Moving Through Arthritis: Conservative Treatment Strategies

Recorded On: 01/23/2026

Osteoarthritis is one of the most commonly diagnosed disorders in musculoskeletal care and many patients are left feeling like they have no options and no way to live without pain. This presentation is designed to help practitioners understand how to evaluate and manage the progression of osteoarthritis, how to educate patients on their condition, and what options patients have to treating OA conservatively, medical intervention, and staying physically active.

Learning Objectives:

Objective 1: Explore the physiological effects of biomechanical and chemical stress

Objective 2: Discuss why certain joints have higher rates of OA and how to treat/slow down

Objective 3: Review the current trends on interventional treatments for OA

Hourly Breakdown:

1. Introduction & Objectives (agenda, disclosures, bio)-5min

2. Osteoarthritis Pathophysiology- 10min

Definitions & disease progression

Epidemiology & prevalence

Mental health impacts

3. Biomechanical & Inflammatory Factors in OA- 10min

Mechanical stress, loading, & joint response

Inflammation overview (acute/chronic, cytokines)

4. Regional Considerations- 15min

Spine, hip, and knee mechanics

PFPS, labral tears, disc degeneration

Shoulder, hand/finger biomechanics

5. Conservative Interventions- 15min

Cryotherapy, NSAIDs, supplements (Omega-3s, Boswellia, etc.)

Exercise & load management

Blood Flow Restriction (BFR), joint protection

6. Higher-Level Interventions- 5min

Corticosteroid injections, PRP, and joint replacements

7. Conclusion & Q&A-5min

Summary, take-home messages

This course is presented as part of the ACA Engage 2026 educational programming.

This course is worth 1 CE credit in ACA-approved and PACE-accepted states. CEUs have been applied for in California, Florida, Georgia, and Texas.

View a list of accepted and approved states.

PACE ID: IP123264

Blake Graham, DC, MS, ICSC, DACBSP®

Blake Graham, DC MS CSCS DACBSP  is a board-certified sports chiropractor with a strong background in performance optimization and injury rehabilitation. He holds a master’s degree in strength and human performance from Parker University, with post-doctorate training in sports medicine, rehabilitation, and acupuncture. He is a Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. 

Dr. Graham is currently an affiliate faculty member of the University of Western States and has served as clinic faculty at Parker University and taught more than 200 hours of continuing medical education for the University of Arizona College of Medicine. He is currently the director of performance and sports medicine for the U.S. Fistball Association and served on the medical staff for multiple national and professional teams. He is the current president of the ACBSP® Board of Directors and a sports medicine and performance specialist at Delta S Performance in Golden, Colo. 

A lifelong learner and athlete, Dr. Graham brings a precise, movement-based approach to care that emphasizes root-cause solutions and performance longevity. 