Introduction

The thoracic spine is a complex area that has been largely overlooked in research. While only 13 percent of individuals specifically report thoracic pain each year, it is now recognised that the thorax can be a silent contributor to several other conditions. Moreover, various non-mechanical pathologies can masquerade as musculoskeletal thoracic pain. All of these conditions must be considered when assessing patients who have thoracic pain. This course, the second in a series on simplifying the thorax, introduces you to the muscles that play a key role in thoracic dysfunction and explores clinical reasoning and thoracic pathologies.

Learning outcomes

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

• discuss seven muscles / muscle groups that can be implicated in thoracic dysfunction
• list twelve conditions that can masquerade as musculoskeletal thoracic pain
• describe six pathologies of the thorax
• interpret assessment findings and clinically reason the cause of a patient’s dysfunction based on a case scenario

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 1.5-2 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 1.3 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.