Connecting the Arm Bone to the Neck Bone:

Differential Diagnosis of the Upper Extremity

Distinguish true upper extremity conditions from spinal referral

Live Lab • 4.0 CE Credits

Course Overview

Many providers have difficulty differentiating upper extremity conditions from those caused by referred symptoms from a more proximal site. Research has shown that over 40% of extremity pain is caused by the spine — even in isolation and without pain in the proximal region — and can present similar to lateral epicondylitis, golfer’s elbow, carpal tunnel, and DeQuervain’s tenosynovitis. Ruling out the spine’s contribution before treating an extremity alone is excellent and common practice, and determining an efficient, safe, and logical way to do so is top priority for patient care. This course concisely enhances the differential diagnostic process for physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists, with practical examples for managing these patients. Expect enhanced clinical reasoning and diagnostic/management skills for patients with or without referral.

What You'll Learn

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Describe the relevant musculoskeletal anatomy in the region of the spine and upper extremity.

Differentiate symptom patterns that mimic common diagnoses of the upper extremity.

Describe the evidence-based history and physical exam testing that most efficiently aids in differentiating upper extremity injuries from spinal or other organ referral.

Apply treatment techniques based on classification of patients with upper extremity symptoms who may have a spine-related referral pattern.

Course Schedule

Friday afternoon — lecture and hands-on lab.

1:00 — Developing Your Differential List
2:00 — LAB: Differential Diagnosis
3:15 — Break
3:30 — LAB: Treatment Based Upon Differential Diagnosis
4:15 — Conclusion

CE Credits & Approval

This course is approved by the New Jersey Board of Physical Therapy Examiners for 4.0 continuing education credits. It is pre-approved in the following states as a result of NJBPTE approval: AK, DE, HI, IN, KS, KY, MA, MI, MT, NC, ND, OR, PA, TN, UT, VT, VA, WI, WY, and Washington, DC. This course involves 2.0 hours of evaluative procedures to treat a person without referral. The following states do not require pre-approval of courses and/or have no CE requirements for PTs and PTAs: AL, CO, CT, GA, ID, IA, ME, MO, NE, NH, WA. Not sure if your state is covered? Email us before enrolling.

Registration & Tuition

Tuition: $125 members | $150 early bird | $175 standard

Location: Phillipsburg, NJ

To register or ask about the next scheduled date, email abilityhealthwellness@gmail.com

Registration deadline is 5 days prior to the course date.

Katie Wilkens, DPT, Dip MDT, FASPT

Dr. Wilkens received her Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Hartford and completed her training as a Diplomate of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (Dip MDT) — an award issued to fewer than 550 providers worldwide. She recently earned the distinction of Fellow of the Academy of Spine Physical Therapy (FASPT). She practices orthopaedic physical therapy at St. Luke’s University Health Network and is an Assistant Professor in the St. Luke’s Spine Physical Therapy Fellowship and Adjunct Professor in the St. Luke’s Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Residency.

Dr. Wilkens is passionate about patient independence and efficient care that helps achieve patient goals rapidly. Her expertise has helped her mentor and teach others to better differentially diagnose patients and improve patient outcomes.

Ready to pinpoint the true source of upper extremity pain?

_{Disclosures: Dr. Wilkens reports no conflicts of interest to disclose.}

_{Cancellation: written requests received ten (10) days prior to the seminar receive a refund less a $35 administrative charge; within ten days, no refund is granted but a credit equal to the amount paid may be applied toward a future course.}