Full Course Description

Cervical Spine Certification: Comprehensive Evidence-Based Solutions for Cervical Dysfunction

Neck pain is debilitating. Treating these patients is difficult, so their symptoms often go on and on for years without long term relief. It’s no wonder it is a leading cause of disability worldwide.

These patients present with a wide range of symptoms: from neck pain and headaches, to sensory hypersensitivity, dysfunction in motor performance, TMJD, sleep impairment, and even impaired cognitive function – making diagnosis a tricky puzzle to decipher.

The biomechanics of the cervical joints are unique from each other and complex. You simply cannot treat them all the same. Join Dr. Jerry Hesch as you become a Certified Cervical Spine Specialist in this advanced skills training. You’ll uncover the critical differences you need to know to effectively treat the biomechanically distinct occipitoatlantal and atlantoaxial articulations.

Best of all? This course is completely self-paced! It’s science-based rehabilitation at your fingertips. You’ll walk away with:

  • Gentle spring testing techniques to quickly pinpoint the restriction
  • Simple stretch mobilization to gain joint mobility and integrate the nervous system
  • Evidence-based framework for addressing whiplash, headaches, TMJD, and more!

This course is an integrated model of strategies that incorporate the nervous system to effectively foster sustained patient independence. You’ll learn the perfect blend of manual therapy techniques, self-treatment and self-mobilization strategies for the patient that will undoubtedly boost referrals.

After completion of this comprehensive certification course, you will resolve c-spine issues in just 3 sessions – for good!

Program Information

Objectives

  1. Analyze the unique anatomy of the upper cervical spine.
  2. Investigate the balance and proprioceptive role of the OA, AA.
  3. Investigate the concept of regional interdependence where structures below the neck can have a profound effect on the cervical region; and the top-down phenomenon in which the upper cervical region can have a profound influence on the rest of the body.
  4. Evaluate the top-down phenomenon in which the upper cervical region can have a profound influence on the rest of the body.
  5. Integrate evidence-based evaluation and treatment strategies for the OA and AA joints.
  6. Appraise the utility of a whole-body approach in this population due to reflexogenic effects.
  7. Effectively treat articular movement dysfunction in 1-2 visits, quickly progressing to movement rehabilitation.
  8. Evaluate and effectively address the relationship between joint dysfunction and muscle dysfunction and pain and effectively treat.
  9. Develop effective self-treatment and home exercise programs.
  10. Understand and effectively evaluate and treat anomalous articular development at the OA joint which occurs in at least 30% of the population and does not respond to traditional methods.

Outline

Critical Components of Patient Evaluation

  • Things often overlooked in the patient history
  • What we know from pain science and the BPS
  • Nervous system hierarchy: osteokinematics and arthrokinematics
  • Red flags and when to refer
Diagnostic Tests and Movement Assessment
  • Incorporating palpation
  • Patterns of motion dysfunction and common pathologies
  • BPPV and vertigo
  • Identify when the problem originates outside the neck:
    • Thoracic outlet
    • Temporomandibular joint
    • Thoracic spine
Treatment Planning for Specific Diagnoses and Improved Patient Management
  • Whiplash: Acceleration-Deceleration Injuries
  • Cervicogenic Headache
  • Jaw pain/TMJD
  • Post Concussion Syndrome
  • Balance and proprioception dysfunction of cervicogenic origin
  • Hyper/hypomobility
Targeted Techniques for Each Type of Impairment 
  • Articular micromotion
  • Macromotion
  • Soft tissue techniques
  • Removing reflex inhibition of strength and endurance
  • Joint mobilization
  • Traction
  • Strength and endurance rehabilitation 
  • Balance and proprioception 
Pain Management Strategies
  • Postural corrections
  • Self-mobilization
  • Self-soft tissue work
  • HEP

Target Audience

  • Physical Therapists
  • Physical Therapy Assistants
  • Chiropractors
  • Massage Therapists
  • Other manual therapists

Copyright : 09/13/2021