A 1-day, intermediate-level course available through Cross Country Education explores the latest techniques for assessing and treating neck and shoulder girdle pain and dysfunction. According to the Cross Country website, current treatment-based classification systems for neck patients will be presented, as well as today’s best practices for objectively determining the underlying causes of dysfunction and applying effective treatment strategies.

A Total Approach for Treating Neck & Scapular Disorders” is available via webcast, live seminar, audio, and video.

The site adds that the course also features an extensive, hands-on lab and demonstration sessions designed to allow participants to practice treatment techniques and exercise progressions. PNF techniques, as well as Pilates principles, will be used to improve functional movement patterns. The site notes that clinical pearls with economic, readily available clinical supplies and equipment will also be shared, including specialized taping and neuromuscular re-education techniques for addressing common substitution patterns. Ultimately, the site says, participants will learn new tools and techniques that can be implemented into their clinical practice the very next day.

Objectives for the course include reviewing current treatment-based Classification Systems for patients with neck pain; describing relevant functional anatomy and mechanics of the cervicalscapulothoracic region and how it affects spinal stability; examining how to appropriately utilize PNF, pressure biofeedback, and specialized taping techniques to improve functional mobility; determining how to develop an effective exercise progression for neck and scapula stabilization; and discovering how to apply soft tissue mobilization and neuromuscular stabilization techniques for treating neck and shoulder girdle pain and dysfunction.

Course instructor Sue Dupont, MS, MBA, PT, ATC, is an expert in the field of orthopedics and sports medicine, with nearly 30 years of experience treating patients and athletes of all ages and activity levels. The site notes that Dupont was on the Medical Staff at the 1996 Summer Olympic Games and awarded a 1-year fellowship at the US Olympic Training Center. She has worked with various professional and elite athletes, from WTA pro tennis to World Cup Figure Skating. While working with the USOC Biomechanics Division, Dupont researched and developed a Clinical Plyometrics protocol and presented the findings at the APTA National Conference.

[Source: Cross Country Education]