PT Musculoskeletal Evaluation and Diagnosis

About this course

A 3 CCU course on physical therapy musculoskeletal evaluation and diagnosis, covering the components of a comprehensive musculoskeletal examination including history, observation, palpation, and orthopedic special tests; region-specific examination of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine and sacroiliac joint; upper extremity examination of the shoulder, elbow, and wrist and hand; lower extremity examination of the hip, knee, and ankle and foot; the validity and reliability of commonly used orthopedic special tests; systematic screening procedures to identify conditions requiring medical referral; and clinical reasoning frameworks for formulating physical therapy diagnoses. Designed for PTs and PTAs. Includes a graded, 20-question post-course assessment; a score of 70% or higher is required to earn CCUs and generate a certificate of completion. Unlimited retakes.

Learning objectives

• Identify the components of a comprehensive musculoskeletal examination including history, observation, palpation, and special tests
• Apply clinical reasoning frameworks to formulate physical therapy diagnoses for common musculoskeletal conditions
• Describe the validity and reliability of commonly used orthopedic special tests for the spine and extremities
• Demonstrate systematic screening procedures to identify conditions requiring medical referral

Course outline (14 modules)

1. M1Course Objectives & Financial Disclosures
2. M2Introduction to Musculoskeletal Evaluation
3. M3Cervical Spine
4. M4Thoracic Spine
5. M5Lumbar Spine
6. M6Sacroiliac Joint
7. M7Shoulder
8. M8Elbow
9. M9Wrist and Hand
10. M10Hip
11. M11Knee
12. M12Ankle and Foot
13. M13Clinical Reasoning
14. M14References