Summary

This seminar was specially developed for the Physical Therapists who want to have a comprehensive approach in high velocity low amplitude manipulation technique for the Cervical Spine, Thoracic Spine and Upper Extremity. This seminar also puts together the relationship of the TMJ with the Cervical Spine and on the posture.

Anatomy and biomechanics of the cervical and thoracic spines and hand, wrist, elbow, shoulder, girdle along with fundamental knowledge required to apply the techniques as well as safety skills.

Assessment methods and techniques to establish a diagnosis as well as differential diagnosis will be thoroughly covered. 

Participants will be taught manipulation techniques for adjustment of Participants will be taught manipulation techniques for adjustment of the cervical and thoracic spines, in the movements of flexion, extension, rotation and side bending, with variations positions with the patient in prone position, supine position and side lying position. Will be taught also high velocity low amplitude manipulation techniques of the hand, wrist, elbow, shoulder and girdle to recover the artrokinematic movements of each joint.

The course is indicated for Therapists who work with Manual Therapy and treat patients with pain, dysfunction, decreased mobility of the cervical and thoracic spines and upper extremity. Also recommended for therapists who work with patients with altered posture.

Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will:

• Understand the concepts of High Velocity Low Amplitude manipulation, through a presentation of the evidence of the neurophysiological, biomechanical and functional effects of HVLA manipulation techniques.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the anatomy, biomechanics and pathology, evidenced by participation in discussion of clinical cases for pathology of the cervical and thoracic spines and the upper extremity.
• Establish differential diagnosis of cervical and thoracic spine and upper extremity pathology by adequately performing special orthopedic, neurologic and vascular tests with high sensitivity and specificity.
• Know how to identify the red flags of the HVLA manipulation, and the partial contra-indications, as evidenced by participation in discussion of clinical cases for pathology of the cervical and thoracic spines and upper extremity.
• Know how to evaluate the dynamic mobility of the Cervical and Thoracic spines and Upper extremity via specific palpation, through the demonstration and an intensive training and development of the specific sensitivity of the PT to feel the mobility of joint play with participation in extensive lab sessions.
• Demonstrate a deep understanding and appropriate handling of all the HVLA manipulation techniques presented in this course, through the demonstration and intensive hands-on participation and training of the various techniques.
• Know how to choose the most effective and the most appropriate technique for each patient case, through the presentation and discussion of clinical cases.
• Develop appropriate clinical reasoning to manage the true cause of pathology and not just the symptoms, evidenced by participation in discussion of clinical cases for pathology of the cervical and thoracic spines and upper extremity.
• Apply with safety HVLA manipulation techniques during the workshop, and receive instructor feedback for corrections and improvements.