This course will cover current best evidence in the physical therapy management of neck pain. Laboratory sessions will focus on the safe and effective delivery of thrust and non-thrust manipulation to the cervical spine, cervicothoracic spine, and upper ribs.
Additional labs will cover evaluation and treatment of the thoracic spine, management of cervical radiculopathy, upper cervical thrust manipulation/mobilization, and progressive exercise concepts with particular emphasis on performance and incorporation of the overhead press. Mobility and motor control exercises will be included to complement the manual therapy techniques.
Lecture material will summarize the developing body of literature regarding the subgrouping of cervical spine patients, differential diagnosis of cervical conditions, safety of manipulation, treatment of cervicogenic headaches, and cervical spine examination based on clinical practice guidelines.