A Total Approach for Treating Neck & Scapular Disorders

• • Learn how to integrate current Neck Patient Classification Systems into your treatment plan
• • Gain a better understanding of common hyper- and hypo-mobility diagnoses and the indications/contraindications for rehab
• • Review the clinical application of modalities and demonstrate manual therapy techniques to improve function and relieve pain
• • Identify specific stabilization and mobilization exercise progressions, and apply PNF and Pilates principles to retrain movement
• • Review current treatment-based Classification Systems for patients with neck pain
• • Describe relevant functional anatomy and mechanics of the cervical-scapulo-thoracic region and how it affects spinal stability
• • Examine how to appropriately utilize PNF, pressure biofeedback, and specialized taping techniques to improve functional mobility
• • Determine how to develop an effective exercise progression for neck and scapula stabilization
• • Discover how to apply soft tissue mobilization and neuromuscular stabilization techniques for treating neck and shoulder girdle pain and dysfunction

Restoring Functional Movement Patterns

Injuries in the neck and shoulder region affect over 1/3 of the adult population, and they can be very disabling and costly to the patient. X-ray findings often do not correlate with symptoms, yet these patients continue to have pain. Also, impairments in the scapula-thoracic and lumbar regions have been shown to affect the alignment and biomechanics of the cervical spine. Whether the cause is from a traumatic injury, or from the chronic effects of age, posture, and wear-and-tear, many of these patients suffer with significant pain and disability. Muscle imbalances and altered length-tension relationships of soft tissues make it increasingly more difficult to effectively treat these patients. Passive treatment approaches simply are not effective.

This one-day, intermediate-level course will explore the latest techniques for assessing and treating neck and shoulder girdle pain and dysfunction. Current treatment-based classification systems for neck patients will be presented, as well as today’s best-practices for objectively determining the underlying causes of dysfunction and applying effective treatment strategies.

Additionally, this course includes extensive, hands-on lab and demonstration sessions to allow participants to practice treatment techniques and exercise progressions. PNF techniques, as well as Pilates principles will be used to improve functional movement patterns. Clinical pearls with inexpensive, readily-available clinical supplies and equipment will also be shared, including specialized taping and neuromuscular re-education techniques for addressing common substitution patterns. Participants will learn new tools and techniques that can be implemented into their clinical practice the very next day.