This course focuses on the comprehensive evaluation and management of thoracic spine and rib cage. Clinical reasoning, differential diagnosis and evidence based practice with a practical approach will be presented throughout the coursework. Eclectic and historical approaches will be incorporated into the course. The course will utilize thrust, non-thrust, soft tissue and exercise techniques for the thoracic spine and rib cage. This is a hands-on, lab intensive course with supervised practice and case-based application.
Instructional Level: Beginners
Target Audience: PTs, PTAs, OTs, COTAs
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Instructional Methods: Hands-on lab, lecture with Q&A, group discussion, patient cases, evidence review.
Course Completion Requirements: must attend the entire 2-day course and complete the post-course test
CEUs 8
CCUs 16
AOTA 1.6
Course Objectives
- Demonstrate an understanding and clinical knowledge of the benefits, precautions, and contraindications of manual therapy for the thoracic spine and rib cage including medical and psychosomatic yellow and red flags
- Apply current evidence to the diagnosis and management of common pathologies of the thoracic spine and ribs.
- Design a comprehensive and evidence-based treatment plan of care for patients with thoracic spine/ rib dysfunction including appropriate intervention using joint mobilization, soft tissue, or exercise techniques
- Demonstrate proficiency of interventions including thrust, non-thrust, soft-tissue, neural mobilizations, PROM techniques, and exercise intervention for the thoracic spine and rib cage
- Perform a comprehensive evaluation of the Thoracic spine and rub cage utilizing a systemic approach
Perform a comprehensive evaluation of the Thoracic spine and rub cage utilizing a systemic approach
- 7:30AM – 8:00AM: Registration
- 8:00AM – 8:15AM: Classroom Introductions
- 8:15AM – 8:30AM: Introduction/ Manual Therapy Background/ Clinical Reasoning
- 8:30AM – 8:45AM: Indications/Contraindications
- 8:45AM – 9:15AM: Anatomy Review Thoracic Spine and Rib Cage
- 9:15AM – 9:45AM: Palpation
- 9:45AM – 10:00AM: Break
- 10:00AM – 10:15AM: Upper Quarter Screening (LAB)
- 10:15AM – 10:30AM: Cervical Spine Clearing
- 10:30AM – 11:30AM: Thoracic/Rib Examination
- 11:30AM – 12:00PM: Common Clinical Patterns/Differential Diagnosis/EBP
- 12:00PM – 1:00PM: Lunch
- 1:00PM – 1:45PM: Thoracic and Rib Manual Techniques (joint/soft tissue mobilizations)
- 1:45PM – 2:00PM: Round Robin
- 2:00PM – 3:00PM: Thoracic and Rib Manual Techniques (manipulations)
- 3:15PM – 3:30PM: Round Robin
- 3:30PM – 3:45PM: Break
- 3:45PM – 4:30PM: Matched interventions and HEP
- 4:30PM – 5:00PM: Case Study
- 5:00PM – 5:30PM: QA/Wrap Up
- September 12, 2026
- 1994 SR44, New Smyrna Beach, Florida 32168
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