Cervicothoracic Spine Manual Therapy: Advanced Clinical Reasoning and Technique (September 2025)

Course Description

This 16-hour, in-person course is designed for physical therapists seeking to advance their knowledge and manual therapy skills in the evaluation and management of cervical spine dysfunction. Through a combination of lecture, case discussion, and extensive hands-on lab sessions, participants will refine their clinical reasoning skills and develop greater confidence in performing joint mobilization techniques to the cervical and thoracic spine.

The clinician will be able to:

• Explain the underlying mechanisms and principles of manual therapy interventions.
• Perform a risk-benefit analysis to determine the appropriateness of thrust or non-thrust joint mobilization for an individual with cervical spine pain.
• Apply clinical decision-making skills to effectively screen for red flag conditions related to the cervical spine, with specific emphasis on screening for vertebrobasilar insufficiency and upper cervical ligamentous instability.
• Identify the clinical indications and contraindications for both thrust and non-thrust mobilization techniques targeting the cervicothoracic spine.
• Demonstrate proficiency in a range of thrust and non-thrust joint mobilization techniques applied to the cervical and thoracic spine.
• Demonstrate proficiency in neurodynamic testing of the upper quarter and implement interventions for the management of adverse neurodynamics.
• Integrate follow-up exercises and patient-directed self-mobilization techniques.

Course Format: In-person

CEUs: 16 Total (11 General, 5 Direct Access)