Power of Assessment: The Shoulder

Service Description

These webinars explore common shoulder pathologies that arise from everyday activities, degenerative changes, sports injuries, and chronic repetitive strain or overuse. The shoulder is a complex region to assess and treat due to the multiple structures and mechanisms involved in its movement. Research suggests that shoulder pain ranks among the top five most common complaints—following issues like headaches, jaw pain, and neck discomfort. For many therapists, shoulder conditions can challenge even solid clinical knowledge, often resulting in unsatisfying treatment outcomes. Is it a tear? Impingement? Arthritis? Tendonitis? Or could it simply be poor bio-mechanics? What if it’s none of these—and instead a referred pain from another area? These sessions aim to help you differentiate between neurological, muscular, and skeletal sources of both acute and chronic shoulder pain. While our focus is on the shoulder, the principles discussed can be applied broadly across the body. Part 1: (60 minutes): The Shoulder Part 1: Theory & Pathology • Refresh Anatomy of the shoulder girdle • Range of Motion Testing of the shoulder girdle • Overview of shoulder pathologies; • Strains (Tears) • Tendinitis • Bursitis • Separation/Dislocation • Impingement • Labral Tear, etc. Part 2: (60 minutes): Assessment in practice • Assessment Protocols • Questions • Observations/Palpations • Rapid review of Range of Motion • Orthopedic Testing • Treatment approaches