About Bone Strong Seminars
About Bone Strong Seminars
Mission Statement:
“To provide the latest evidence-based research, information, and education in the management of osteoporosis to physical and occupational therapists along with other interested professionals through seminars, webinars, on-line forums, and other media.”
Dr. Deb Gulbrandson and Dr. Frank Ciuba have over 60 years combined in the practice of physical therapy. They first met while working in the field of osteoporosis with Sara Meeks to help train other physical therapists in reversing postural issues and slowing bone deterioration. As they worked together, they quickly realized their common commitment to helping educate those in the physical therapy learn how to safely treat those with low bone mass and osteoporosis, and began working together to teach others how to recognize and treat those with low bone mass.
They have been conducting seminars for several years and have now forged a partnership to help bring the latest in information and technology to the physical therapy field.
About the Instructors
Dr. Deb Gulbrandson
Dr. Deb Gulbrandson is a 1975 graduate of Indiana University School of Physical Therapy and earned her doctorate in PT from Evidence in Motion Health Sciences Institute in 2011. Her experience has ranged from pediatrics to geriatrics and includes such settings as school systems, sports medicine clinics, home care, skilled nursing facilities, and as the manager of an acute hospital PT Dept. In addition she provided consulting to business and industries for injury prevention in the workplace to such companies as the Chicago Tribune and RJ Reynolds. She and her husband Gil, an orthotist were instructors at the Chicago Medical School of Physical Therapy (now Rosalind Franklin), teaching a class they developed on Orthotics and Physical Therapy.
Professional certifications include:
- Certified Polestar Pilates Instructor
- Certified Osteoporosis Exercise Specialist using the Meeks Method
- Certified Exercise Expert for the Aging Adult
For the past 30 years Deb has owned a private practice in the Chicago area which was acquired by Northwestern Medicine in 2018. She and her husband fulfilled a long time dream of moving to Evergreen, Colorado where she owns Mountain Dancer Physical Therapy and Pilates, a cash-based practice specializing in osteoporosis. She also provides physical therapy services to Mount Evans Home Health and Hospice.
Speaking engagements and lectures include the Meeks Method Conferences in Baltimore: “Marketing Your Osteoporosis Program” and in Tampa, FL: “The Use of Visual Imagery in Rehabilitation.” Deb has been a national instructor for the Meeks Method for Osteoporosis Management since 2012. In 2020 she and colleague, Frank Ciuba developed Bone Strong Seminars in order to bring expanded osteoporosis information to physical and occupational therapists throughout the country.
In her spare time she enjoys hiking in the mountains, dancing (thus the name of her new company), and downhill skiing. Her Bucket List is to visit every National Park in the country. She’s at 39 and counting.
Dr. Frank Ciuba
Dr. Ciuba is the owner of H/S Therapy Associates and graduated from Temple University with a Masters degree in Physical Therapy in 1992. Dr. Ciuba earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Temple University in December 2004.
Dr. Ciuba is a Certified Osteoporosis Exercise Specialist using the Meeks Method which was designed by Physical Therapist Sara Meeks to combat the effects of Osteoporosis without taking medication. The program focuses on changing the actual curvature of the spine – something that medications cannot do. Site specific exercise is utilized along with posture and balance training. Dr. Ciuba teaches patients proper bending mechanics for the ultimate goal of reducing the risk of a compression fracture.
Dr. Ciuba is a Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) Golf Medical Professional. He is able to apply this knowledge in the performance of biomechanical evaluations of golfers, as well as instruction in an appropriate exercise program to improve your game. Dr. Ciuba works with local golf professionals in the area and has trained many of them. In addition, Dr. Ciuba is a 3rd degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and has incorporated his martial arts training into treatments.
Dr. Ciuba provides continuing education courses on osteoporosis and bone health in person and virtually. He has recently started a continuing education company called Bone Strong Seminars to offer educational opportunities for health care providers interested in learning how to safely manage patients prone to fracture.
Dr. Ciuba is currently a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), and Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association (PPTA). Dr. Ciuba routinely speaks in the community regarding physical therapy intervention for the rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries. Dr. Ciuba has volunteered his time to coach baseball and basketball locally and currently resides in Harleysville, PA, with his wife Suzanne, their two daughters and son.
Resources
1 Day Webinar: Physical Therapy for Patients with Osteoporosis
Learn how to safely treat patients with osteoporosis and even begin to reverse the condition.
Helpful Articles
Read more about the signs, causes, and treatment of low bone mass.
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