Exertional Rhabdomyolysis: An Evidence-Based Update
Abstract:
Exertional Rhabdomyolysis (ER) is a serious medical condition resulting from the damage and breakdown of skeletal muscle fibers with leakage of muscle contents into the bloodstream. ER can be caused by various conditions such as exercise or sport overtraining and injury. The healthcare professional must be able to understand the medical condition, the clinical presentation, potential risk factors, and management strategies for patients who may be suffering with ER. This presentation is for the healthcare professional who desires an evidence-based update on this topic.
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize the causes and negative physiological effects of exertional rhabdomyolysis.
- Identify exertional rhabdomyolysis risk factors for different types of individuals and situations.
- Apply management and exercise programming strategies to prevent overtraining and exertional rhabdomyolysis for individuals of all fitness levels.
- Distinguish the role of the healthcare professional and their scope of practice for prevention, recognition, and management of exertional rhabdomyolysis.
Level:
Essential
Domain(s):
Domain 1: Risk Reduction Wellness and Health Literacy
Domain 2: Assessment Evaluation and Diagnosis
Domain 4: Therapeutic Intervention
Domain 5: Health Care Administration and Professional Responsibility
Orthopedic Domain(s):
Domain 1: Medical Knowledge
Domain 2: Procedural Knowledge
Keywords:
damage; exercise; muscle
CEUs:
1.0 Category A
A Statement of Credit reflecting your CEUs will be issued immediately upon the successful completion of all course components.
Course Expiration:
All sessions of the NATA 77th Symposia On-Demand must be completed by December 31, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CST.
For full details, refer to the expiration policy on our FAQ page.
Scott Cheatham, PhD, DPT, PT, OCS, ATC, CSCS
Dr. Scott Cheatham is a Full Professor and Associate Chair in the Department of Kinesiology at CSU Dominguez Hills in Carson, California. He is owner of Sports Medicine Alliance a concierge sports and orthopedic physical therapy company. Dr. Cheatham received his Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Physical Therapy. Dr. Cheatham is a Board Certified Orthopedic Physical Therapist (OCS) and a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC). He also holds several fitness certifications and is a certified ergonomic specialist.
Dr. Cheatham is a national presenter for various organizations and has authored over 120 peer reviewed publications, textbook chapters, and several home study courses on the topics of sports medicine, orthopedics, and health & fitness. He is the co-editor and contributing author of the textbook titled Orthopedic Management of the Hip and Pelvis. Dr. Cheatham’s professional responsibilities include being on the editorial board for the Journal of Sport Rehabilitation, Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, and NSCA Personal Training Quarterly. He is also a manuscript reviewer for several other peer reviewed journals.
Dr. Cheatham is an education and research consultant for various health and fitness organizations. His current clinical practice includes sports medicine, orthopedics, and sports-performance training services.

