Neural Mobilization: Examination & Intervention Strategies

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The concept of restricted neural dynamics is not new, however its impact on our Neural Mobilization patients’ daily activities and movement tolerance is often overlooked during the examination and treatment of our patients. This course covers concepts for examination and quantifying restricted neural dynamics and intervention strategies to address the dura, nerve bed, and peripheral nerves.

Included is a critical review of the most up-to-date literature in peer-reviewed journals regarding the use of neural mobilization as an examination and treatment technique. This course is appropriate for physical therapists, occupational therapists, and athletic trainers; both assessment and treatment concepts will be covered to aid in the care of their patients. This course includes laboratory sessions in which participants will practice neural mobilization and examination techniques.

Participants are encouraged to wear loose, comfortable clothing. Shorts are recommended as well as halter or swim suit tops for women in order to allow for proper practice of techniques.

Course Prerequisite: EB abstracts will be emailed to participants prior to the course.

During hands-on lab sessions, the course instructor(s) will evaluate each participant’s techniques/skills learned to determine proficiency for course completion. If 3/5 criteria are not attained the instructor will work with the attendee until all the criteria is met. Post test at end of course will be used as a tool to review answers and rationale, ensuring attendees have gained all content knowledge.

You will be required to:
• review several abstracts prior to the start of the live course. Abstracts will be emailed to you upon completion of registration.
• wear shorts and a halter top or tank top for lab sessions.
• wear comfortable clothing over lab attire, so you are not cold during lecture sessions.
• Bring a yoga mat for your personal use during lab sessions.

Upon completion of online registration, you will be emailed a course receipt. This is NOT a course confirmation. Your course confirmation will be sent separately. It is recommended that you wait for written course confirmation prior to booking non-refundable travel or lodging. If you have not received course confirmation 10 days prior to your live CE course, please contact Rehab Education, LLC to check on status of your registration.


Please review In-Person Course Covid-19 Policy

By the end of this course, participants will:

  • Identify the 3 components of the brachial plexus
  • Describe 3 possible pathologies of the nervous system as covered in this course
  • Identify 3 symptoms of brachial plexopathy of the upper quadrant
  • Following the course and given 3 case scenarios the participant will match all appropriate testing of the UE using novel neural mobility grading scales (0-5) for biasing the Brachial Plexus, Radial, Median and Ulnar nerves
  • Apply 3 basic treatment techniques based on results obtained from neural mobility testing of the upper extremity for a patient with lateral epicondylagia.
  • Apply 2 basic treatment techniques based on results obtained from neural mobility of the LE with metric measurements (of the hip or knee) using: the Straight Leg Raise with biasing of the Tibial and Fibular nerves, Prone Knee bend with biasing of the Femoral and Saphenous nerves for a given case study.
  • Apply the concept of structural differentiation as referenced in the literature to determine neural vs non-neural tissue movement restrictions of the UE through joint positioning, palpation and symptom behavior
  • Apply the concept of structural differentiation as referenced in the literature to determine neural vs non-neural tissue movement restrictions of the LE through joint positioning, palpation and symptom behavior
  • Design a comprehensive intervention plan including exercises, manual techniques and home exercises based on exam results from a given case study

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Course hours for the course in Houston are:
Day 1: Saturday from 8am to 7pm
Day 2: Sunday from 8am to 2:30 pm
Sign-in begins at 7:30am both days

Day 1

7:30 - 8:00 Registration
8:00 - 9:00 Introduction of Topic
Anatomy and Physiology
Pathology
9:00 - 10:30 Palpation Lab
10:30 - 10:45 Break
10:45 - 12:00 Mobility Assessment Lab Part 1
12:00 - 12:45 Lunch
1:00 - 2:30 Mobility Assessment Lab Part 2
2:30 - 2:45 Documentation of Findings
2:45 - 3:00 Break
3:00 - 3:15 Indications for Neural Mobility Assessment
3:15 - 5:30 Basic Teaching Case Studies Lab/Lecture
Concepts covered: misdiagnosed conditions, structural differentiation, test modification to track outcomes. Treatment principles: flossing, tensioning

  • Meralgia Paresthetica
  • Lateral epicondylalgia
  • Restless leg syndrome
  • TKR with persistent burning in the anterolateral lower leg
  • Little league elbow
  • Softball player with eversion sprain from sliding into second base

