Proximal Screening of the Upper Extremity

1.5Contact Hours/ 0.15CEUs

Gain an appreciation of the relationship between the cervical spine and thoracic outlet region and sharpen your evaluation skills to optimize treatment outcomes! This course will review the anatomy of the cervical spine to develop an understanding of the potential pain generators in this region that can refer symptoms to the distal upper extremity. Testing of the cervical spine to differentiate between a cervical radiculopathy from a disc issue will be covered. An overview of thoracic outlet syndrome will also be provided as well as techniques for screening this region! Come join us!

Target group: PT, PTA, AT, OT

Education Level: Basic

COURSE OUTLINE-proximal screening

• Describe the research supporting the existence of double crush
• Explain the difference in clinical presentation between cervical radiculopathy versus a cervical disc.
• Perform a cervical spine screen with evaluation of sensation, strength and reflexes to determine potential dermatomal and myotomal involvement.
• Verbalize the anatomy of the thoracic outlet region and be able to describe the 3 main areas of brachial plexus involvement.
• Identify the two types of thoracic outlet syndrome(TOS) clinical presentations: compressors and releasers.
• Perform a proximal screening to rule out disputed neurogenic TOS.

• 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.