Advanced Practice of Evidence Based Practice: Cervical and Thoracic Spine and Upper Limb

22M0707

Master

German

5.0

only winter term

1 semester

In this module, current scientific findings on the diagnosis and treatment of neuromusculoskeletal complaints in the area of the cervical and thoracic spine as well as the upper extremity are deepened on a theoretical level and applied practically by means of test procedures and treatment techniques. The test procedures represent, among other things, special evidence-based clinical measurement instruments, which are explained and applied. Through this content, the clinical reasoning process is deepened and strengthened. The importance of evidence-based therapy is particularly emphasised in this module.

The total workload for the module is 150 hours (see also "ECTS credit points and grading").

• Portfolio exam

• Regular participation

 Written examination (K1 -60 min.) and a practical work sample (APP) - duration 45 min. The K1 is weighted with 30 points and the APP with 70 points.

Students expand their knowledge of theories of muscular imbalances, neurodynamic treatments and manipulations of the upper body quadrant. They know treatment principles of the upper body quadrant, neurodynamic testing and differentiation principles of the upper quadrant, their underlying theories and can interpret these against the individual background (speciality/setting) of a patient. This knowledge forms the prerequisite for recording clinically relevant information and correlations.Cervical instabilities are known, possible test procedures and possible applications can be carried out. There is a detailed background knowledge of current evidence and literature sources regarding the underlying pain mechanisms, management strategies and treatment approaches. The indications and contraindications for cervical and thoracic manipulations are known to the students. They are able to perform a safe and indication-specific manipulation setting and to discuss and justify it critically within the framework of the biopsychosocial model. The principle of muscle balance can be applied to the upper body quadrant. The students can carry out a finding and treatment from the point of view of the motor control principle. They understand the classification of movement dysfunctions, muscle strength classifications and management strategies in the context of the biopsychosocial model.Students are able to react according to the individual situation of the patient (setting, specialty) and initiate efficient management. Manual therapy and motor testing procedures can be integrated meaningfully and efficiently into the management of musculoskeletal treatment. Knowledge transfer services between manual therapy and lifestyle care content/principles are performed to provide the best possible patient-centred treatment.

Students have an in-depth and detailed understanding of biomedical and biopsychosocial models in the management of chronic head, neck and shoulder arm problems. They know the latest theories on pain mechanisms and their clinical manifestations and management. The students identify external evidence and examine it for its usefulness. They expand their knowledge of clinical contexts, on the basis of which they form clinical patterns and make therapeutic decisions. They deepen their knowledge of clinical patterns of the upper body quadrant and its treatment. Beyond the deepened knowledge regarding manual therapy, they are able to incorporate neuromusculoskeletal research and science directly into patient treatment.

Students further develop their Clinical Reasoning skills. By linking the knowledge base with clinical experience, they develop clinical patterns that they can access, especially in familiar situations. In unfamiliar and new, complex clinical situations, they use different reasoning strategies. They are flexible and quick in the selection of their clinical reasoning strategy. They use "forward reasoning" to recognise complicated clinical patterns such as whiplash associated disorders (WAD), cervical instability, chronic radicular syndromes, cervical spinal stenosis, complex regional pain syndrome, commotio cerebri and craniomandibular dysfunctions. In doing so, they reflect on their approach independently and continuously and further develop their therapeutic skills in the sense of Continuing Professional Development.

Recognise clinical patterns and apply the skills in daily practice

The students interpret external evidence in the context of functional disorders and pain of the cervical and thoracic spine, the craniomandibular region as well as the shoulder, elbow and hand region for its usefulness and apply it to the patient in a case-related manner. The students have in-depth skills in performing the clinical examination and treatment of the thoracic and cervical spine and the upper extremities. In doing so, they take into account neuro-orthopaedic differential diagnoses of these regions. Students have advanced skills in upper quadrant treatment techniques mobilisation, manipulation, neurodynamics, exercises and self-management. They are able to correctly assess information on neuromusculoskeletal diagnosis as well as indications and contraindications of manual therapy in the case of complicated symptom patterns of the upper quadrant.

 Students apply their communicative skills to obtain comprehensive information about the nature of the patient's complaints. They are able to explain cause-effect relationships conclusively and comprehensively to patients, relatives, colleagues and professional representatives and to represent their therapeutic decisions. The students assume responsibility in the therapeutic team for the implementation of evidence and new treatment approaches in the therapy of the upper body quadrant. They are able to verbally express their clinical reasoning to lay people, colleagues and trainee therapists.

Evidence-based knowledge can be transfere into manual therapy skills and abilities.

• Musculoskeletal Therapy (Manual Therapy - OMT)

• Piekartz, Harry

• Unknown person
• Timpe, Timo
• Kapitza, Camilla
• Piekartz, Harry