Blake Graham, DC, MS, CSCS, DACBSP® is a sports medicine provider with Delta S Performance in Golden, Colo. He is also director of performance and sports medicine for the U.S. Fistball Association and president of the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians. At Engage 2026, Dr. Graham will present, “Moving Through Arthritis: Conservative Treatment Strategies.”
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. Dr. Graham’s presentation is designed to help practitioners understand how to evaluate and manage the progression of osteoarthritis, how to educate patients on their condition, what options patients have to treat OA conservatively, medical intervention, and staying physically active.
Read on for more from Dr. Graham about his upcoming presentation and register for Engage 2026 today so you can attend in person.
Q: How is the topic you are presenting at Engage 2026 relevant to today’s chiropractor?
Arthritis is one of the most common and disabling conditions our patients face, affecting not just older adults, but active individuals under 65. With the growing demand for conservative, movement-based management of arthritis, chiropractors are uniquely positioned to lead in this space. The presentation focuses on blending biomechanics, inflammation management, and practical exercise strategies to improve function and quality of life for patients living with osteoarthritis.
This topic is particularly timely as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention projects a continued rise in arthritis prevalence through 2035, and research continues to support the role of load management, neuromuscular and biomechanical re-education, and strength training in slowing progression and improving outcomes.
Q: What makes you an expert in this area?
In my previous role at Canyon Ranch, we developed patient frameworks surrounding longevity and making sure patients were equipped to move well as they age. Additionally, I taught over 200 hours of CME through the University of Arizona College of Medicine, teaching healthcare providers alongside guests on the topics of joint pain and degeneration. Through these experiences, as well as by becoming a strength and conditioning specialist and performance director, I utilize these strategies from research to create evidence-informed treatment plans for patients who feel like they had no option other than living in pain.
Q: What first interested you in this condition?
My interest in arthritis management began early in my clinical career, when so many of my patients were told to stop exercising because of their arthritis, or that they were hopeless and would eventually need a joint replacement. The idea that joints just “wear and tear” did not sit right with me when you can observe people do the same exercises and have various levels of arthritis or joint pain. Diving into the research, it was eye-opening to see the role biomechanics has on mediating joint inflammation, for better or worse. Once I learned how movement strategies drive inflammatory pathways, it was empowering to facilitate my patients’ journey towards being active again and enjoying life.
Q: Can you provide one or two takeaways from your presentation/topic that Engage2026 attendees will not want to miss—and why?
- Timely load is medicine: Attendees will learn how to apply the latest evidence on graded loading, mobility, and exercise prescription to reduce pain and improve function in patients with osteoarthritis.
- Managing inflammation: The presentation explores the biomechanical and metabolic drivers of osteoarthritis and offers practical frameworks for integrating patient education, lifestyle, and performance principles into care. These takeaways will hopefully empower clinicians to confidently manage arthritis cases across a wide patient spectrum from aging athletes to everyday patients trying to stay active.
Q: How many times have you attended or presented at ACA Engage in the past?
This will be my first time presenting at ACA Engage.
Don’t miss Engage 2026! Join with fellow ACA members Jan. 22–24 in Arlington, Va., at the Crystal Gateway Marriott to learn from top experts, sharpen your clinical and professional skills, and connect with your chiropractic community. ACA has applied for CE credits in California, Florida, Georgia, and Texas, in addition to offering CE in more than 30 PACE-accepted states. Get the details here: Engage 2026 Continuing Education. In addition, take advantage of early-bird rates by registering today for the conference.
