2024 Upper Quarter Movement System Syndromes Foundation Webinar Series

Foundation #1: 4/10/2024, 7-9pm central

The Movement System: what is it? Why is it the identity of Physical Therapy?

This webinar will describe the movement system and its theoretical construct: the kinesiopathological model.  Physical therapy has its roots in the treatment of patients with movement dysfunction that results from disorders of the nervous system, the musculoskeletal system, and even the cardiopulmonary system.  Traditionally these conditions were considered to have an acute onset and the physician diagnosed the condition.  The kinesiopathologic model recognizes that most musculoskeletal dysfunctions are chronic and lifestyle-related. This model proposes that movement induces or exacerbates musculoskeletal dysfunction.  Physical therapy can identify the cause and contributing factors rather than primarily treat the symptoms and consequences.  This session will describe the movement system, the kinesiopathologic model and its general relationship to shoulder girdle pain conditions.  

You will be able to:

• Describe the components of the movement system
• Discuss why the movement system is the identity of physical therapy
• Explain the kinesiopathologic model and its key components
• Describe how the model is related to basic shoulder movement impairments

Foundation #2: 4/24/2024, 7-9pm central

Case Presentation: SHOULDER

This webinar will demonstrate the entire upper extremity systematic examination on a subject with shoulder pain.  Continuing from what participants learned in the first webinar, videos will clearly show how the subject is moving her upper extremity is contributing to her symptoms.  Systematic examination helps identify the provocative movement pattern, and provides direction for treatment.

You will be able to:

• Understand the difference between primary (preferred) and secondary (modified) tests
• Understand that the non-optimal alignment and movement patterns are causing the subject's shoulder pain
• Correlate her work activities and ADLs to her movement pattern
• Understand the instructions provided for her home program and ADL corrections

Foundation #3: 5/1/2024, 7-9pm central

Shoulder Biomechanics: stiffness and flexibility - it's all RELATIVE! 

During this webinar, key concepts regarding shoulder girdle biomechanics and the relationship to kinesiopathology of the cervical, thoracic, and glenohumeral regions will be discussed. Muscle actions of the shoulder girdle will be presented.  Deviations from optimal biomechanics that provide the basis for primary and secondary testing during  a systematic movement examination will be highlighted. The specific effects of relative stiffness, flexibility, and the resulting consequences at various regions of the upper quarter will be emphasized.

You will be able to:

• Describe  the relationship  among  alignments and movements of the cervical, thoracic, and shoulder regions.

• Discuss  the importance of scapular biomechanics and why alterations affect the  stress at the cervical and thoracic spine.

• Explain  the roles of relative stiffness and relative flexibility at the scapulothoracic and glenohumeral regions  contribution to deviations in  humeral glide.

• Describe the relationship between the peripheral nervous system and shoulder biomechanics associated with movement system diagnoses and radiating neurogenic symptoms.

Foundation #4: 5/15/2024, 7-9pm central

Muscle Performance in Movement System Syndromes: Neuromuscular Adaptations

This webinar will describe the adaptations of weak muscle and overdeveloped muscle, and how they affect the movement patterns.  The following will be discussed:

• The relationship between muscle weakness and the pattern of activation
• The relationship between muscle hypertrophy and muscle stiffness
• How variations in stiffness can contribute to altered movements
• The difference between muscle stiffness and shortness
• The role of concentric vs. eccentric control in the shoulder girdle
• Different properties for activation / de-activation / strengthening during concentric and eccentric recruitment

Another key to appropriate modification of shoulder girdle alignment and movement is resting muscle length.  Other factors affecting shoulder motion are the shape and alignment of the thoracic spine / ribcage / cervical spine, which influence the line of gravity on muscle activation.  Discussion will include how these adaptations affect shoulder girdle alignment and movements and contribute to movement system syndromes.

You will be able to:

• Explain the effect of activation pattern on muscle performance.
• Describe the relationship between muscle hypertrophy and stiffness.
• Discuss the relationship between muscle stiffness and shortness and the effect on shoulder motions.
• Describe muscle length adaptations in relation to shoulder alignment and movement.
• Explain the differences between concentric and eccentric muscle contraction and their relationship to impaired shoulder motions.
• Describe the effect of alignment on muscle activation and movement patterns.

Foundation #5: 5/29/24, 7-9pm central

The Role of Motor Learning in Movement System Syndromes: strategies for changing functional movement patterns

This webinar will describe the incorporation of motor learning principles into the treatment of patients with scapular and humeral movement diagnoses.  The purpose of teaching motor learning principles is to give physical therapists research-supported tools to affect long-term modification of provocative every-day movement patterns that are presumed to cause symptoms.  The motor learning guidelines presented will provide a framework for constructing practice, feedback and the solving of motor challenges with the goal of long-term modification of movement skills.  Case examples of patients with scapular and humeral diagnoses will illustrate a step-by-step progression through the motor learning process for teaching patients how to modify provocative movement patterns, how to incorporate those modifications into daily life, and to facilitate the patient’s ability to independently apply that awareness to novel situations and tasks.

You will be able to:

• Describe why motor learning is an important concept in modifying provocative movement patterns.
• Describe the components of motor learning principles that are critical to incorporate for successful provocative-movement pattern modification.
• Discuss the application of motor learning principles in the adaptation of functional movement patterns involving the shoulder girdle.
• Describe specific examples of the motor learning progression for the treatment of select scapular and humeral diagnoses.