Case Study Integration (CSI): Thoracic – Internal Disc Disruption

14.75 Contact hours/ 1.475 CEU’s – Online Course

This online self-paced course provides the learner with keys and steps to solve a complex patient case of chronic thoracic discogenic and rib pain, perpetuated by myofascial and joint dysfunction. The case examines advanced concepts in anatomy and pathology specific to the case, clinical testing and differential diagnoses, and comprehensive treatment strategies. All aspects of a complete plan of care are presented by a panel of authorities in the profession, including soft tissue and joint mobilization, dry needling, and sensorimotor control. Special topics include 1) a scoliosis and management, 2) neurophysiology of somatovisceral pain, and 2) successful communication to build rapport and compliance for optimal results.

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

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 thoracic spine and ribs, 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 diagnosis, causal factor, and perpetuator confirmation in a patient with recurrent lumbar spine pain.
• Create a comprehensive plan of care that includes all of the following: soft tissue and joint specific manual therapy, dry needling, and appropriate sensorimotor control strategies focused on segmental stabilization.
• Prioritize selective functional testing that supports the specific exercise program prescribed for a patient with discogenic pain and rib stiffness of the thoracic spine.
• 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 related to scoliosis contributions and create an effective conservative care program of treatment.
• Optimize patient understanding of the pain experience of thoracic spine disorders as related to potential accompanying visceral symptoms, thereby allaying fears and confusion.

• 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.