Thoracic Spine Pain and Dysfunction: Precision in Examination, Management and Rehabilitation – November 2026
Course:
Thoracic Spine Pain and Dysfunction: Precision in Examination, Management and Rehabilitation
Dates:
Saturday November 7th, 2026
10:00am – 2:00pm (EST)
Sunday November 8th, 2026
10:00am – 2:00pm (EST)
Cost:
$375 (CAMPT Member)
$400 (CPA Member)
$425 (Non-Member)
+HST
Deadline to Register:
October 30 2026
Course Description:
The thoracic spine has for a long time been the ‘Cinderella’ region of the spine; with less research and clinical focus directed to this region compared with the cervical and lumbar spine. Additionally, there continues to be a limited understanding of the aetiology and epidemiology of a range of musculoskeletal presentations, which have a biomechanical or neurophysiological connection to the thoracic spine. Through a programme of research (systematic reviews, surveys, observational studies, reliability and validity studies etc.) there is now a greater understanding of thoracic spine dysfunction, practice and management approaches, with novel approaches to transform the rehabilitation practiced used for patients presenting with thoracic spine and/or dysfunction.
This course, with a strong emphasis on integration of theory into practice, will critically evaluate evidence for the under-explored functional kinematics, primary or secondary pain sites, and asymptomatic dysfunction of the thoracic spine contributing to pain complaints in the shoulder region and adjacent spinal regions. A secondary objective is to explore the emerging interest in this spinal region with respect to best practice guidelines and evidence supporting passive and active interventions targeting the thoracic spine dysfunction when managing upper quadrant presentations; specifically, an outcome focused (mobility, motor control, work capacity and strength) clinical reasoning framework for thoracic spine exercise prescription in rehabilitation. This course will offer best current evidence within a biopsychosocial framework.
Course Objectives:
This two-day course has 4 discrete workshops, each lasting approximately 90 minutes. Each 90 minutes workshop involves dissemination of evidence informed theoretical content at level 7 (postgraduate level) and supported with practical skills. The tutor employs the use of a model to demonstrate techniques whilst also engaging online delegates to participate practically. Learning has been mapped to IFOMPT Educational Standards 2016
The workshops include
- Thoracic pain, function & dysfunction – what do we know
- Advanced examination and management of the thoracic spine
- Rehabilitation of thoracic spine – a clinical reasoning framework informing exercise prescription
- Evidence into practice using case studies
Instructor Bio:
Dr Nicola Heneghan (PhD, MSc, FMACP)
Dr. Professor Nicola Heneghan is a highly experienced UK clinician and academic with almost 40 years’ experience working in the field of musculoskeletal physiotherapy. Nicola has published >180 peer reviewed publications, written 3 book chapters and has a research H-index of 37. Nicola has supported >200 physiotherapists to successful completion of postgraduate degrees. Nicola’s specific research interest is the assessment and management of thoracic pain and dysfunction in different patient populations; a central focus for her PhD which she completed in 2013. She is one of the most published authors in the world on this topic. She has travelled widely to give keynotes on the topic and written chapters on the subject for a number of seminal texts (Petty, Neuromusculoskeletal Examination and Assessment: A Handbook for Therapists, Grieve’s Modern Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy). Nicola currently combines working with various universities, collaborators and her clinical practice roles (NHS and Isles of Scilly Physiotherapy).
Nicola held a number of honorary positions within the MACP, including Education Lead and Chair, with her contribution to the MACP recognised with award of honorary fellowship in 2019.