Advanced Cervical and Scapular Dysfunction Course


In-person dates:
April 18-19, 2026
Wilmington, NC

LifeForce Physical Therapy
6752 Parker Farm Drive


Learn to treat the cervical patients that don't get better: this course addresses the high-failure cervical population - including whiplash, post-trauma cervical instability, cervicogenic headache, cervicogenic dizziness, thoracic outlet syndrome, cervical degenerative myelopathy and recalcitrant neck-scapular pain.

10 hrs on-line + 14 hours in-person
= 24 clock hours(on-line content opens 2 weeks prior to in-person course. Content accessible for 12 weeks)


  •  On-line Discussion 

    With other learners
    and instructor

  • CEU course 

    See specifics for each course

  • 24 hours Total

    Course duration

  • Current evidence

    Key research papers

    Specialty-trained PTs can help patients that suffer from complicated and recalcitrant cervical impairments.

    Clinical evidence shows conservative cervical  is effective for headache, neck and shoulder pain. In our course, we can help you become an expert in advanced clinical treatment of these conditions.

    Courses qualify towards required specialty CEUs for application to sit for the CCTT certification exam and are designed to integrate with other parts of our curriculum.


    Course Syllabus

    The Advanced Cervical and Scapular Course is an intensive, in-person course that is blended with online didactic education for a comprehensive 24 contact-hour learning experience.

    Blended Course Format:
    • In-person instruction (14 hours): Demonstrations and guided hands-on practice of examination and treatment techniques. Case discussion.

    • On-line Learning (10 hours): Foundational knowledge to prepare participants for the in-person segment. Video lectures, select key articles to read and short quizzes to assess and consolidate learning. Online discussion community to communicate with the instructor and fellow students. On-line access to these resources continues for 6 months after the initial access date. 
    Purpose:
    This course is designed to minimize lecture time during in-person sessions, allowing for an engaging, skill-oriented learning environment. The goal is to:
    1. Deliver high-quality, in-depth, evidence-informed education on Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD).
    2. Equip participants with practical skills for immediate application in their clinical practice.
    3. Refine and enhance existing skills or introduce a new specialty area to a participant's professional scope.


    Learning Objectives:



    • Analyze complex cervical and scapular pain presentations including whiplash (WAD), post-trauma cervical instability, thoracic-outlet syndrome,cervicogenic headache and other headache categories, cervicogenic dizziness, cervical degenerative myelopathy and chronic non-specific carvical/scapular pain.
    • Assess cervical, craniovertebral, and scapular region impairments with particular attention to anterior cervical structures, uncovertebral joint dysfunction, and stability of the neck in post-trauma populations.
    • Demonstrate advanced manual therapy techniques directed at articular, fascial, neural, and muscular tissues of the cervical and scapular regions to address pain, dysfunction and load transfer. This includes confidence in thrust joint manipulation of the craniovertebral region.
    • Assess and treat cranial and cervical nerve dysfunction as it relates to cervical and scapular impairments including the spinal accessory nerve, dorsal scapular nerve, axillary nerve, long thoracic nerve, supra-scapular nerves, occipital nerves and mid-lower cervical nerve roots. 
    • Design and teach benchmark-specific exercise programs to address motor control, postural strategies, load transfer and neurodynamic unloading in patients with neck and scapular pain
    • Apply evidence-based patient self-care strategies to support symptom management, movement confidence and enhance long-term outcomes.
    • Integrate a biopsychosocial framework into the evaluation and management of patients with cervical and scapular region impairments including acute and chronic pain syndromes.
    In-Person Lab Schedule:

    Saturday

    7:30-8:00 Registration

    8:00-9:00 Introduction, Precision palpation of the cervical and scapular regions with emphasis on fascial planes, nerves, muscle and articulations. 

    9:00-10:00 Advanced general examination including safety screening (IFOMPT guidelines) and with thrust joint manipulation in mind.

    10:00-10:15 Break

    10:15-11:30 Continued - Advanced general examination including safety screening 

    11:30-12:15 Articulations of the region - craniocervical, mid and lower uncovertebral joints, AC and SC joints, cervicothoracic junction and scapular mobility.

    12:15-1:15 Lunch (on own)

    1:15-1:45 Continued - Articulations of the region 

    1:45-3:15 Safe and effective thrust joint manipulation to all regional joints.

    3:15-3:30 Break

    3:30-4:30 Examination and treatment of fascial dysfunction associated with cervical and scapular dysfunction.

    4:30-5:00 Testing and treatment of neurogenic and neurodynamic dysfunction in the cervical and scapular region.

    Sunday

    8:00-9:00 Postural concepts in the cervical and scapular region.

    9:00-10:00 Slow-twitch muscle assessment.

    10:00-10:15 Break

    10:15-11:15 Stability and load-transfer concepts in the cervical and scapular region.

    11:15-12:15 Cervical proprioception and dizziness.

    12:15-1:15 Lunch (on own)

    1:15-2:15 Training the cervical and scapular region in the athlete, the post-trauma neck and in HSD= Hypermoobility Spectrum Disorder.

    2:15-3:15 Patient education on ADLs, understanding their prognosis and ongoing self-management.

    3:15-3:45 Influence of other regions/dysfunctions: cranium, headaches and airway/tongue/swallowing.

    Dr. Liz Henry

    PT, DSc, OCS, COMT, FAAOMPT, CCTT
    Patrick Jones - Course author