Regional Review of Musculoskeletal Systems: Shoulder and Upper Extremity
presented by Michael Fink

NOTE: This course is part of a nine course series by Michael Fink on Medical Screening and Differential Diagnosis*.

Through a lecture and case-based format, this course will offer a comprehensive look at common musculoskeletal and non-musculoskeletal pathologies concerning the shoulder and upper extremity. It will introduce evidence and procedures integral to making sound judgments as it relates to medical screening and differential diagnosis within the patient/client management model. It will describe how medical, orthopedic, and neurological problems may be interrelated thus making differential diagnosis of neuromusculoskeletal signs and symptoms difficult. The intent of this course is not to train participants to make a medical diagnosis but rather to be able to recognize when physical therapy is indicated, contraindicated, and when a referral to other health care personnel is needed. Medical Screening and differential diagnosis are essential components in autonomous practice and is within the scope of the physical therapy profession. Possessing good clinical evaluative skills is a critical part of the process for effective differential diagnosis and subsequent management of the “treat versus refer” dilemma.
* This course was previously included in a larger 2-course Medical Screening series on MedBridge. If you have taken one of these two courses previously, the material has already been covered. Learn more

Advanced Physical Evaluation of Orthopedic Patients with Upper and Lower Quarter Neuropathic Syndromes
presented by Jack Stagge

This course will be retired and no longer available as of April 1, 2020. Please complete the course by March 31, 2020, to receive credit.

In this course, Jack Stagge P.T., O.C.S., FAAOMPT will cover in depth topics that are introduced in both the Upper Quarter and Lower Quarter Basic Courses. The course will begin with a review of essential neuropathological definitions, pathological considerations, and the development of pseudoneuromas as a basis for further understanding of the mechanisms behind neuropathic syndromes. Advanced techniques for verifying patients with neuropathic pain syndromes will be presented, and evidenced-based objective measures such as algometry, surface temperature, and sensory measurements will be demonstrated to allow the practitioner the ability to objectify progress and modify treatment. The course will enable participants to apply their knowledge in their day-to-day practices, and integrate evidence obtained through evaluation with patient’s medical history to come to a differential diagnosis and identify patients who have been misdiagnosed as having standard orthopedic and sports medicine diagnosis, and may fail other treatment due to a primary or underlying neuropathic syndrome. Learn more

Evidence-Based Treatment of the Shoulder
presented by Eric Hegedus

This course will be retired and no longer available as of Sun Nov 1, 2020. Please start the course by Mon Oct 19, 2020 and complete the course by Sat Oct 31, 2020 to receive credit or look for Evidence-Based Treatment of the Shoulder: An Update, available in the course catalogue.


This course on evidence-based treatment of the shoulder is presented by Dr. Eric Hegedus. Upon completion of this course, learners will be able to recognize the more prevalent shoulder pathologies seen in musculoskeletal practice and gain an understanding of the etiology behind each of the pathologies. The concordant techniques used to target the primary impairment are explained, as well as the adjunctive techniques used to target the primary impairment and secondary contributors, and the techniques used to target global conditional issues. Learners will analyze the effectiveness of each technique for treatment within the classifications. Current research is presented throughout the course to provide learners with the proper tools for evidence-based management of these patients. This course is part of a 19 course comprehensive clinical series covering examination and intervention for the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine, as well as the upper (shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand) and lower (hip, pelvis, knee, foot, and ankle) quarters. Learn more