Exercise is the mainstay of conservative treatment for shoulder dysfunction. However, evidence to support the efficacy of specific exercises for different categories of shoulder dysfunction is limited leaving clinicians with the dilemma of how to choose effective, efficient exercises for their patients with shoulder dysfunction. This course will explore a rationale, evidence-based approach to determining & progressing patient-specific therapeutic shoulder exercises.

Specifically, at the end of this course participants will be able to:-

• critically evaluate the contribution of the current diagnostic classification system, imaging procedures & special orthopaedic tests in directing effective treatment for shoulder dysfunction
• critically evaluate the evidence in support of surgery & active (exercises) & passive conservative treatment for shoulder pain
• critically evaluate the functional anatomy of the normal shoulder joint in particular the:
  • relative contribution of active & passive stabilising structures
  • specific mechanisms whereby rotator cuff (RC) muscles contribute to shoulder joint movement & stability
  • role of the scapula & axioscapular muscles in optimising shoulder joint & shoulder muscle function
  • multiple roles muscles perform, & the level of muscle coordination required, in normal shoulder region function
• critically evaluate commonly used methods of assessing & treating shoulder muscle dysfunction
• incorporate recent evidence & functional anatomical principles into the clinical reasoning process to aid in:
  • understanding the anatomical basis for the presenting shoulder symptoms
  • determining the most appropriate exercise rehabilitation strategy
  • progressing therapeutic exercises in a functionally appropriate manner
• investigate alternative methods of assessing & restoring shoulder function that better reflect normal functional anatomy