Joint Mobilization: Cervical and Thoracic Spine Course

Joint Mobilization: Cervical and Thoracic Spine Course is organized by Brookbush Institute.

Course Description:
Introduction
This course describes joint mobilizations for the cervical spine and thoracic spine. Several terms and definitions have been used to describe the "mobilizations" (e.g. mobilisations) that are taught in this course. The Brookbush Institute uses a conventional definition of "mobilization" that includes low amplitude, low-velocity, oscillatory techniques intended to reduce the stiffness of joints exhibiting a decrease in passive accessory range of motion (a.k.a. arthrokinematic motion and specifically glide or slide). Note, the term "manipulation" is reserved for high-velocity techniques taught in a separate set of courses. Further, the types of mobilizations taught in this course are posterior to anterior (PA) and include both unilateral posterior to anterior (UPA) mobilizations directing force over facet joints, and central posterior to anterior (CPA) mobilizations directing force over the spinous process. These mobilization techniques likely represent the most commonly recommended techniques due in part to their relatively high reliability and efficacy.

This course includes mobilization techniques that intend to improve excessive stiffness of the cervical spine and thoracic spine, improve restrictions in spine range of motion (ROM), and reduce cervicothoracic and upper extremity dysfunction. For example, cervical dysfunction has been correlated with lateral epicondylitis, and mobilizations of the cervical spine have been correlated with a reduction in pain and improvements in function, such as increased grip strength. These techniques may also be used in an integrated approach for cervicothoracic dysfunction

Behavioral Objectives
• Students will be prepared to pass a final exam by choosing from a list of potential answers to behavior-objective matched multiple-choice questions.
• Explain (4 steps or more) two of the techniques taught in the course..
• Integrate at least 2 of the release techniques covered in this course into a plan of care.
• Based on re-assessment, correctly choose the 2 most effective techniques for use in future sessions as part of an ongoing care plan.
• List 3 pathologies/dysfunctions that may benefit from cervical/thoracic mobilization based on research findings.
• List 3 short-term outcomes that may be expected from administering mobilizations.
• Create an efficient plan of care to optimize the amount of therapy in a session, averaging 1 technique/2 minutes of therapy.
• Deduce/synthesize a hypothesis regarding the effect this technique will have on outcome measures and the appropriate test for re-assessment.
• Design an intervention plan including these techniques with the intent of affecting an objectively measured functional outcome.
• Describe the functional benefits (including impact on performance, occupation or daily tasks) that may be expected from implementing the intervention plan