The Overhead Athlete: A Comprehensive Treatment Approach

At the completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Recognize 3 biomechanical characteristics that contribute to increased injury risk in the arm of the overhead athlete
• Given a mechanical fault in the performance of the overhead sports movement, provide 2 biomechanical contributors to the mechanical fault
• Recognize 3 sociocultural factors that contribute to the development of chronic/overuse injuries in the overhead athlete
• Identify 3 postural characteristics common in the presentation of the overhead athlete
• Given a specific joint/tissue dysfunction, provide 2 biomechanical contributors and 2 biomechanical consequences for the respective sport
• Define the role of 3 different core muscles in the transfer of energy from the lower extremity to the upper extremity
• Define the role of 3 different scapular muscles in the transfer of energy from the trunk to the arm
• Correctly identify and perform mobilization/release of 3 scapular muscles
• Correctly identify and perform mobilization/release of 3 trunk and/or hip muscles
• Properly execute a functional strength assessment of upper extremity, lower extremity and trunk
• Identify a dysfunctional movement pattern during functional movement assessment
• Develop 2 motor retraining exercises that addresses dysfunctional movements identified during your movement/manual assessment
• Develop 2 dynamic exercises that would reinforce motor retraining

At the completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Recognize 3 biomechanical characteristics that contribute to increased injury risk in the arm of the overhead athlete
• Given a mechanical fault in the performance of the overhead sports movement, provide 2 biomechanical contributors to the mechanical fault
• Recognize 3 sociocultural factors that contribute to the development of chronic/overuse injuries in the overhead athlete
• Identify 3 postural characteristics common in the presentation of the overhead athlete
• Given a specific joint/tissue dysfunction, provide 2 biomechanical contributors and 2 biomechanical consequences for the respective sport
• Define the role of 3 different core muscles in the transfer of energy from the lower extremity to the upper extremity
• Define the role of 3 different scapular muscles in the transfer of energy from the trunk to the arm
• Correctly identify and perform mobilization/release of 3 scapular muscles
• Correctly identify and perform mobilization/release of 3 trunk and/or hip muscles
• Properly execute a functional strength assessment of upper extremity, lower extremity and trunk
• Identify a dysfunctional movement pattern during functional movement assessment
• Develop 2 motor retraining exercises that addresses dysfunctional movements identified during your movement/manual assessment
• Develop 2 dynamic exercises that would reinforce motor retraining

Approved for 16.5 hours for Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants: AL, AK, AZ, AR, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MD, MA, MI, MO, MT, NE, NH, NJ, NY, NM, NC, ND, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, UT, VT, VA, WA, WI, WY

Approved for 16.5 hours for Occupational Therapists: AL, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, ID, IN, IA, KS, MA, MN, MO, NE, NV, NH, ND, OR, SC, SD, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY

Approved for 16.5 Category A hours by the BOC for Athletic Trainers.

If you do not see your state or discipline listed above, please contact us at info@glseminars.com for more information.

Click here for the state approval list for all in-person courses.

What will I learn in this course?
You will learn to assess and treat common dysfunctions in overhead athletes, understand the biomechanics of throwing and overhead movements, and apply manual therapy, myofascial release, and motor retraining exercises. The course also covers functional strength assessment and dynamic exercises to address movement impairments and prevent injury.

Who should take this course?
This course is ideal for clinicians who treat athletes involved in throwing or overhead sports, including baseball, softball, volleyball, tennis, and football, and who want to improve their assessment and treatment strategies for these populations.

How will this course help me in the clinic on Monday morning?
You will leave the course ready to evaluate overhead athletes, identify dysfunctional movement patterns, perform effective manual therapy and myofascial release techniques, and implement motor retraining and dynamic exercises to improve performance and reduce injury risk.

What course materials are provided?
You will receive a full printed course manual and a post-course follow-up video from the instructor.

What should I wear to the course?
Wear comfortable athletic clothing that allows full movement. Please bring or wear shorts and a tank top or t-shirt so instructors can observe movement patterns clearly.

Is this course mostly lecture or lab?
This course is primarily hands-on lab with lecture integrated throughout. You will spend the majority of the weekend practicing techniques and assessments.

Do I need prior experience?
No prior experience is required, though a basic understanding of anatomy and manual therapy will help you get the most out of the course.