Current Concepts in the Management of Cervical Impairment

This is a course in which the emphasis is on training the physical therapist with a hands-on approach to examination and treatment of cervical musculoskeletal dysfunctions. Clinically relevant anatomy will be discussed in an anatomy lab with prosections while integrating appropriate pathological concerns. The course will feature manual methods of examination and treatment of the cervical spine and related areas. The majority of the class will be hands-on experience. Specific detailed examination of the upper cervical complex and lower cervical spine will be presented. Selected provocation and alleviation will be introduced. Participants should wear clothing that will allow examination and treatment of the cervical and thoracic regions.

OBJECTIVES:

Upon course completion participants will be able to:

• discuss cervical anatomy/pathology

• use a subjective examination to guide the objective examination and treatment

• evaluate neurological structures and dysfunction

• manually assess potential for serious pathologies of the upper cervical

• discuss selected rule in and or rule out provocation techniques

• evaluate joint dysfunction in upper cervical and lower cervical segments

• evaluate the cervical and surrounding soft tissues

• demonstrate appropriate soft tissue treatment techniques

• demonstrate intervertebral mobilization

• discuss training, exercise, patient mgmt.

FRIDAY 3:00pm to 9:00pm

2:30 Registration

3:00 Anatomy Lab discussion with prosections

4:30 Break

4:50 Introductions, course overview

5:20 Observation/Inspection/ROM general vs. specific

5:50 Special Tests: Upper cervical stability

6:50 Subjective

7:20 Neurological

7:40 Break

7:50 Segmental Passive Movement Testing: upper cervical

8:40 Treatment: soft tissues, joint mob: upper cervical

8:55 Hourly ex, Courtesy traction, Summary, Day 2

SATURDAY 8:30am to 5:30pm

8:30 Segmental Passive Movement Testing: lower cervical

9:05 Treatment: soft tissues, joint mob: lower cervical

10:00 Review: Day 1, different positions

10:30 Break

10:50 Continue Review, different positions

12:20 Lunch on your own

1:20 Continue treatment: lock, wedge, CTJ, positions

2:40 Muscle Stretching, self-stretches

3:40 Break

4:00 Exercise, training, patient management

5:15 Wrap-up, questions