Day 2

8:00 - 8:30 Literature review
8:30 - 10:00 Review of examination techniques Lab
10:00 - 10:45 The Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
10:45 - 11:00 Break
11:00 - 11:45 Examination and Treatment Lab
11:45 - 12:30 Complex Case Studies and Problem Solving Lab

  • Focus activities: Identify potential sources of symptoms, develop examination strategy, provide comprehensive intervention plan
    • Baseball pitcher with “Dead Arm” syndrome and SICK Scapula
    • Marathon runner with buttock, thigh, and heel pain – no back pain
12:30 - 1:30 Lunch
1:30 - 2:45 Complex Case Studies and Problem Solving: Lab Part 2

  • Stockbroker who recently returned to surfing with facial and chest wall pain + numbness of the ring and small fingers.
  • LPN with burning along the medial scapular border, posterior shoulder, lateral epicondyle and into the dorsum of the hand occurring after transferring a patient
  • Weekend tennis player – recovering from Achilles tendon repair with persistent burning along the lateral heel
2:45 - 3:00 Break
3:00 - 4:00 Continued- Complex Case Studies
4:00 - 4:15 Post-Test
4:15 - 4:30 Review, Q & A

15 Contact Hours (15 clock hours)

This course content is not intended for use by any participants outside the scope of their license or regulation.

This live interactive webinar course is accepted by many professional credentialing organizations and state professional regulatory boards. Rules and regulations change frequently without notification, and apply differently to live and online courses. Please check with your state board to confirm accuracy of this list and acceptance of contact hours. Certificate of Attendance will be issued to all participants upon completion of the course and may be used for CEU verification of credits.

CE credits vary by state. Please check with your state board/certifying agency to confirm conversion of contact hours to CEUs.

Rehab Education, LLC is recognized as:

  • AOTA approved provider of OT and OTA continuing education (#6177)
  • approved provider of PT and PTA continuing education by the NY State Education Department Board of Physical Therapy.
  • approved provider of PT and PTA continuing education by IDFPR/ Illinois Board of Physical Therapy (#216000227).
  • American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA): Rehab Education, LLC is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. Provider # 6177. This live CE course is offered at 1.5 CEUs (15 clock hours) | Intermediate level | OT Service Delivery/Foundational Knowledge. The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA or indicate AOTA approval of a certification or other professional recognition. (Course must be completed prior to 7/31/2025)


  • Arkansas Physical Therapy Association: This course has been approved by the Arkansas APTA for 15 contact hours. Approval #APTA-AR 2015


  • Rehab Education, LLC is approved by the Board of Certification, Inc. to provide continuing education to Certified Athletic Trainers. This program is eligible for a maximum of 15 Category A hours/CEUs. ATs should claim only those hours actually spent in the educational program.


  • Physical Therapy Board of CaliforniaPhysical Therapy Board of California: The Physical Therapy Board of California recognizes Rehab Education, LLC as an approval agency to approve providers offering continuing competency courses for CA licensed PTs and PTAs. This course is approved for 15 contact hours.


  • California OT Board: This course and instructor have been approved by the CA Board of OT for 7.5 contact hours of post-professional education in the advanced practice area of hand therapy. Approval #22-H29.


  • Illinois State Board of Physical Therapy: Approved CE Sponsor by Illinois State Board of Physical Therapy, Division of Professional Regulations, Approval #216.000227. (Course must be taken prior to 09-30-2026)


  • New Jersey State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners: This course has been approved by the New Jersey State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners for 15 CE credits. Approval #2204-132. (Course must be taken prior to 01-31-2026).


  • NY State Physical Therapy Board: Rehab Education, LLC is recognized as an approved provider of PT and PTA continuing education by the NY State Education Department Board of Physical Therapy. (Course must be taken prior to 05-10-2025)




  • States that Accept AOTA Approval / PT State Boards’ Approval Reciprocity

    The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA. At the time of listing, these states currently recognize AOTA Approved Providers for OT continuing education either in regulatory language or by formal written communication to AOTA. For an up-to-date list, see the AOTA website.

