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Shoulder Joint Complex: Assessment and Physical Therapy Management

This course provides an overview of the shoulder joint complex, focusing on functional anatomy, biomechanics, clinical assessment, movement dysfunctions, and evidence-based rehabilitation. Learners will explore shoulder structures, special tests, common pathologies, and physical therapy management strategies used in musculoskeletal practice.

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No Certificate / Course on Audit Track

About Course

The Shoulder Joint Complex: Assessment and Physical Therapy Management course provides a comprehensive understanding of the functional anatomy, biomechanics, and structural components of the shoulder complex. Learners will explore osseous, muscular, and ligamentous structures, along with clinical assessment techniques and special tests used in evaluating shoulder conditions. The course also covers common shoulder pathologies, including adhesive capsulitis, arthritis, upper cross syndrome, and thoracic outlet syndrome. In addition, participants will learn evidence-based physical therapy rehabilitation strategies, shoulder mobilization techniques, and practical approaches for managing frozen shoulder to enhance patient recovery and functional outcomes.

Authorship and Attribution

This course has been curated by Riphah International University faculty and staff using publicly available third-party content and Open Educational Resources (OER) for self-paced learning. Learners will engage with curated open-access materials to achieve the course learning outcomes. All third-party content is used under open-access or fair-use policies, while any original materials are developed specifically for this learning experience.

Source and Credits:

  • Instructor: BCMTAssociates
  • Provider: YouTube (@asgharkhan6158)
  • License: Standard YouTube license

What You'll Learn

By completing this course, you will be able to: 

  • Describe the functional anatomy of the shoulder joint complex, including bones, joints, ligaments, capsules, muscles, bursae, and supporting soft tissue structures. 
  • Explain the biomechanics and kinesiology of shoulder movements, including scapulohumeral rhythm, joint stability, mobility, and functional upper limb mechanics. 
  •  Differentiate between normal and pathological movement patterns of the shoulder complex by examining the contributions of osseous structures, muscular control, and ligamentous stability.
  • Differentiate clinical assessment procedures and special orthopedic tests used for examination of shoulder joint dysfunctions.
  • Apply evidence-based rehabilitation principles and physical therapy management strategies for common & serious shoulder conditions, including arthritis, thoracic outlet syndrome, adhesive capsulitis, and postural dysfunctions.

Prerequisites

To be successful in this course, learners are expected to have a basic understanding of musculoskeletal anatomy and upper limb structures. They should also possess foundational knowledge of biomechanics and kinesiology, along with introductory knowledge of orthopedic physical therapy assessment and rehabilitation principles.

Who Can Take This Course?

This course is designed for undergraduate DPT students, physiotherapy interns, rehabilitation learners, and healthcare students who want a strong understanding of the shoulder joint complex and its clinical applications. It is ideal for learners aiming to strengthen their foundational and practical knowledge of shoulder anatomy, biomechanics, clinical assessment, movement dysfunctions, and rehabilitation strategies used in musculoskeletal physical therapy practice.

Course Outline

Overview of Functional Anatomy of the Shoulder Joint Complex

Introduction to Functional Anatomy of the Shoulder Joint Complex (Video)

Overview of Biomechanics of Shoulder Joint

Biomechanics and Functional Movements of the Shoulder Joint (Video)

Overview of the Shoulder Complex: Osseous, Muscular, and Ligamentous Structures

Shoulder Complex: Osseous Structures (Video)

Shoulder Complex: Muscular System Overview (Video)

Shoulder Complex: Ligamentous Structure Overview (Video)

Overview of Clinical Assessment and Special Tests of Shoulder Joint

Clinical Assessment of Shoulder Joint (Video)

Special Tests of Shoulder Joint (Video)

Overview of Physical Therapy Rehabilitation

Serious Shoulder Pathologies (Video)

Overview of Adhesive Capsulitis (Video)

Overview of Shoulder Arthritis (Video)

Overview of Upper Cross Syndrome (Video)

Overview of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (Video)

Shoulder Mobilization Techniques (Video)

Physical Therapy Management of Frozen Shoulder Part-I (Video)

Physical Therapy Management of Frozen Shoulder Part-II (Video)

Physical Therapy Management of Frozen Shoulder Part-III (Video)

Skills You Will Gain

Shoulder Anatomy Knowledge Biomechanics Understanding Clinical Assessment Skills Special Testing Techniques Pathology Recognition Rehabilitation Planning Shoulder Mobilization Techniques Frozen Shoulder Management

Course Information

Duration

Approximately 2.1 Hours

Course Information

Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Learning Mode

Fully Online (Asynchronous)

Learning Type

Self Paced

Language

Both English & Urdu

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Instructor/Curator

Course Instructor