DAC Course 3: Movement System Diagnostics & Clinical Biomechanics for the Upper Extremity and Cervicothoracic Spine

Program: DAC

Instructor: Dr. DuVall 

Course Description: Applicable to all practice settings and specialty practice areas, this seminar teaches physical therapists advanced clinical methods for biomechanically diagnosing movement impairments and implementing manual therapy interventions to the upper extremities, thoracic and cervical spine. This is an evidence-based, hands-on seminar that translates clinical practice to immediately achieve optimal functional outcomes that also prevent readmissions. The latest clinical prediction rules CPR’s are presented so to equip therapists with criteria based methods that ascertain the greatest likelihood for optimal functional outcomes that are necessary for imminent pay for performance reimbursement standards. 

Intended Audience: PTs, PTAs 

Prerequisites/Requirements: None 

Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course participants will be able to: 

• Differentiate movement impairment and functional- based Differential Diagnosis skills from pathology- based Medical Screening skills through reflection activity 

• Identify the role and responsibility of movement impairment and functional- based Differential Diagnosis as related to best practice through reflective activities  

• Integrate and apply concepts toward completion of 2 case report activities for group discussion 

• Understand biomechanical and physiological regional interdependences that provide a practical framework to comprehend the complexity of human function during case-based learning small group lab activities   

• Understand the anatomy, physiology and biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system as related to biomechanical “Vital Sign” data acquisition during lab demonstration 

• Practically apply an exhaustive Examination scheme for obtaining biomechanical Vital Signs essential to identifying movement impairment diagnoses and etiological variables during lab demonstration  

• Practically apply evidence-based manual therapy, neuro-muscular re-education and functional exercise interventions through demonstration and small group discussion activities   

• Demonstrate appropriate set up and force application with all techniques listed on the Lab Skills Check Off sheet
  

12 HOUR SEMINAR SCHEDULE 

DAY ONE 

8:00 AM:   

• Differentiate movement impairment and functional- based Differential Diagnosis skills from pathology- based Medical Screening skills. – Lecture 
• Identify the role and responsibility of movement impairment and functional- based Differential Diagnosis as related to best practice. – Lecture
  

10:00 AM: Break 

10:15 AM:  

• Identify three different Diagnostic Process Theories that provide effective strategies for biomechanical clinical decision making. – Lecture 
• Understand biomechanical and physiological regional interdependences that provide a practical framework to comprehend the complexity of human function. – Lecture
  

12 Noon: Lunch Break 

1:00 PM:    

• Apply Differential Diagnostic techniques to traditional PT examination procedures that result in a more comprehensive examination scheme. – Lab 
• Understand the anatomy, physiology and biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system as related to biomechanical “Vital Sign” data acquisition. – Lab
  

3:00 PM: Break 

3:15 PM:  

• Practically apply an exhaustive Examination scheme for obtaining biomechanical Vital Signs essential to identifying movement impairment diagnoses and etiological variables. – Lab 
• Practically apply effective functional exams and gait analyses to identify key lower extremity impairments that cause functional limitations. – Lab 
• Discuss the role of digital video dynamic movement analyses. – Lab
  

5:00 PM: Adjourn 

DAY TWO 

 8:00 AM:  

• Practically apply evidence-based manual therapy, neuro-muscular re-education and functional exercise interventions, particularly focusing upon the upper extremities, cervical and thoracic spines, in a competent manner. – Lab
  

10:00 AM: Break 

10:15 AM:  

• Practically apply evidence-based manual therapy, neuro-muscular re-education and functional exercise interventions, particularly focusing upon the upper extremities, cervical and thoracic spines, in a competent manner. – Lab 

• Discuss the application of therapeutic/Kinesio taping and orthotic interventions for biomechanical compensation essential to the acquisition of highest functional outcomes. – Lab
  

12:45 PM: Adjourn