Thoracic Orthopedic Evaluation and Differential Diagnosis

Course overview

The ability to perform a competent examination and differential diagnosis of the patient with symptoms of thoracic origin is critical for the practice of physical therapy. While most entry level physical therapists possess a basic understanding of the anatomy of the region and can perform a basic examination including a subjective history, AROM and palpation, a more nuanced understanding of the source of thoracic symptoms is essential for the management of more complex cases. This understanding should derive from examination of combined movements, segmental assessment, stress testing and an expanded ability to integrate the concept of regional interdependence, and as such this course will be focused on those areas.