Up to 70% of the population will experience neck pain at some time in their lives and several reports indicate that the incidence may be rising.
1 Physical therapists encounter patients in the clinic frequently, which account for approximately 25% of all physical therapy visits, and need to be prepared to provide evidence-based care.
1 The purpose of this course is to update busy clinicians on the most recent evidence regarding the treatment of neck pain as well as instruct them in multiple cervical and thoracic manipulation and mobilization techniques that have been shown to improve outcomes with their patients.
2,3 15 hours of on-site education includes lecture, demonstration and over 6 hours of hands-on instruction.
1.
Participant will understand the importance of evidence-based practice and important concepts in physical therapy research.
2.
Participant will learn the most effective tests and measures for evaluation of the cervical spine.
3.
Participant will understand the risks and benefits of cervical manual therapy and demonstrate proficiency with cervical and thoracic mobilization/manipulation techniques that can be implemented immediately into clinical practice.

4.
Participant will apply current research to the treatment of headaches, whiplash-associated disorders and cervical radiculopathy.
5.
Participant will be instructed in appropriate therapeutic exercise in the treatment of cervicothoracic diagnoses.
Jeff Schmidt, PT, OCS, SCS, MTC
Jeff graduated from St Louis University in 1991 giving him over 20 years of experience in both inpatient and outpatient physical therapy. In 2000, he became certified by the University of St. Augustine, FL as a manual therapist and in 2006 he became a certified orthopedic specialist through the American
Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. In 2011, Jeff became a Sports Certified specialist through the same organization. In addition, Jeff was a member of the core faculty for Sanford Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency program where the first resident began in August 2012. He has a strong interest in clinical research, with his first study being approved by an IRB in October 2011. He is the founder and president of Orthopedic Physical Therapy Specialists, LLC, a
Physical Therapy education and consulting company established in 2012. He currently works in a private practice setting in Kalispell, MT where he is helping develop a unique program aimed to enhance clinical skills of all PT/PTAs within the company.
Scott Brown, PT, DPT, OCS
Scott graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007 with a doctorate in physical therapy. He is currently employed as a Physical Therapist at Sanford
Power Physical Therapy in Fargo, ND and sees a variety of orthopedic diagnoses with a special focus on spinal disorders in athletes. He has been involved in the development of the Sanford North Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency program and is currently a core faculty member. He is actively involved in the research team as well. He became an orthopedic certified specialist in 2011 as issued by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. His special interests include evaluation and treatment of the spine as well as teaching/ education for students, physical therapy residents, and physical therapists. He is a co-founder of Orthopedic Physical Therapy Specialists, LLC and the vice president.

Day 1
Morning Session
Introduction
Evidence Based Practice
Cervical Examination
Treatment Based Classification System for Neck
Pain
Break
Cervicothoracic Manipulation: Mechanisms,
Indications, Contraindications
Manual Cervicothoracic Assessement Lab
Lunch
Afternoon Session
Morning review, questions
Cervical Mobilization and Manipulation Lab
Thoracic Manipulation Lab
Break
Therapeutic Exercise for Neck Pain
Therapeutic Exercise Lab
8:00 – 8:15
8:15 – 8:45
8:45 – 9:30
9:30 – 10:30
10:30 – 10:45
10:45 – 11:30
11:30 – 12:00
12:00 – 12:45
12:45 – 1:00
1:00 – 2:00
2:00 – 3:00
3:00 – 3:15
3:15 – 4:00
4:00 – 4:30
Day 2
Morning Session
Day 1 Review 8:00 – 8:15
Cervicothoracic Manipulation “Round Robin” 8:15 – 8:45
Directional exercise 8:45 – 9:45
Cervical traction
Break
Cervicogenic Headache
Upper Cervical Mobilization Lab
Lunch
9:30 – 10:30
10:30 – 10:45
10:45 – 11:15
11:15 – 12:00
12:00 – 12:45
Afternoon Session
Morning review, questions
Whiplash Associated Disorders
Regional Interdepence
Break
Cervicothoracic Techniques Lab: Review and
Practice
Skill Assessment
12:45 – 1:00
1:00 – 2:00
2:00 – 3:00
3:00 – 3:15
3:15 – 4:00
4:00 – 4:30

“…really appreciated laid back atmosphere and discussions.” – Fargo participant
“ The course will change how I move forward with treatment.” – Detroit Lakes participant
“Great comprehensive course.” – Fargo participant
“…appreciated the differences between the two presenters.” – St. Cloud participant
“Manipulation labs were very beneficial.” – Williston participant
“Speakers able to validate their differing opinions with evidence.” – Bismarck participant
“…presenters complimented each other with knowledge and opinion.” – Fargo participant
1.
Cross et al. Thoracic spine manipulation improves pain, range of motion, and self reported function in patients with mechanical neck pain: a systematic review. JOSPT.
2011;41:633-643
2.
Leaver AM, et al. A randomized controlled trial comparing manipulation with mobilization for recent onset neck pain. Arch Phys Med Rehab. 2010;91:1313-1317.
3.
Childs et al. Neck pain: clinical practice guidelines. JOSPT.2008;38:1-35.