Overcoming Cervical and Thoracic Spine Dysfunction in Athletes
Presented by Kyle Matsel
Nonfinancial: Kyle Matsel has no competing nonfinancial interests or relationships with regard to the content presented in this course.
Despite aggravating spinal pain, most athletes continue to participate in sports even at the cost of decreased performance and increasing injury risk. Proper management and rehabilitation are critical to minimizing time loss from sports and maximizing long-term musculoskeletal health. Dr. Kyle Matsel presents the best knowledge and application of treatment for the athlete with neck pain. The goal of this course is to streamline the treatment of athletes with neck and upper back pain that limits their participation. Upon completion of this course, the sports physical therapist (PT) will understand how to improve cervical and thoracic spine mobility deficits with manual therapy techniques targeting specific impairments. The sports PT will also be able to appropriately guide the athlete through a movement-based exercise progression. Live case examples of athletes with cervical and thoracic injuries will assist the sports PT in the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and patient/parent education.
Meet your instructor
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. Neck Pain With Mobility Deficits Category: Intervention Strategies
In this chapter, Dr. Kyle Matsel covers key objective findings that would classify athletes in the neck pain with mobility deficits category and demonstrates appropriate manual therapy interventions to improve cervical and thoracic mobility.
2. Neck Pain With Radiating Pain Category: Intervention Strategies
In this chapter, Dr. Kyle Matsel covers key objective findings that would classify athletes in the neck pain with radiating pain category and demonstrates interventions to reduce upper extremity radiculopathy. After completion of this chapter, the learner will be able to implement a direction-specific exercise progression to centralize upper extremity symptoms.
3. Neck Pain With Movement Coordination Impairments Category: Intervention Strategies
In this chapter, Dr. Matsel will discuss the management of patients with elevated levels of pain severity and demonstrate a cervical and scapulothoracic motor control exercise progression.
4. Neck Pain With Headache Category: Intervention Strategies
In this chapter, Dr. Matsel will discuss the management of patients with a primary diagnosis of neck pain and headaches. Specific considerations and manual therapy techniques will be discussed to reduce headache symptoms that originate from the cervical spine.
5. Case Demonstration
In this chapter, Dr. Matsel will demonstrate a case study highlighting an athlete presenting with a neck injury. Dr. Matsel will use the objective findings from his exam to guide his intervention, which will include manual therapy and therapeutic exercise progressions that are specific to the presentation of the individual athlete over several sessions.
More courses in this series
Secrets of Mastering the Athletic Low Back Pain Examination
Todd Arnold and Kyle Matsel
Athletic Low Back Pain: Secrets for Effective Management and Treatment
Kyle Matsel
The Athletic Cervical and Thoracic Spine Exam: A Systematic Approach
Todd Arnold and Kyle Matsel
Overcoming Cervical and Thoracic Spine Dysfunction in Athletes
Kyle Matsel
Clinical Reasoning for the Spine-Injured Athlete
Todd Arnold and Kyle Matsel
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