Case Study Integration (CSI): Shoulder – Impingement Syndrome

14.6 Contact hours/ 1.46 CEU’s – Online Course

This online self-paced course provides the learner with keys and steps to solve a complex case of shoulder impingement syndrome with rotator cuff tendinitis in the aging patient. The case examines advanced concepts in anatomy and pathology specific to the history, clinical diagnosis, and potential differential diagnoses. Extensive instruction offers insight into a comprehensive plan of care that includes soft tissue and joint mobilization, dry needling, and sensorimotor control. Special topics include 1) evidence plus in conservative management of the shoulder, 2) considerations and recommendations for the aging patient in a multifocal approach, and 3) ) biopsychosocial approach to communication for building rapport, compliance, and optimal outcomes.

Target Group: PT, PTA, OT, OTA, ATC

Educational Level: Intermediate

Course Outline

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

• Analyze patient history, based on pathoanatomy and biomechanics of the shoulder and shoulder girdle to formulate a working hypothesis of pathology prior to initiating the clinical examination.
• Establish a sound clinical diagnosis for physical therapy by thorough interpretation of clinical examination findings.
• Select specific clinical tests that are the most informative for confirming diagnosis, causal factor(s), and perpetuator(s) in a patient with shoulder and arm pain.
• Create a comprehensive plan of care that includes all the following: soft tissue and joint specific manual therapy, dry needling, and appropriate sensorimotor control strategies focused on lower extremity control of motion and load.
• Prioritize selective functional testing that supports the specific exercise program prescribed for a patient with loss of optimal function in the upper quarter.
• Practice evidence-based psychosocial approaches, to engage and promote the patient-clinician relationship that leads to building rapport, optimal compliance, and better functional and clinical outcomes.
• Examine a patient condition and the contributions of a history of previous high level sports participation to a current state of relative inactivity outside of the workplace, along with declining self-care strategies related to sleep, stress management and nutrition.
• Apply a multifocal approach to healing by recommending strategies for optimal sleep, hydration, nutrition, and creating a sense of well-being.

• 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.