Free online courseSpine Assessment

Course Description

The "Spine Assessment" course offers an in-depth exploration of spinal health within the realm of physiotherapy. Lasting for 2 hours and 4 minutes, this comprehensive course has garnered impressive feedback, achieving an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. It is a specialized program in the Health category, particularly focusing on Physiotherapy. This course is meticulously designed to cover several critical aspects of spine assessment and treatment, providing valuable knowledge and practical skills for physiotherapists.

Presented in a detailed and structured manner, the course begins with an examination of the Low Back Pain Guideline, focusing on prognosis and course in the initial part. This foundational knowledge sets the stage for deeper insights into observational techniques and posture analysis, pivotal in spine assessment.

The course then explores the Babinski Sign or Reflex, a crucial indicator of upper motor neuron lesions. Following this, the Closed Fist Percussion Sign is discussed, which is vital for diagnosing osteoporotic vertebral fractures. The Supine Sign, another key test for osteoporotic vertebral fractures, is also elaborated upon.

Further into the course, students delve into detailed examination and analysis techniques as per the Low Back Pain Guideline. The Straight Leg Raise or Lasègue's Test and the Crossed Straight Leg Raise Test are significant tests covered, essential for diagnosing lumbar radiculopathy. Additional tests like the Reversed Lasègue or Prone Knee Bending Test, and the proximal and distal initiation of the Straight Leg Raise add to the comprehensive nature of the course.

Attention is also given to lumbar spine stenosis through the Lumbar Spine Stenosis Clinical Prediction Rule by Cook and the Kemp Test, further enriching the practitioner's diagnostic toolkit. Lumbar spine instability is thoroughly examined, presenting symptoms, assessment, and diagnosis techniques.

The course emphasizes practical assessment skills through tools like the Cluster of Rehorst for lumbar segmental instability and the Passive Lumbar Extension Test (PLET). These are complemented by the Prone Instability Test and the Luomajoki Lumbar Movement Control Dysfunction Screening.

Neurodynamic testing is another focal area, covering tests such as the SLUMP Test and the Bowstring Test for sciatic nerve tension. The Three Phases Test of Menell and the Schober Test for lumbar spine flexion are also discussed to enhance versatility in assessment methods.

On the therapeutic front, the course addresses treatment strategies for low back pain, including the Hicks Clinical Prediction Rule for lumbar spine stabilization. Neck pain guidelines are given significant coverage, with sections on diagnosis, prognosis, screening, and physical examination. Specific tests for cervical spine issues, such as the Cluster of Wainner for cervical radiculopathy and the Arm Squeeze Test for cervical nerve root compression, are meticulously discussed.

Furthermore, the course examines the neck flexor endurance test and treatment profiles for various neck pain conditions, providing a holistic approach to spine care. Whether it's achieving a precise diagnosis or strategizing effective treatments, this course equips physiotherapists with the essential skills and knowledge to excel in spine assessment and care.