write an explanation of each key concept in your own words so you develop a working knowledge.
3. If you have the Master the Manual workbook, complete Chapters 18 and 19.

1. As you begin your final weeks of preparation, begin developing a plan for a total review. The last week of the 20 week program is dedicated to review of the material. Having a plan will help you utilize the time effectively.