Joint Mobilization: Shoulder Joint, Acromioclavicular Joint and Sternoclavicular Joint Course

Joint Mobilization: Shoulder Joint, Acromioclavicular Joint and Sternoclavicular Joint Course is organized by Brookbush Institute.

Course Description: 
Introduction
This course describes joint mobilizations for the shoulder joint, acromioclavicular (AC) joint, and sternoclavicular (SC) joint. 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.

This course includes mobilization techniques that intend to improve excessive stiffness of the shoulder joint, AC joint, and SC joint, reduce scapular dyskinesis (altered shoulder blade motion), improve shoulder range of motion (ROM), and reduce upper extremity dysfunction. For example, alterations in scapular motion have been correlated with shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS), mobilization of scapular joints has been correlated with improvement in shoulder ROM, and improvements in shoulder ROM have been correlated with a reduction in pain, improvements in function, and performance enhancement. These techniques may also be used in an integrated approach for upper body dysfunction (UBD) including sternocostal pain, upper thoracic pain, AC joint pain, frozen shoulder (post-acute phase), lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), and postural dysfunctions including rounded shoulder posture. Several studies even demonstrate that adding these mobilizations to conventional medical and therapeutic interventions may have a significant positive influence on short-term and long-term outcomes. 

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
Create an efficient plan of care to optimize the amount of therapy in a session, averaging 1 technique/2 minutes of therapy
List 3 short-term outcomes that may be expected from administering mobilizations
Based on re-assessment, choose the most effective techniques for use in future sessions as part of an on going care plan
Integrate at least 2 of the mobilization techniques covered in this course into a plan of care
List 3 pathologies/dysfunctions that may benefit from shoulder, SC or AC joint mobilization
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.