    Alabama
    Alaska
    Arkansas
    Arizona*
    California
    Delaware
    District of Columbia
    Florida **(self-report to CE Broker)
    Georgia*
    Illinois
    Indiana
    Kentucky
    Louisiana*
    Maryland
    Massachusetts
    Michigan
    Minnesota
    Mississippi*
    Missouri
    Montana
    Nevada
    New Hampshire
    New Mexico
    New York
    North Carolina
    North Dakota
    Ohio
    Oregon
    Oklahoma
    Pennsylvania
    Rhode Island
    South Carolina*
    South Dakota
    Tennessee*
    Texas
    Vermont
    Virginia
    Wisconsin (self study courses only)

    *see CE Broker
    **FL licensees may need to self-submit courses in CE Broker

    Disclaimer: Rehab Education LLC provides this list for your convenience. At the time of listing, the following state boards accept courses by virtue of approval by other organizations. It is the responsibility of the participant registering for a course to check with their state board to confirm rules and regulations regarding acceptance of contact hours for live and online courses.


    The following PT Boards accept courses approved by other PT State boards*:

    Alaska
    Delaware
    District of Columbia
    Hawaii
    Illinois
    Indiana
    Kansas
    Kentucky
    Michigan
    Montana
    North Carolina
    North Dakota
    Oregon
    Pennsylvania
    Tennessee
    Utah
    Vermont
    Virginia
    Wyoming

    The following PT Boards accept courses approved by other APTA state associations*:

    Alaska
    Arizona
    Delaware
    District of Columbia
    Florida **(self-report to CE Broker)
    Georgia
    Kansas
    Kentucky
    Mississippi
    Missouri
    North Carolina
    North Dakota
    Rhode Island
    South Dakota
    Utah
    Vermont
    Virginia
    Wyoming

    The following PT Boards do not require pre-approval for continuing education activities as long as they are “directly related to the licensee’s practice of physical therapy” and/or meet the guidelines established by the board.

    Alabama
    Colorado
    Connecticut
    Iowa
    New Hampshire
    Washington
    Wisconsin

    HELPFUL LINKS:
    *NBCOT…National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapy (view PDU requirements)

    +HTCC… Hand Therapy Certification Commission (view recertification requirements)
    Hand Therapy Certification Commission (HTCC): This course is accepted by HTCC towards re-certification.

    State PT Boards
    State OT Boards

Fast Facts

Skill Level: Intermediate
Delivery Method: Live, in-person

Who Should Attend:
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Occupational Therapy Assistants
  • Physical Therapists
  • Physical Therapist Assistants
  • Certified Hand Therapists
  • Certified Athletic Trainers

Notes: This course is for clinicians with limited to moderate exposure to Neural Mobilization.

Locations:

Nov. 9 - Nov. 10, 2024
Somerset, NJ


Instructors:

Mark W. Butler, PT, DPT, OCS, Cert. MDT

is a board certified Orthopaedic clinical specialist and Mckenzie certified specialist for mechanical diagnosis and treatment of the spine. He started his own practice eighteen months after graduating from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science (now the University of Science in Philadelphia), which he sold to NovaCare in 1997.

He is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at UMDNJ, guest lecturer at Stockton College in New Jersey, and Medical College of Virginia where he lectures on Advanced Orthopedics, Neural Mobilization, Radiology, and Evaluation and Treatment of TMJ Disorders. Mark is also a continuing education speaker on Evaluation and Treatment of Brachial Plexopathies, Neural Mobilization, the lumbar spine, and the shoulder. He was honored in 2006 with the James Tucker Excellence in Clinical Practice and Teaching Award by the APTAnj. He presented at the national conference in Hollywood of the American Society of Hand Therapists on Evaluation and Treatment of the Brachial Plexopathy Patient. His lecture series was selected as the featured topic on CD ROM to be available to the ASHT membership.

Mark is a frequent presenter at conferences, including the APTAnj annual conference, the InNovations and Sports Medicine conferences at the Philadelphia Eagles Complex, and the Cincinnati Fracture conference. He authored the shoulder chapter in the textbook Fundamentals of Hand Therapy: Clinical Reasoning and Treatment Guidelines for Common Diagnoses of the Upper Extremity, which was published in 2014. Mark continues to manage the NovaCare Medford outpatient clinic, where the majority of his caseload is brachial plexopathy, shoulder, and spine patients.

Mark Butler was an excellent instructor. Group size was perfect and made it easy to get feedback during hands-on labs.

This course was excellent. I feel ready to implement what we learned!

v

What Students are Saying:

The course was phenomenal! The best class I have taken in more than a decade. Mark is extremely knowledgeable and a great teacher.

After 20+ years as a practicing therapist, this course made the complex simple, and gave me a structured way to treat my patients more effectively.