Introduction

PTAs apply rehabilitation exercises and injury management and prevention principles to patient with shoulder complex dysfunction. In order to safely and effectively select appropriate interventions specific to the patient's rehab stage and treatment response, PTAs must demonstrate understanding of protection, controlled motion, and return to function phases of rehabilitation.

By understanding the signs/ symptoms, impairments and functional limitations, PTAs are able to prioritize exercise and other interventions based on the understanding how inflammation and the stages of tissue healing effect recovery.

PTAs provide patient education and monitor progress to maximize patient compliance with activity modifications, postural corrections, joint protection, and exercise progressions. PTAs apply knowledge of surgical approaches and special tests in prioritizing interventions specific to the patient's current condition while strictly complying with post-operative surgical precautions and contraindications where indicated.

Objectives

1. Recall structure and function of shoulder and shoulder girdle components

2. Recall the stages of tissue healing (acute, sub acute, chronic)
3. Describe therapeutic benefits of joint mobilization techniques
4. Define joint mobilization terminology for the shoulder complex
5. Describe the grades used in peripheral joint mobilization
6. Distinguish scope of practice guidelines for physical therapy techniques for restoring joint function
7. Identify and describe methods, management, and rehabilitation for shoulder dysfunctions encountered in orthopedic rehabilitation
8. Recognize precautions and contraindications in non-operative and operative shoulder conditions
9. Define the structures associated with special tests for the shoulder
10. Apply knowledge of tissue healing in prioritizing interventions for shoulder rehabilitation