Introduction

Fewer patients tend to present with thoracic spine pain than low back or neck pain. However, the thorax can be a silent contributor to many other presentations. Moreover, around four in every ten patients with low back or neck pain will also have thoracic dysfunction. Thus, while the thorax has historically been overlooked in research, it is an area that should be carefully considered in clinical practice. This course, the first in a series on the Thorax Simplified, introduces the anatomy and biomechanics of this region. It also explores the theory of regional interdependence in relation to the thorax.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this course you will be able to:

• describe the incidence of thoracic spine pain
• discuss the anatomy of the thorax
• list five key functions of the thorax
• explain regional interdependence with examples related to the thorax
• identify the impact of specific postural dysfunctions on the thoracic spine

Target audience

This course is aimed at Physiotherapy and Physical Therapy clinicians, students and assistants. Other interested professionals such as athletic trainers, occupational therapists, nurses or medical doctors interested in this subject are also invited to participate.

Practicalities

• Availability - this course is online and can be completed on your own schedule.
• Hours of Learning - No deadlines are applied to this course and it can be started and completed in your own time according to your personal schedule. We expect the required elements to take around 1-1.5 hours depending on your schedule and learning style. Additionally there are many optional resources provided and if you choose to review these the course could take longer to complete.
• Types of Activities - This course includes instructional and/or practical videos, reading activities, AI supported learning activities, reflection, evaluation forms, a quiz and additional resources.
• Certificates - At the end of the course, when you have completed all of the required elements, you will be able to download a certificate of completion and 1 Plus points will be added to your personalised learning dashboard.

Instructor financial and non-financial disclosures

No relevant relationships disclosed by instructor.

Accessibility and Non-Discrimination Policy

Physiopedia Plus is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible learning environment for all participants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, national origin, religion, sex, disability, military status, sexual orientation or age in any aspect of our continuing education services. We are dedicated to ensuring that all learners can fully participate in our programmes. Participants who require accommodations or have special needs are encouraged to contact us with details so that we can make all reasonable efforts to meet these requirements.