Clinical Reasoning of the Upper Body Region

CEUs: 16 Continuing Credit Hours

Counts Towards:  COMT, Fellowship

Course Description:

This course will focus on the examination, differential diagnosis, and treatment of frequently encountered clinical presentations in patients with neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction involving the upper body. A case-based format will focus upon relevant issues pertaining to the differentiation of clinical conditions involving the cervical spine, the thoracic spine, the thoracic outlet region, and the upper extremity. Structured laboratory sessions will provide instruction in pertinent assessment techniques as well as an introduction to applied manual therapy techniques for treatment of the upper body region.

Course Presenter(s):  Mike Timko, MS, PT, FAAOMPT & Nick Kyle, PT, DPT, OCS, COMT

Target Audience:  Physical Therapists w/ an interest in manual therapy

Pre-Requisites: n/a

Costs:  $450

Cancellation Policy:  Cancellation Policy

Ratio of Teacher/Student:  15 students/instructor

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, the participant will be able to:

1.) Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of differential examination and assessment for the upper body region

2.) Demonstrate competence in the performance of the differential examination procedures utilized in the clinical assessment of upper body dysfunction

3.) Recognize the indications and contraindications for mechanical evaluation and treatment of the upper body region

4.) Demonstrate competence in the administration of manual therapy techniques for the upper body region

5.) Demonstrate the ability to perform a differential assessment producing a unique cluster of signs and symptoms for various clinical manifestations of the upper body region

6.) Understand how to test neurodynamics and how to approach treatment of individuals with positive neurodynamics of the upper extremity

Course Outline:

Day 1
1.) Considerations for Serious Pathology in the Upper Body Region Medical Screening: Triage Considerations
2.) Upper Body Screening Exam and Applied Manual Therapy Technique(s)
3.) Differential Diagnostic Considerations: Upper Body Region
4.) “At-Risk” Considerations: Structural Integrity
5.) “At-Risk” Considerations: Neurological Integrity

Day 2
1.) “At-Risk” Considerations Reviewed and Summarized
2.) Clinical Skills Lab (First Order Clinical Decision Making)
3.) Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist and Hand Lecture
4.) Clinical Skills Lab: Orthopedic Special Tests for the Upper Extremity
5.) Clinical Skills Lab: Selected Manual Therapy Techniques for the Upper Extremity
6.) Clinical Skills Lab Continued: Selected Manual Therapy Techniques for the Upper Extremity