Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is more than a painful joint condition. It is a systemic inflammatory disease that can affect strength, endurance, mobility, fatigue, participation, and long-term health. This course gives PT and OT practitioners a practical, evidence-informed framework for treating adults with RA across different levels of disease activity and function. Participants will review the rehabilitation implications of contemporary RA management and learn how to recognize common clinical concerns, modify treatment during symptom flares, prescribe and progress exercise, address fatigue, and incorporate joint-protection, energy-conservation, self-management, and participation strategies. Case examples and practical “tips and tricks” will help clinicians translate current recommendations into day-to-day therapy decisions. This course is designed for an interprofessional audience.
Live Webinar
Wed, Sep 23, 2026 at 3:00 pm EDTCEUs/Hours Offered: AK/2.0; AL/2.0; AR/2.0; AZ/2.0; CA/2.0; CO/2.0; CT/2.0; DC/2.0; DE/2.0; FL/2.0; GA/2.0; HI/2.0; IA/2.0; IACET/0.2; ID/2.0; IL/2.0; IN/2.0; KS/2.0; KY/2.0; MA/2.0; MD/2.0; ME/2.0; MI/2.0; MO/2.0; MS/2.0; MT/2.0; NC/2.0; ND/2.0; NE/2.0; NH/2.0; NM/2.0; NY/2.4; OK/2.0; OR/2.0; PA/2.0; RI/2.0; SC/2.0; SD/2.0; TX/2.0; UT/2.0; VA/2.0; VT/2.0; WA/2.0; WI/2.0; WY/2.0
Learning Outcomes
- After this course, participants will be able to explain key features of rheumatoid arthritis and contemporary medical management that influence PT and OT examination, precautions, and treatment planning.
- After this course, participants will be able to describe appropriate modifications to exercise, activity, and functional intervention based on disease activity, symptoms, fatigue, and comorbidities.
- After this course, participants will be able to describe an evidence-informed rehabilitation plan that incorporates exercise, joint-protection strategies, fatigue and energy-management approaches, self-management, and meaningful functional goals to support daily activities.
Agenda
| 0-5 Minutes | Introduction, review of learning outcomes |
| 5-45 Minutes | Key features of rheumatoid arthritis and contemporary medical management that influence PT and OT examination, precautions, and treatment planning |
| 45-90 Minutes | Describe appropriate modifications to exercise, activity, and functional intervention based on disease activity, symptoms, fatigue, and comorbidities |
| 90-110 Minutes | Evidence-informed rehabilitation plan that incorporates exercise, joint-protection strategies, fatigue and energy-management approaches, self-management, and meaningful functional goals |
| 110-115 Minutes | Interprofessional reflection & overcoming barriers |
| 115-120 Minutes | Summary, Q&A |
Presented By
Andrea Salzman
PT, MS
Andrea Salzman, MS, PT, is the Founder and CEO of the Aquatic Therapy Foundation, Inc. (launched in 2026) and has served as the Executive Director of Aquatic Therapy University (ATU) since 2010. She graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a Master’s degree in physical therapy.
With over 30 years of experience as a licensed physical therapist, hands-on clinician, and educator, Salzman specializes in aquatics, geriatrics, patient motivation, and musculoskeletal and balance disorders. She has trained physical, occupational, and speech therapists worldwide in evidence-based aquatic therapy across pediatric, adult, neurologic, orthopedic, and cardiopulmonary populations. As a consultant, she has assisted hundreds of facilities during the start-up and training phases of their aquatic practices.
Salzman’s diverse background includes a decade as Vice President of the temporary staffing agency 10K Health, LLC, and eight years as adjunct faculty at St. Catherine University. A prolific contributor to her field, she has presented over 200 seminars, authored 300 articles, and served as Editor-in-Chief of the American Physical Therapy Association's (APTA) Journal of Aquatic Therapy. Her industry honors include being featured on the cover of Physical Therapy magazine and receiving the APTA's Judy Cirullo Award in recognition of her leadership and contributions to aquatic therapy practice.
Her life's work emphasizes translating the therapeutic properties of water into clinically defensible, functionally relevant interventions for all who find themselves standing at the water's edge.
To access ATU's global clearinghouse of information, visit www.aquatictherapyuniversity.com.
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Continued and its subsidiaries provide professional education authored by qualified Subject Matter Experts for continuing education purposes. These materials are intended for educational purposes and do not constitute medical advice or a substitute for individual clinical judgment. Continued is not a clinical healthcare provider; the licensed professional is solely responsible for ensuring that the application of any techniques or information presented is within their legal scope of practice and jurisdictional requirements.
Financial disclosures: Andrea Salzman is the owner and director of ATU Educational Services, LLC, doing business as Aquatic Therapy University, and receives compensation for continuing education teaching, course development, and consulting. Andrea Salzman was issued an honorarium for this course.
Non-financial disclosures: Andrea Salzman serves as a volunteer CEO of the Aquatic Therapy Foundation, Inc.
Sponsor Disclosure: This Course is presented by PhysicalTherapy.com, a Continued site.
Content Disclosure: This learning event does not focus exclusively on any specific product or service.
Course participation information
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California
PhysicalTherapy.com is a recognized continuing competency approval agency for the Physical Therapy Board of California. This course is offered for 2.00 hours of continuing competency.
CE Broker
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Washington D.C.
The District of Columbia Board of Physical Therapy (Board) has established that PhysicalTherapy.com is an approved continuing education provider for DC physical therapists and physical therapist assistants. Licensees must adhere to all other continuing education regulations of the Board, including those related to online courses and content.
International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training
continued, LLC, DBA PhysicalTherapy.com, is accredited by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). continued complies with the ANSI/IACET Standard, which is recognized internationally as a standard of excellence in instructional practices. As a result of this accreditation, continued is authorized to issue the IACET CEU. continued, LLC, is authorized by IACET to offer 0.20 CEUs for this program.
IL Physical Therapy Continuing Education Sponsor
PhysicalTherapy.com is approved by the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation as a sponsor of continuing education for PTs/PTAs (Sponsor License #216000252). This course is offered for 2.00 hours (unknown level).
New Mexico
This course is offered for 2.00 hours (Introductory level) by the New Mexico Board of Physical Therapy.
New York
PhysicalTherapy.com is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Physical Therapy as an approved provider of physical therapy and physical therapist assistant continuing education.
Texas Physical Therapy Association
This course is offered for 2.00 hours (Introductory level) by the Texas Physical Therapy Association. The assignment of Texas PT CCUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by TPTA or TBPTE. The Texas Physical Therapy Association (TPTA) administers the CCAP on behalf of the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners (Provider #2706033TX).
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