Upper Extremity Evaluation and Treatment: Shoulder and Elbow

Course Description: Even for seasoned healthcare professional there is an abundance to learn about the upper extremities. Having a foundation for anatomy, physiology, evaluation, treatment, problem solving, home exercise program, and precautions is essential for thorough and great care for our patients. Different universities may focus on one sector of a health care profession’s domains more than others leaving the healthcare professional feeling underprepared in the orthopedic sector. Experienced professionals that have been practicing longer in a different field seeking to transition into the orthopedic sphere may have a sense of "Where do I begin?". This course is designed to give a thorough review of anatomy and physiology of the shoulder and elbow. Along with learning the anatomy, goniometry and manual muscle testing will be covered. The most common diagnoses affecting the upper extremities will then be studied in detail, taking you from causes, evaluation, treatment, home exercise program recommendations, and precautions. The goal for this course is for the healthcare professional to be able to evaluate their patient and treat them so they get the most optimal functional outcome and are able to return to their valued activities while being properly educated and protected by their advocate and therapist. Current research in terms of recent conservative and surgical techniques are also discussed to provide the therapist with understanding of most up to date findings.