Mobilization of the Cervical and Thoracic Spine and Ribs

Course Description

Many clinicians lack a structured approach to treat dysfunctions involving the neck, shoulders and upper thoracic spine, while often overlooking rib cage involvement. This course will give you a strong foundation to treat these areas as well as an understanding of where to look next if you're not getting the desired outcome with your spine patients.

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We make a complicated region of the body simple to diagnose and treat, giving you a wide array of treatment approaches to choose from that best fit your patients' needs. Techniques include Muscle Energy Technique (MET) and direct articulations to the cervical and thoracic spine and ribs. All course material is evidence-based and every technique is repeated multiple times until you feel comfortable and confident. When you leave this class, you'll walk away with a straightforward, yet comprehensive foundation for treatment of the neck, upper back and ribs.

 

As with all our manual therapy courses, this course is at least 75% hands-on lab, and will give you skills you can use immediately upon returning to the clinic.

 

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At the completion of this seminar, the participant will be able to:

  • Correctly describe the normal and abnormal biomechanics of the vertebrae in the upper cervical spine (OA, AA), lower cervical Spine (C2-7), thoracic spine (T1-I2) and ribs
  • Confidently describe 5 specific spinal and rib anatomical structures
  • Correctly describe the neurophysiological mechanism behind muscle energy technique (MET)
  • Correctly and confidently identify 3 key components necessary to administer proper MET
  • Through the discussion of relevant evidence based research, support the use of METs/mobilization and manipulations to the cervical and thoracic spine and ribs for specific diagnoses
  • Through the use of 3 varying case studies, correctly demonstrate a systematic approach for the treatment progression through the cervical and thoracic spine and rib complex
  • Demonstrate the appropriate force direction for 5 specific MET/mobilization and manipulations

Saturday

7:30am

Doors Open

8:00am

Lecture: Overview of MET and Joint Articulations, Anatomy, Biomechanics, Spinal Kinematics, Types of Dysfunctions, Treatment Principles

10:30am

Lecture: Rib Dysfunctions

11:00am

Lab: Cervical-Thoracic Screening Tests

12:00pm

Lunch (on your own)

1:00pm

Lab: Thoracic Spine: Type II Flexion and Extension Lesions

3:15pm

Lab: Thoracic Spine: Type I Neutral Spine Lesions

4:15pm

Lab: Cervical Spine: Type II Lesions

5:00pm

Review of Evidence-Based Literature for Today's Topics

5:30pm

Adjourn

Sunday

7:30am

Doors Open

8:00am

Lab: Review of Type II Dysfunctions in Cervical and Thoracic Spine

8:45am

Lab: Upper Cervical Screening Tests, AA Jt Dysfunctions

10:15am

Lab: OA Jt Dysfunctions

11:15am

Structural Rib Dysfunctions

12:00pm

Lunch (on your own)

1:00pm

Lab Continued: Structural Rib Dysfunctions

3:45pm

Case Studies/Speed Mobilizations

4:30pm

Review of Evidence-Based Literature for Today's Topics

5:00pm

Adjourn

Course Instructors

John Duncombe

PT, DPT, OCS, MSPT, CIMT, CSCS, GCS, USATF Level 1 Coach

John received his Master’s of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison in 2001. He obtained his Doctorate in Physical Therapy through the Evidence in Motion Institute of Health Professions (EIM) while simultaneously finishing a 2 year Orthopedic Residency program with EIM. He is board certified as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist from the American Physical Therapy Association. While at the University of Wisconsin he became a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with the National Strength and Conditioning Association as well as a Golf Conditioning Specialist. John treats a vast array of outpatient orthopedic dysfunctions, looking at a wide variety of structures, tissues, and systems that may be contributing to the source of symptoms. His special interests are in post-surgical shoulder and knee patients, cervical-thoracic injuries, and runners with varying types of lower extremity dysfunctions. John currently works for Team Rehabilitation Physical Therapy and is the clinic director and owner of an outpatient orthopedic clinic in the northern suburbs of Chicago. When any free time presents itself, you can find him running the trails training for his next Ultra Marathon or spending time with his wife and 2 children.

John Duncombe

What people are saying!

I was apprehensive about the cervical spine before the course but after learning the various techniques that can be used for not only the cervical spine but the thoracic as well, I feel much more capable.
Raleigh, NC
I can use the techniques starting Monday without confusion or difficulty. I feel better able to treat cervical dysfunctions after this course.
Shawnee, OK
Organized, practical treatment approaches that I can implement immediately. Enough repetition and review to increase confidence in applying techniques when back in clinic.
Detroit, MI
I appreciated the low pressure, collaborative environment and frequent review of techniques and application.
Grand Rapids, MI
Overall the course took a complex part o the body and broke it down into a manageable process to assess, treat and recheck
Stoughton, WI

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