Course Description

This course is designed for the physical therapist who wishes to learn and refine manual skills necessary for the examination and management of patients with cervical musculoskeletal disorders.  Participants will be required to read assigned articles prior to class in order to maximize the effectiveness of lecture and discussion time.  Discussion will focus on the usefulness of manual examination, and the indications and outcomes for manual interventions. Introduction of topics will follow a case-based model.  The majority of the course is spent in lab instruction and practice time, to allow time for acquisition of motor skills.  The participant will be able to utilize techniques learned in this course immediately.

Course Objectives

At the end of the session, participants will be able to: 

• Analyze the role of orthopedic physical therapy in the management of spinal disorders.
• Analyze the scientific basis of orthopedic evaluation and treatment and its effectiveness.
• Analyze the anatomy, kinesiology, biomechanics and arthrology of the varying spinal regions and relate those findings to neuromusculoskeletal evaluation and treatment.
• Analyze and interpret evaluative data and identify possible lesions causing certain signs and symptoms.
• Interpret evaluation findings and relate them to common orthopedic problems.
• Defend the rationale and therapeutic effects of manual treatments and set realistic physical therapy goals that can be assessed for their achievement within a specific time frame.
• Interpret the clinical findings and recognize those situations that require different expertise than those of the physical therapist and make the appropriate referral when additional expertise is needed. Take appropriate actions to assure a successful outcome.
• Design, implement, and modify (as necessary) an orthopedic treatment program.   
• Implement self-assessment for learning the cognitive processes and manual techniques, associated with musculoskeletal evaluation and treatment.
• Describe a manual technique with sufficient clarity to allow a novice practitioner to perform it well.
• Analyze the accuracy and clarity of technique descriptions.
 
Instructional Level
This course can accommodate multiple levels (both entry level and advanced).