Course Description:
The shoulder is a complex joint in well-bodied individuals. With the addition of a central nervous system injury/disorder, the shoulder becomes a very challenging area to examine, evaluate and treat effectively. The focus of this two-day course is to provide therapists and therapist assistants the advanced clinical knowledge on the management of the neurologic shoulder.
Course Objectives:
At the end of this course the participants will be able to…
PTs and OTs:
• Demonstrate and describe the requirements for optimal shoulder girdle alignment, stability and mobility.
• Identify the number of fully innervated muscles of the shoulder girdle for each cervical level and its impact on shoulder girdle alignment, stability and mobility.
• Demonstrate the components of examination and evaluation of the shoulder girdle for mobility, alignment and stability.
• Demonstrate and describe treatment interventions for preparing the neurologic shoulder for function.
• Demonstrate assessment techniques for physical capability with function through activity analysis, and treatment progression.
PTAs and COTAs:
• Describe the impact of spinal cord injury, CVAs and other neurologic injuries on shoulder function.
• Demonstrate understanding of safe handling and positioning techniques for managing patients with acute CVAs and flaccid UEs.
• Teach patients to perform scapular strengthening exercises utilizing isometric holds, eccentrics and concentric training.
• Demonstrate understanding for use of skateboards, arm/shoulder slings, and Mobile Arm Supports for interventions and UE strengthening.
• Describe benefits of a Constrained Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) program for appropriate hemiplegic patients.
• Demonstrate and perform shoulder stretching and strengthening exercises for the patient with SCI for prevention of injury.