The Athletic Cervical and Thoracic Spine Exam: A Systematic Approach
Presented by Todd Arnold and Kyle Matsel
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Injuries to the neck and upper back can be complex, with diagnoses that are potentially catastrophic for athletes. An effective musculoskeletal examination is critical to manage these athletes effectively and maximize functional recovery. Dr. Kyle Matsel and Dr. Todd Arnold team up to present the most systematic and efficient approach to examination for athletes with neck and upper back dysfunction. The goal of this course will be to sharpen the decision-making and examination skills of the sports physical therapist to develop the most effective plan of care or determine if a medical referral is warranted. Live case examples of athletes with cervical and thoracic injuries will assist the sports physical therapist and athletic trainer in the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and patient/parent education.
Meet your instructors
Todd Arnold
Dr. Todd Arnold is a sports medicine physician with more than two decades of experience caring for athletes of all levels. He has been on the sidelines caring for those competing in high school sports, multiple levels of collegiate sports, NCAA Championships, and World Championships. He serves as the medical officer for elite…
Kyle Matsel
Dr. Matsel is a tenured associate professor at the University of Evansville, where he teaches in the musculoskeletal content areas of the Doctor of Physical Therapy curriculum. He received his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Evansville in 2011 and his PhD in rehabilitation sciences from the University…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. Acute Cervical Evaluation and Medical Screening
In this chapter, Dr. Kyle Matsel covers key historical and medical screening procedures that can direct clinicians to make proper referral decisions.
2. Cervical Spine Examination and Classification
Dr. Kyle Matsel demonstrates a functional assessment to classify athletes into one of four evidence-based neck pain categories. After completing this chapter, participants will be able to classify athletes with neck pain into the appropriate treatment-based classification category.
3. Medical Differential Diagnosis
It is important to use a traditional clinical approach when treating athletes with thoracic pain, starting with medical screening, identifying key historical factors, assessing breathing and regional interdependence, and measuring isolated range of motion. In this chapter, Dr. Arnold discusses the key assessments and tools that can be used in the clinical approach to thoracic pain. The participant will learn about red flags in the thoracic spine, when to refer a patient out, and how to apply these assessments in a clinical setting.
4. Case Demonstration
In this chapter, Dr. Matsel and Dr. Arnold will demonstrate a case study highlighting an athlete presenting with neck pain. Dr. Matsel will display systematic logic to correctly classify this athlete into the most appropriate diagnostic category.
More courses in this series
Secrets of Mastering the Athletic Low Back Pain Examination
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Athletic Low Back Pain: Secrets for Effective Management and Treatment
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The Athletic Cervical and Thoracic Spine Exam: A Systematic Approach
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Overcoming Cervical and Thoracic Spine Dysfunction in Athletes
Kyle Matsel
Clinical Reasoning for the Spine-Injured Athlete
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