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This specialization delivers an advanced, evidence-based approach to upper-body assessment and rehabilitation. Through expert-led instruction from Sue Falsone PT, ATC and Eric Beard, learners study the biomechanics of the shoulder, thoracic spine, and cervical-thoracic junction - developing the skills to restore function and enhance performance. Designed for clinical and fitness professionals, the program bridges anatomy, mobility assessment, corrective exercise, and manual therapy to elevate client outcomes.

Syllabus

Course 1: Comprehensive Shoulder Mechanics and Treatment Approaches
Course 2: Thoracic Mobility: Assessment and Functional Training
Course 3: Cervical Thoracic Junction Mechanics

Courses

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Neck tension, upper back stiffness, poor posture, shoulder restriction, and recurring headaches often have one thing in common: the area where the neck meets the upper back is not moving or functioning as well as it should. By the end of this course, learners will understand how the cervical-thoracic junction influences posture, shoulder motion, breathing mechanics, mobility, pain, and athletic performance. Taught by Sue Falsone, PT, ATC, this course focuses on one of the body’s most important transition zones. When this region is stiff, poorly controlled, or overloaded, it can contribute to discomfort, compensation, and inefficient movement throughout the upper body. Through clear explanation and practical demonstrations, learners explore relevant anatomy, movement assessment, joint mobility, soft tissue techniques, postural correction, and corrective exercise concepts. Healthcare and fitness professionals will gain practical tools for assessment and intervention, while non-clinical learners will gain a clearer understanding of why this region matters. This course offers a structured way to think about the neck-upper back connection and how improving it can support comfort, mobility, and performance.
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Shoulder pain and restriction can affect everything from throwing, lifting, training, and reaching overhead to simple daily tasks like dressing or sleeping comfortably. By the end of this course, learners will understand how shoulder mechanics, stability, mobility, and whole-body movement patterns influence pain, performance, and recovery. Led by Sue Falsone, PT, ATC, former Head Athletic Trainer of the Los Angeles Dodgers, this course combines elite sports medicine experience with practical shoulder care for both athletic and general populations. Learners explore how the shoulder works as part of the kinetic chain and why dysfunction often involves more than the joint itself. Through expert instruction and practical demonstrations, learners study shoulder assessment, throwing mechanics, mobility and stability concepts, exercise progressions, rehabilitation strategies, and performance-based treatment planning. Healthcare, fitness, sports, and rehabilitation professionals will gain adaptable tools for working with shoulder dysfunction, while general learners will better understand how shoulder movement connects to posture, strength, and daily function. This course offers a practical framework for supporting pain-free movement, better performance, and long-term shoulder health.
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Limited upper back mobility can affect much more than posture. It may restrict shoulder motion, reduce breathing efficiency, limit rotation, increase compensation, and hold back performance in daily movement, exercise, and sport. By the end of this course, learners will understand how to assess thoracic mobility and apply corrective strategies that support better posture, breathing mechanics, movement control, and functional performance. Presented by athletic trainer Eric Beard, this course focuses on the thoracic spine and its role in shoulder function, core stability, rotation, and whole-body movement. Learners explore how restrictions in this region can influence overhead motion, spinal mechanics, and movement quality. Through clear demonstrations and practical programming examples, learners study thoracic mobility assessments, rotation and overhead movement screens, mobility tools, manual therapy concepts, corrective exercise progressions, regressions, and reassessment strategies. Healthcare and fitness professionals will gain practical tools for evaluation and program design, while non-clinical learners will better understand how upper back mobility affects comfort and performance. This course offers an integrated approach to improving mobility by combining assessment, targeted training, and ongoing reassessment.