This course is a two-part instructional design, focused on introducing the concept of lifestyle medicine and its role in patient outcomes.

Part 1 of the series will introduce lifestyle medicine as a core component of OMPT practice. In this segment we will introduce the six pillars of lifestyle medicine (Nutrition, Physical Activity, Stress Management, Restorative Sleep, Social Connection and Avoidance of Risky Substances) (American College of Lifestyle Medicine, 2025) and how they intertwine with the biopsychosocial care model.

With the foundational knowledge pertaining to lifestyle medicine introduced in part one, part two of our series will focus on efficient and effective clinical implementation of this into outpatient physical therapy practice. This part will propose a framework to support clinicians in the advanced decision making necessary to identify appropriate patients, support the patient in well-dosed goals and interventions, while making the implementation of the practice achievable for those involved in treating MSK conditions.

Course Objectives

By the end of this program participants will be able to:

PART 1

1. Summarize the six pillars of Lifestyle Medicine (Bloom’s Remember/Fink’s Foundational Knowledge domains) a. Nutrition b. Physical Activity c. Stress Management d. Restorative Sleep e. Social Connection f. Avoidance of Risky Substances
2. Identify (specific numbers to be determined) ways that lifestyle factors influence patient outcomes in outpatient physical therapy practice. (Integration)
3. Reflect on the role of Physical Therapists in promoting healthy behaviors in an interdisciplinary care model. (Caring)

PART 2

1. Demonstrate competence in how to effectively utilize at least four key lifestyle medicine screening questions and appropriate tools to be used within current clinical reasoning frameworks. (Foundational Knowledge + Application)
2. Communicate appropriate strategies to identify readiness for change and goal setting with individuals. (Application)
3. Reflect on the current use of lifestyle medicine concepts within existing clinical reasoning frameworks. (Integration/Caring)
4. Develop a process for further learning about lifestyle medicine integration. (i.e. stating goals for future learning that includes what resources to reference) (Learn how to learn)