Regional Review of Musculoskeletal Systems: Shoulder and Upper Extremity

Presented by Michael Fink

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NOTE: This course is part of a nine course series by Michael Fink on Medical Screening and Differential Diagnosis*.

Through a lecture and case-based format, this course will offer a comprehensive look at common musculoskeletal and non-musculoskeletal pathologies concerning the shoulder and upper extremity. It will introduce evidence and procedures integral to making sound judgments as it relates to medical screening and differential diagnosis within the patient/client management model. It will describe how medical, orthopedic, and neurological problems may be interrelated thus making differential diagnosis of neuromusculoskeletal signs and symptoms difficult. The intent of this course is not to train participants to make a medical diagnosis but rather to be able to recognize when physical therapy is indicated, contraindicated, and when a referral to other health care personnel is needed. Medical Screening and differential diagnosis are essential components in autonomous practice and is within the scope of the physical therapy profession. Possessing good clinical evaluative skills is a critical part of the process for effective differential diagnosis and subsequent management of the “treat versus refer” dilemma.
* This course was previously included in a larger 2-course Medical Screening series on MedBridge. If you have taken one of these two courses previously, the material has already been covered.

Meet your instructor

Michael Fink

Dr. Michael Fink is a former Air Force physical therapist that is dual board-certified in Orthopedics and Sports. He is an Associate Professor and Department Chair of PT at Lebanon Valley College, national lecturer, published researcher, and winner of numerous PT awards. Dr. Fink teaches differential diagnosis, manual…

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Chapters & learning objectives

Shoulder

1. Shoulder

Identify common musculoskeletal and non-musculoskeletal pathology in the shoulder. Review common signs & symptoms of select pathologies within this region. Highlight select CPRs, interview questions, physical exam findings, and associated diagnostic accuracy statistics to aid in differential diagnosis. Identify situations that require a urgent medical referral.

Elbow and Forearm

2. Elbow and Forearm

Identify common musculoskeletal and non-musculoskeletal pathology in the elbow and forearm. Review common signs & symptoms of select pathologies within each region. Highlight select CPRs, interview questions, physical exam findings, and associated diagnostic accuracy statistics to aid in differential diagnosis. Identify situations that require a urgent medical referral.

Wrist and Hand

3. Wrist and Hand

Identify common musculoskeletal and non-musculoskeletal pathology in the wrist and hand. Review common signs & symptoms of select pathologies within each region. Highlight select CPRs, interview questions, physical exam findings, and associated diagnostic accuracy statistics to aid in differential diagnosis. Identify situations that require a urgent medical referral.

Live Case Study

4. Live Case Study

Michael Fink works through a thorough screening and diagnosis process with patient, Susan. Identify various screening questions and tools used to complete an accurate diagnosis of patient's symptoms.