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​​​​​​​​​​​​Continuing Education Courses

Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Musculoskeletal Examination and Treatment of the Thoracic Spine and Rib Cage CEU

Course Dates: June 10, 17 and 24, 8 a.m. - Noon

Audience: Physical Therapists and Physical Therapy Assistants 

Registration Cost: $375

CEUs: 12 Total Hours

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The Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Musculoskeletal Examination and Treatment of the Thoracic Spine and Rib Cage CEU course is designed to foster the development of knowledge and skills germane to the examination of the thoracic spine and rib cage and the physical therapy management of patients with a variety of thoracic conditions. Evaluation of the data gathered during examination should lead to the development of a physical therapy diagnosis and/or to the identification of manifestations that warrant communication with a physician. 

Content includes regional anatomy, biomechanics, examination tests and measures such as joint integrity and mobility, muscle performance and range of motion (including muscle length).  In addition, physical therapy interventions including manual therapy techniques (soft tissue/joint mobilization/manipulation), and therapeutic exercise intended to improve strength, range of motion, and motor function are covered.   

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this section a resident will be able to:

  • Describe the relevant clinical anatomy of the thoracic spine to allow for accurate clinical examination
  • Describe the clinical biomechanics of the thoracic spine and its relation to forming an impairment-based diagnosis and treatment program
  • Differentiate the common sign and symptom patterns associated with disorders of the thoracic spine
  • Perform a thoracic scanning exam in order to screen for non-musculoskeletal conditions and identify the need for a biomechanical exam.
  • Safely and accurately perform the tests and measures listed on the thoracic spine supplement and demonstrate the ability to select the appropriate test, adapt the test to the patient’s disability and functional limitations, and interpret the findings
  • Synthesize data from the examination and analyze data to make clinical judgments regarding patient/client management
  • Formulate a physical therapy diagnosis that guides patient/client management  
  • Safely and accurately perform and guide the interventions (including manual therapy techniques and therapeutic exercises) listed in the supplement and demonstrate the ability to adapt the techniques to the patient’s disability and functional limitations
  • Determine patient/client prognosis and establish/manage a plan of care
  • Demonstrate clinical decision-making skills, including clinical reasoning, clinical judgment, and reflective practice
  • Incorporate evidence/consensus-based practice in the management of patients/clients
  • Demonstrate a commitment to learning including: being prepared for each learning experience, meeting deadlines, being punctual, asking well-formulated questions, and inviting feedback to facilitate problem solving

Method of Instruction

Lecture/discussion time: 4 hours

Lab/practical time: 8 hours

Course Outline 

  • Anatomy and biomechanics
  • Overview of current literature regarding management of the thoracic spine and rib cage
  • Clinical examination of the thoracic spine and rib cage
  • Clinical interventions for the thoracic spine and rib cage
  • Clinical practice
  • Thoracic Spine Outline 

Day 1 

  • 8 – 9 a.m.: Thoracic Spine Introduction, Prevalence, Anatomy, and Biomechanics 
  • 9 – 10:30 a.m.: Lab #1 – Thoracic Spine Examination 
  • 10:30 a.m. – Noon: Thoracic Pathology (through to slide 158)

Day 2

  • 8 – 9:30 a.m.: Lab #2 – Treatment of the Thoracic Spine 
  • 9:30 – 10 a.m.: Intro to thoracic manipulation 
  • 10 – 11 a.m.: Lab #3 - Thoracic Manipulation Lab 
  • 11 – 12 p.m.:  Special topics in the Thoracic Spine 

​Day 3 

  • 8 – 9 a.m.: Lab #4 – Scoliosis lab and TOS Lab
  • 9 – 10 a.m.: Clinical Applications of the Thoracic Spine – Novel Approaches 
  • 10 – 11 a.m.: Imaging in the Thoracic Spine 
  • 11 a.m. – Noon: Lab #5 - Case Studies with Lab based Intervention Integration 

​Instructors

Britanee Stone, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS, AIB-VRTC
Britanee graduated from Duke University with her Doctor of Physical Therapy. She holds board certification in orthopaedic​ physical therapy and is also certified in vestibular rehabilitation and concussion through the American Institute of Balance.

Jenni Freie, PT, DPT, OCS
Jenni Freie, PT, graduated from Bemidji State University in with a undergraduate biology degree. She attended the University of North Dakota and graduated with a Doctor of Physical Therapy. She also became a certified orthopedic specialist and is dry needling certified.

Faith M Stokes, PT, DPT, PRPC, WCS, OCS, FAAOMPT 
Faith graduated from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with her Doctor of Physical Therapy. She completed fellowship training through Bellin​ College’s Orthopaedic and Manual Physical Therapy (OMPT) Fellowship, residency training with Evidence in Motion, and is double board certified in pelvic health and orthopedics.  

Brittany Smart, PT, DPT, FAAOMPT, COMT
Brittany competed her undergraduate education at Northern Illinois University. She graduated with her Doctor of Physical Therapy from South College in Knoxville, Tennessee. She has also completed a manual therapy fellowship from The Manual Therapy Institute. 

Methods of Assessing Competency

Oral/Practical examination; Current Concepts of Orthopaedic​ Physical Therapy, 5th ed. ISC 31.2 monograph final examination.

Required Readings

  1. Scott Burns, Michael O’Hara, William Egan. The Thoracic Spine: Evidence-Informed Physical Therapy Patient Management. 5th ed.
  2. Cook CE, Hegedus EJ. Orthopedic Physical Examination Tests: An Evidence-Based Approach. 2nd ed. Chapter 9 (Thoracic Spine)
  3. Katzman et al. Age-Related Hyperkyphosis: Its Causes, Consequences, and Management. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2010; 6:352-360.

Optional Readings

  1. Horton SJ. ​Acute locked thoracic spine: treatment with a modified SNAG. Man Ther. 2002;7:103-107.
  2. Aiken D, Vaughn D. The Use of Functional and Traditional Mobilization Interventions in a Patient with Chronic Thoracic Pain:  A Case Report. J Man Manip Ther. 2013;3:134-141.
  3. Hooper TL et al. Thoracic outlet syndrome: a controversial clinical condition. Part 1: anatomy, and clinical examination/diagnosis. J Man Manip Ther. 2010; 18(2):74-83.
  4. Hooper TL et al. Thoracic outlet syndrome: a controversial clinical condition. Part 2: non-surgical and surgical management. J Man Manip Ther. 2010; 18(3):132-138.
  5. Boyle, Kyndall, et all. The Value of Blowing Up a Balloon. NAJSPT. Volume 5(3). 179-188.

Additional Resources

  • Thoracic Spine PowerPoint presentation
  • Diagnostic Imaging PowerPoint presentation
  • Technique videos

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Questions

If you have questions or need additional information, call 706-509-3400 or email us.​