As an exercise or fitness specialist, you represent an important part of the spinecare team and are, therefore, eligible to apply for membership with the American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) under the Non-Physician Healthcare Professional category.
The AASP is dedicated to facilitating integrated spinecare. To help accomplish this mission, the AASP expanded its membership categories to include exercise and fitness specialists. The AASP believes that it is in the best interest of patients and the public for exercise/fitness specialists to have access to professional networking, continuing education opportunities, credentialing and patient education resources.
Exercise/fitness specialists have a growing appreciation for the complexity of the spine and that complexity encourages interdisciplinary efforts. A healthy spine is dependent upon adequate muscular strength, muscular endurance, optimum body composition, cardiovascular endurance, segmental stability and flexibility. The tissues of the spine repair and remodel based upon the stresses placed upon them. Proper exercise facilitates a favorable tissue remodeling process. As an exercise and/or fitness specialist, you are trained to help people perform the right exercises to improve their health and level of physical performance. The long-term outcome of spinecare is often dependent upon an ongoing exercise commitment.
When an individual with a chronic spine disorder is released from care, they should be referred to a personal fitness trainer or exercise specialist to design an exercise program and to discuss the benefits of some exercise supervision. Exercise clubs and fitness centers could serve as an important extension of medically supervised physical therapy/rehabilitation programs. In some cases individuals may prefer home visits. Due to the level of interpersonal contact you have with your clients you are able to provide a higher level of motivation and instruction than physicians who generally spend less time with their patients. You are also in a position to record your client's exercise sessions to help monitor progress and set short and long-term goals.
As an exercise/fitness expert, you can place a listing on the International Directory of Spinecare Specialists, which offers a full page professional profile. To help non-physician spine specialists enhance their recognition, the AASP developed an educational brochure outlining the importance of the role of exercise specialists and other non-physician specialists in spinecare. The AASP provides all of its members with access to script pads which can be used to direct their patients to the online Public Information Center (PIC), a multimedia information database of the International Spine Association (ISA). This database has an extensive section on exercise.
The AASP encourages all members of the spinecare team, including exercise/fitness specialists to recommend individuals with chronic spine conditions become members of the ISA. Free membership includes access to up-to-date information about the spine, spine disorders and available treatment. Non-physician members of the spinecare team can participate in continuing education courses. They can acquire credits which can be applied toward Diplomate status with the American Academy of Spine Specialists (DAASS) and Fellow status with the American College of Spine Specialists (FACSS).
We invite you to join the Academy. The Academy encourages professionals to invite other members of their spinecare team to join American Academy of Spine Specialists (AASS).
Welcome to the Inform a Colleague area of the Academy Website. The American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) strives to implement new and more efficient methods for members to communicate with other healthcare professionals. One of the most effective tools is the online "Inform a Colleague" function. This function can be used to expand and educate your spinecare referral network. It also represents a resource to conveniently inform others about trends in spinecare and about offers of organizations such as the American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP), the International Spine Association (ISA). The link library also contains an application for membership with the AASP.
The online "Inform a Colleague" feature provides an invaluable time-saving service for keeping spinecare professionalsup-to-date, expanding the spinecare network, stimulating interdisciplinary referrals and for inviting colleagues to join the AASP. The library of links is always being updated with useful information and resources. The linked messages can be used to
**Edit and/or add text where appropriate** (Inform one or more colleagues)
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Member:
This level of membership is for physicians (MD, DC, DO) whose practice/interest includes patients with spinal disorders. ($250)
Affiliate Member:
This level of membership is for allied healthcare professionals involved in spinecare and/or spine research. This includes physical therapists, massage therapists, exercise physiologists, nurse practitioners, nurses, physician's assistants, diagnostic technicians, surgical technicians, exercise instructors, personal trainers and individuals who hold a PhD and work in the field of spinecare. ($150)
Candidate Member:
This level of membership is for residents, fellows and students who have an interest in spinecare. ($35)
Membership will automatically renew each calendar year starting from the date of membership renewal or membership acceptance unless the AASP is specifically notified in writing by the member at least 30 days prior to their renewal date. Please address all correspondence to the AASP Office of Member Services.
Review the accuracy of your contact information and practice profile information including your email address. To update your profile online go to spinephysicians.org and login using your unique member ID and PIN as noted below.
Please notify the AASP if you no longer meet membership criteria. This includes maintaining an active license to practice.
Welcome to the Inform a Colleague area of the Academy Website. The American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) strives to implement new and more efficient methods for members to communicate with other healthcare professionals. One of the most effective tools is the online "Inform a Colleague" function. This function can be used to expand and educate your spinecare referral network. It also represents a resource to conveniently inform others about trends in spinecare and about offers of organizations such as the American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP), the International Spine Association (ISA). The link library also contains an application for membership with the AASP.
