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There are 4 modules in this course
By the end of this course, you will (1) analyze shoulder anatomy and pathology to improve diagnosis and (2) apply evidence-based rehabilitation strategies for optimal recovery. Taught by osteopath and athletic trainer Rebecca Tyler, this course covers detailed shoulder biomechanics, assessment techniques, and manual therapy applications. You’ll study the clinical presentation of conditions such as frozen shoulder, impingement, and labral tears through expert video instruction and real case examples.
Step-by-step treatment demonstrations link theory to hands-on practice, helping you master both manual and exercise-based interventions. What makes this course unique is its comprehensive scope—combining anatomy, pathology, and progressive rehabilitation into a single practical framework for real-world application.
Module 1 establishes the foundations needed to understand and treat the complex shoulder. The module begins with a clear overview of the shoulder structure, including the glenohumeral joint, shoulder girdle, and the relationships between cervical, thoracic, and scapular function. You’ll explore why shoulder pain can be challenging to assess—frequently the painful point isn’t the source. Instead, symptoms often stem from postural habits, muscular imbalance, or referred pain.
What's included
8 videos3 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt
Show info about module content
8 videos•Total 100 minutes
Course Introduction•9 minutes
Gathering Information•14 minutes
Shoulder Impingement•15 minutes
Frozen Shoulder•13 minutes
ACJ Osteoarthritis
•12 minutes
GHJ Osteoarthritis•11 minutes
Slap Lesions•9 minutes
AC Separation
•17 minutes
3 readings•Total 25 minutes
Syllabus•5 minutes
Course Workbook - The Human Shoulder•10 minutes
Student Notes•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
Practice Assignment•15 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
Introduction•10 minutes
Shoulder Assessment and Treatment
Module 2•1 hour to complete
Module details
From there, the instructor presents step-by-step manual treatment strategies. You will learn palpation, soft-tissue approaches, trigger point therapy, and manual techniques for reducing pain and improving movement. Real client demonstrations show how to identify the true driver of a client’s pain and select hands-on interventions that produce meaningful change. The focus is not on blindly treating where symptoms appear, but on understanding why the dysfunction exists and applying manual techniques to restore mobility, decrease pain, and improve function.
What's included
6 videos1 assignment
Show info about module content
6 videos•Total 54 minutes
Assessment 1 - Anatomy•9 minutes
Assessment 2 - Active ROM•4 minutes
Assessment 3 - Passive ROM•10 minutes
Assessment 4 - Special Tests•5 minutes
Manual Therapy - Part 1•17 minutes
Manual Therapy - Part 2•9 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
Module Reflection Quiz•15 minutes
Shoulder Rehabilitation
Module 3•1 hour to complete
Module details
Module 3 begins with the introduction to shoulder rehabilitation and shifts from hands-on treatment to exercise-based progressions. You will learn how to transition a client safely from pain and limited movement into strengthening, motor control, and full functional capacity. The instructor teaches a structured sequence—from restoring mobility, to re-establishing stability, to building strength and load tolerance.Step-by-step exercise demonstrations show how to choose exercises based on irritability, tolerance, and functional goals. You’ll learn how to build rehab plans that incorporate scapular control, rotator cuff loading, full-chain integration, and progressive resistance. This module emphasises practicality: what to start with, how to progress, and how to know when to increase challenge or reduce intensity. By the end, you’ll know how to design an effective rehab programme that moves beyond symptom relief and builds a resilient, functional shoulder.
What's included
5 videos1 reading1 assignment
Show info about module content
5 videos•Total 44 minutes
Introduction to Shoulder Rehabilitation•8 minutes
Rehabilitation 1 - ROM•10 minutes
Rehabilitation 2 - Stabilization•14 minutes
Rehabilitation 3 - Strengthening•13 minutes
Rehabilitation - A Final Word•0 minutes
1 reading•Total 10 minutes
Student Notes•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
Practice Assignment•15 minutes
Course Summary
Module 4•1 hour to complete
Module details
This final exam is designed to assess your understanding of the key concepts presented throughout the course. Please review all video lessons and written materials before beginning. A passing score of 70% or higher is required to successfully complete the course and earn your CE certificate. You may reference your notes during the exam. Once you pass, your certificate will be available for immediate download.
What's included
1 video1 assignment1 discussion prompt
Show info about module content
1 video•Total 3 minutes
Course Summary•3 minutes
1 assignment•Total 60 minutes
Course Exam•60 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
Summary•10 minutes
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Niel Asher Education is a world leader in evidence-based online education for massage therapists, manual therapists, and allied health professionals. Our mission is to empower practitioners worldwide with accessible, high-quality training that bridges traditional bodywork, modern rehabilitation, and integrative health science.
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.