Differential Diagnosis: Exploring the Causes of Upper Extremity Pain-Cervical Spine and Shoulder

Course Description

This course introduces the learner to the systematic process of differential diagnosis. The focus of this course is on differential diagnosis of the cervical spine and shoulder. It will cover potential systemic as well as musculoskeletal causes of cervical and shoulder pain and will include the identification of red flags and criteria for physician referral. This course is informative and to the point, providing resources that can be used in clinical practice the next day. It will enhance the therapist’s evaluation skills and assessment techniques and also includes evidence-based treatment strategies and clinical practice guidelines related to musculoskeletal conditions of the cervical spine and shoulder.

Course Objectives

At the end of this course, the participant will be able to:

• Recognize red flags in differential diagnosis and summarize the guidelines for referral to physician/ emergency services.
• Identify non-musculoskeletal/ systemic potential causes of cervical and shoulder pain.
• Differentiate musculoskeletal causes of cervical and shoulder pain.
• Utilize clinical treatments for the cervical spine and shoulder in accordance with the latest clinical practice guidelines and evidence-based practice in order to improve function and decrease pain.

• Prerequisites

  None

• Educational Level

  Intermediate

• Other

  Satisfactory completion of this course will require the participant to respond to polling questions asked throughout the webinar.