PT 815 - Musculoskeletal Management of the Spine

4 Cr. Hrs.

This course prepares students for clinical practice by providing experience in the physical therapy examination, diagnosis, management, and outcome assessment of individuals with musculoskeletal conditions affecting the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine and TMJ regions such as disc herniation, facet joint dysfunction, spinal stenosis, ligamentous instabilities and sacroiliac dysfunction. Specific evaluation and treatment procedures include postural correction, joint mobility assessment, neural tension testing, orthopedic special tests, joint mobilization and manipulation techniques, ergonomic modifications, work conditioning and post-operative orthopedic protocols. Relevant medical, surgical, pharmacological, and imaging procedures will also be presented in relation to the physical therapy management. Case studies will be used to integrate information and enhance the development of clinical problem solving skills and inter-professional collaboration.