Differential Diagnosis of Cervical Spine and Shoulder - Musculoskeletal Vs Systemic Origin of Pain

3 CE Hours
1 member has taken this course

Updated 19 days ago. Consider reviewing the exam questions below before taking the exam.

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About the Course

Physical Therapy is no longer limited to evaluation and treatment of just the musculoskeletal system. With Direct access, increasing privately owned PT clinics and telehealth, Therapists play an important role in screening other systems to refer patients to appropriate medical providers. The focus of this course is to differentiate between exclusive musculoskeletal origin or pain secondary to other systemic causes. This aids in providing effective timely treatment to the patient, identifying red flags thus saving time and resources.

This course will begin with the review of cervical spine and shoulder anatomy, proceed to common Musculoskeletal diagnoses and special tests, evidence based systemic causes for shoulder and neck pain. Identifying red flags and referred pain patterns. In conclusion, candidates will be given an opportunity to apply their knowledge of differential diagnoses in case studies.

This course is based on the recorded webinar, Differential Diagnosis of Cervical Spine and Shoulder - Musculoskeletal Vs Systemic Origin of Pain created by Rina Pandya in 2023.

Course Material Author

Rina Pandya, PT, DPT, FHEA, PGLTHE

Dr. Pandya is an MSK senior lecturer and Fellow, at the University of West England, Bristol, UK involved in both undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Dr. Pandya’s physical therapy career spans over 25 years, through the UK, the USA and the Middle East. She has worked in Nationalized Healthcare Services, American health care and self pay services in acute care, in-patient rehab, skilled nursing facility, home healthcare and outpatient clinic. In addition to being a clinician she has developed specialty programs based on evidence-based practice in her role as a project manager. She has also managed the Physical Therapy department in the capacity of Head of Department in a premier private hospital in Oman. Rina is an internationally published webinar presenter.

Dr. Pandya graduated from Manipal University, India in 2000 as well as University of Michigan, in 2018 with a Doctor of Physical Therapy. Rina conducts live webinars and is part of the continuing professional development teaching community with courses published in the UK, US, South Africa, Ireland and Australia. Rina is a member of APTA, HCPC-UK and OAP-Oman.

Disclosures

None to report.

Target Audience

This self-paced course is intended for Physical Therapists, Physical Therapy Assistants, Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants, and Nurses. (PT, PTA, OT, COTA, RN)

Learning Objectives

After taking this activity, you should be able to:

  1. 1 Perform differential diagnosis of cervical spine and shoulder joint.
  2. 2 Discuss the scope of PT/OT in identifying red flags and criteria for referral to the physician.
  3. 3 Perform special tests for musculoskeletal evaluation of shoulder and neck.
  4. 4 Identify referred pain patterns.

Disclosure to Learners

CE Learning Systems adheres to the ACCME's Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Medical Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CE activity – including faculty, planners, reviewers, or others ― are required to disclose all relevant financial relationships with ineligible entities (formerly known as commercial interests).

The following relevant financial relationships have been disclosed by this activity's planners, faculty, and the reviewer:

Planners and Reviewers

The planners of this activity have reported that they have no relevant financial relationships.

Material Authors

There are no known relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Course Creator

Rina Pandya, PT, DPT, FHEA, PGLTHE – None to report.

Commercial support

There is no commercial support for this distance-learning course.

Use our CE Approvals tool to look up your state requirements and how can help you meet them, or log in to your member account to show approvals relevant to your licensure.

Physical Therapy Board of California (PTBC)

3 CE credit hours
Eligible until Dec 30th, 2026
CE Learning Systems is an accredited provider by the California Board of Physical Therapy. CE Learning Systems maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
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Florida Board of Occupational Therapy (FBOT)

3 CE credit hours
Eligible until Dec 30th, 2026
CE Learning Systems, LLC is approved by the Florida Board of Occupational Therapy to sponsor continuing education for Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapist Assistants. CE Learning Systems maintains responsibility for this program and its content. CE Broker Provider Number 50-315
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Michigan Board of Physical Therapy

3 CE credit hours
Eligible until Dec 30th, 2026
The Michigan Board of Physical Therapy accepts continuing education programs if approved by another state board of physical therapy. This continuing education activity is approved for the Michigan Board of Physical Therapy based on the approval by the New York State Board of Physical Therapy Approval.
More Info

New York State Education Department's State Board for Physical Therapy

3 CE credit hours
Eligible until Dec 30th, 2026
CE Learning Systems (d/b/a impactce.com) is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Physical Therapy as an approved provider of continuing education for Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants.
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New York State Education Department's State Board for Occupational Therapy (NYSED BOT)

3 CE credit hours
Eligible until Dec 30th, 2026
CE Learning Systems (d/b/a impactce.com) is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Occupational Therapy as an approved provider of continuing education for Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants.
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Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners

3 CE credit hours
Eligible until Dec 30th, 2026
This activity has been approved by the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners for 3 CCUs for PTs and PTAs. APS # 2805075TX. Accreditation Period: 6/1/25-5/31/28
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Course Material

This material is included for free with an annual or lifetime membership or individually for $30.00.

This course material is published by Rina Pandya. For your convenience, has partnered with Rina Pandya to make it available for purchase right here.

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Course Details

3 CE Hours
Recorded Webinar
Course 104449

Profession Group

  • Physical Health

Related Topics

Physical medicine

Availability

This course is available until .

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