Advanced Strategies for Post-Op Recovery: Synergy of Exercise, Nutrition, & Neuroplasticity to Accelerate Healing in Orthopedics

Terry L. Rzepkowski, DPT, MS, BS, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy with specialization in orthopedic physical therapy. Throughout his 40+ year career, he has specialized in orthopedic roles, total joint replacement surgery, sports medicine, musculoskeletal outpatient rehab, and as an independent private practitioner. A professor in the health science department for Nova Southeastern University, Terry provides instruction in anatomy, biomechanics, kinesiology, and neuro anatomy. Terry’s current clinical role as a home care physical therapist focuses exclusively on orthopedic surgical patients, which keeps Dr. Rzepkowski abreast of the latest techniques and protocols used in joint care rehab. As a sought-after presenter, he enjoys sharing his advanced orthopedic knowledge with interdisciplinary audiences around the country.
 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Terry Rzepkowski has employment relationships with Nova Southeastern University, CORA Physical Therapy, Presbyterian College, National healthcare Licensing Solutions, Inc., Varsity Tutors, and PTCE. He receives compensation as a national presenter. Terry Rzepkowski receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. He has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Terry Rzepkowski is a member of the APTA.

 

 

Dana Angelo White, MS, RDN, ATC, specializes in culinary nutrition, recipe development, and sports nutrition. She is the nutrition expert for FoodNetwork.com and founding contributor for Food Network’s Healthy Eats blog. She was named to Sharecare’s list of Top 10 Social HealthMakers on Nutrition, recognizing her as one of the most influential voices in health and wellness.

Dana is also the fitness ambassador for F45 Training in Fairfield, CT, a member of the USOC Sports Dietitian National Registry and on the speakers bureau for the Gatorade Sports Science Institute. Dana is involved in several research projects and professional publications, covering topics including eating disorders in sport, professional nutrition practice, culinary medicine and dietary supplement safety in sports medicine.

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Dana Angelo White is the president of Dana White Nutrition, Inc. and has an employment relationship with Quinnipiac University. She receives a speaking honorarium from NOW Foods. Dana Angelo White is a recipe developer with Tropicana Brand Foods and a spokesperson for California Almonds and Gatorade. She previously received a speaking honorarium from NOW Sports. Dana Angelo receives royalties as a published author. Dana Angelo White receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. All relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations have been mitigated.
Non-financial: Dana Angelo White is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Practice Groups.

Karen Pryor, PhD, PT, DPT, CH, CFPS, has a doctorate in physical therapy and has practiced for 40 years in the field. Dr. Pryor is the owner of Health Sphere Wellness Center, an integrative therapy clinic in Nashville, Tennessee. Involved with early intervention in the birth-three population for over 30 years, she has developed neuroplasticity techniques that are used in a wide variety of settings, including homes, childcare centers, and school systems, to advanced pediatric therapy programs.

Dr. Pryor serves on several boards, including the Leadership Interagency Council for Early Intervention (2014-2019), a position to which she was appointed by Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam. In 2010, she received the President's Volunteer Service Award for her contributions to the advanced treatment of children from President Barack Obama. In addition to her work with children, Dr. Pryor has served as an adjunct professor at the Tennessee State University Occupational Therapy Assistant program. She is a clinical instructor for several universities and colleges. With her years of experience and passion for complete wellness, Dr. Pryor advances a more expansive view of how to integrate therapy throughout the lifespan by using neuroplasticity techniques.

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Karen Pryor is the owner of Health Sphere Wellness Center, LLC and is a field examiner for PDMS-3. She has employment relationships with Tennessee State University, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Physical Therapy School, the Daymar Physical Therapy Assistant School and the Volunteer State Community College. She is a paid consultant for Evergreen Certifications. Karen Pryor receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Karen Pryor is a reviewer with Tennessee Physical Therapy Association and American Physical Therapy Association. She is an Ambassador for National Down Syndrome Society. She serves on the editorial board for APTA Journal.

Mike Stella, AT, is a Certified Athletic Trainer, Corrective Exercise Specialist, and Performance Enhancement Specialist who is dedicated to helping all athletes and people overcome injuries and functional limitations. Mike has served as an athletic trainer for the Florida Gators Football and Track & Field teams, assisting in all facets of sports medicine, including injury evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation. While with the Gators, Mike developed his affinity for manual therapies, honing his skills with some of the best athletes, coaches, and multidisciplinary medical staff in the nation.

After his time at Florida, Mike was hired as the rehabilitation coordinator and athletic trainer at George Washington University. Since then, Mike has seen time at other NCAA Division 1 universities, as well as in the private sector at the US Athletic Training Center. He then started Recovery Lab, a unique membership-based sports medicine model in Syosset, NY. Mike is a Marist College graduate with a Bachelor of Science Degree in sports medicine and athletic training. He also holds a Master’s Degree in sports management from George Washington University.

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Michael Stella is the owner of The Movement Underground, LLC and receives a speaking honorarium from Fringe, LLC. and Implus, LLC. He receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. All relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations have been mitigated.
Non-financial: Michael Stella has no relevant non-financial relationships.

Alyson Evans, DC, has dedicated the last 20 years to mashing up her passions for healthcare and education, alongside pursuing her purpose of building and serving a team. Alyson has helped grow multiple businesses, by prioritizing professional education and product innovation. She was at the forefront of growing the RockTape brand and community for a decade. Up for a new challenge, she found herself asking "What else is possible?" Alyson is the C-CEO and Founder of Fringe, a company grounded by its dedication to improving how we live and how we learn.

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Alyson Evans is the founder and Co-CEO of FRINGE. She receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc.
Non-financial: Alyson Evans has no relevant non-financial relationship to disclose.