Utilizing Clinical Reasoning and Manual Therapy in the Management of Upper Quadrant Conditions

Course Description: 

Patients with a primary report of upper extremity pain provide clinicians with several challenges in attempting to identify the nature of the patient’s symptoms and determine an appropriate course of treatment. This hands-on course will integrate current evidence of the physical therapy clinical examination and interventions for the shoulder complex while also touching on treatment for the elbow wrist and hand. It will provide extensive laboratory sessions intended to develop the clinician’s skills in performing clinical tests, manual therapy skills, and prescription of appropriate therapeutic exercise. Patient education tools will be presented to facilitate symptom management and enhance treatment outcomes in a physical therapy clinical environment. 

Course Objectives: 

• Critically evaluate the science of the examination of the cervico-thoracic and shoulder region in order to identify impairments that may be addressed through conservative care.

• Develop appropriate intervention strategies for patients with upper extremity complex pain including a…