Advanced Training Series Part 1

10 CEU Contact Hours

This series is designed for licensed physical therapists seeking to advance clinical reasoning, differential diagnosis, and manual therapy skills via this continuing education program delivered through weekly instruction with flexible attendance options designed around real-world clinic workflows. The program promotes clinical confidence, consistency, and advanced decision-making while maintaining educational rigor and accountability.

You will receive a schedule for one-hour sessions on Thursday nights, each week for 10 weeks.

Part 1 – advance clinical reasoning, differential diagnosis, and manual therapy skills related to cervical spine disorders, shoulder pathology, and thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). Instruction emphasizes accurate identification of musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, and neurovascular pain generators commonly associated with neck and upper extremity symptoms.

Through evidence-based lectures, case-based discussion, and hands-on laboratory sessions, participants will develop a structured approach to the examination and treatment of conditions involving the cervical spine, cervicothoracic junction, ribs, brachial plexus, and shoulder complex. Examination strategies and interventions are integrated with clinical decision-making frameworks to support safe and effective patient management.

Target Group: PT, PTA, DPT, OT, OTA, AT
Educational Level: Basic
Prerequisites: No
Ratio: Student: Instructor = 16:1

Note: You must complete a part to get credit for it. There is no partial credit. However, you do NOT have to complete all 3 parts to get credit for completed parts.

1. Refine the ability to distinguish between primary pain generators and movement dysfunctions using advanced, evidence-based assessment strategies.
2. Integrate biomechanical, neurological, and systemic considerations to improve diagnostic precision.
3. Differentiate musculoskeletal pain from systemic, referred, or neurogenic sources by recognizing advanced pain distribution patterns.
4. Apply critical reasoning to identify subtle distinctions in joint, soft tissue, and nerve pain presentations.
5. Perform orthopedic and neurological testing with expert-level accuracy, ensuring reliability in differentiating conditions.
6. Utilize subtle variations in test execution to improve sensitivity and specificity for complex diagnoses.
7. Differentiate capsular from non-capsular patterns to accurately distinguish arthritic and arthrosis changes from soft tissue and neuromuscular restrictions.
8. Integrate joint mobility assessments into a comprehensive evaluation framework for structural and functional impairments.
9. Apply graded and end-range mobilization techniques with precision, tailoring interventions based on patient response and movement restoration goals.
10. Modify mobilization strategies based on neurodynamic and myofascial influences to enhance joint mechanics and restore function.
11. Precisely match mobilization, soft tissue, and neurodynamic techniques to the underlying pathology for maximum therapeutic impact.
12. Incorporate regional interdependence principles to address dysfunctions beyond the immediate pain site, optimizing movement and function.

• Financial: The instructor(s) receive an honorarium for presenting this course.
• Non-financial: The instructor(s) have no relevant non-financial relationships to disclose.
• Partial credit is not available. For online courses, passing module assessments and completing the course evaluation is required to earn continuing education credit. For live courses, attendance is confirmed by signing the attendance sheet at the course; ensure name and professional license number are accurate, and initial both morning and afternoon attendance.