Upper Quarter Neurodynamics:

Assessment and Treatment Strategies

Confident assessment and treatment of neural mechanosensitivity

Live Lab • 4.0 CE Credits

Course Overview

This 4-hour laboratory course provides an in-depth, hands-on exploration of upper quarter neurodynamics with direct application to orthopedic and neurologic physical therapy practice. Emphasis is placed on the anatomical, mechanical, and physiological behavior of the peripheral nervous system and its relationship to common upper extremity and cervical conditions. Participants will develop proficiency in the assessment and treatment of neural mechanosensitivity using evidence-informed neurodynamic testing and intervention strategies. Through guided lab practice, learners will integrate neurodynamic principles into differential diagnosis, clinical reasoning, and patient-centered treatment planning. Medical professionals, including physical therapists, should expect to achieve enhanced evaluation, management, and communication skills for patients with or without referral.

Clinical bottom line: neurodynamics is frequently used in practice without a complete understanding of anatomy, patient presentation, and proper utilization — this course helps clinicians perform effective testing and proper treatment.

What You'll Learn

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

Describe the anatomical, biomechanical, and physiological principles of the peripheral nervous system relevant to upper quarter neurodynamics.

Differentiate neural tissue contributions from musculoskeletal sources during examination of the cervical spine and upper extremity.

Demonstrate accurate performance of upper quarter neurodynamic tests, including median, radial, and ulnar nerve bias testing, with appropriate sequencing and clinician handling.

Interpret neurodynamic test findings to identify neural mechanosensitivity and guide differential diagnosis.

Apply neurodynamic intervention techniques, including nerve sliding and tensioning strategies, with appropriate clinical reasoning and dosage selection.

Integrate upper quarter neurodynamic assessment and treatment into a comprehensive plan of care for patients with cervical, shoulder, elbow, or upper extremity dysfunction.

Modify examination and intervention strategies based on patient presentation, symptom response, and clinical context to ensure safe and effective care.

Course Schedule

Half-day Saturday laboratory course (7:30 registration; 8:00 start)

7:30 — Registration
8:00 — Course intro; neurodynamics defined; anatomy of the nervous system; peripheral nerve injury
9:00 — Clinical presentation; indications/contraindications
10:00 — Upper extremity palpation
10:30 — Break
10:45 — Upper extremity testing, treatment techniques, exercise techniques, and adjunctive treatments
12:00 — Case study
12:15 — 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.

Frank Buzin, DPT, FAAOMPT, FASPT

Dr. Buzin earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy from Slippery Rock University and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from West Chester University. He completed his fellowship in orthopaedic manual physical therapy at the Manual Therapy Institute and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Manual Physical Therapy and the Academy of Spine Physical Therapy. An Advanced Spine Care Practitioner at Physical Therapy at St. Luke’s, he serves as faculty for the St. Luke’s Spine Physical Therapy Fellowship and Orthopedic Residency and enjoys mentoring and teaching courses on manual therapy and treatment of the nervous system throughout the region.

Ready to test and treat the upper quarter with confidence?

_{Disclosures: Dr. Buzin 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.}