Advanced Upper Quarter Techniques

July 18-19, 2026

Location:
Bellin Health by Emplify
3263 Eaton Road
Green Bay, WI 54311

Cost: $599
Contact Hours: 20 hours

Register early, enrollment is limited!

Register Now


Course Description

This two-day, onsite laboratory course focuses on advanced examination and intervention techniques for the upper quarter, including adverse neural dynamics, pain mechanistic testing, mobilization and manipulation techniques, and manual resisted exercise.  

Participants will explore strategies for optimizing patient history, selecting key differentiation tests during physical examination, choosing appropriate intervention procedures, and building effective therapeutic communication strategies to strengthen the therapeutic alliance.

Appropriate Dress: Please wear lab attire that allows for lifting movements of the upper extremities and trunk.


Learning Objectives

At the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Analyze the selection of upper quarter manual therapy techniques and integrated exercise approaches using clinical reasoning and current best evidence.
  • Perform selected manipulation and mobilization techniques for patients with upper quarter pain or dysfunction.
  • Apply advanced upper quarter techniques, including pain mechanistic testing concepts, adverse neural dynamics, mobilization and manipulation techniques, and exercise strategies.
  • Demonstrate appropriate progression of exercise with increasing demands for patients with upper quarter symptoms and conditions.

Contact Hours and CEUs

Participants will earn 20 contact hours.

Note: Participants are responsible for submitting proof of attendance for CEU verification. Bellin College has CEU approval for this course for 20 hours.


Course Schedule

This two-day laboratory course includes hands-on practice, technique application, and clinical reasoning activities.

Day 1 Schedule

8:00–8:30 a.m.  Learner Goal Setting and Neck vs. Arm Differentiation

8:30–10:00 a.m.  Recognizing Patterns: Observation and Functional Movement Assessment Lab

10:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.  Cervical and Thoracic Examination Lab: (Seated, Supine, Prone)

LUNCH BREAK

1:15–3:30 p.m.  Cervical and Thoracic Thrust Manipulation: Advanced Technique (Seated, Supine, Prone)

3:45–4:15 p.m.  Exercise Selection, Dosage, and Communication for Cervicothoracic Region

4:15–5:05 p.m.  Upper Quarter Strengthening Exercise Prescription

Day 2 Schedule

8:00–9:00 a.m.  Technique Practice: Integrating Day 1 Skills

9:00–9:15 a.m.  Upper Quarter Mobilization Selection: Linking Technique Choice to the Patient

9:15–11:00 a.m.  Beyond the Basics: Shoulder Exam/Treatment

11:00–12:00 p.m.  Shoulder Advanced Manual Technique and Exercise Lab

LUNCH BREAK

1:00–2:00 p.m.  Technique Practice

2:00–4:00 p.m.  Elbow/Forearm Exam and Intervention/Neurodynamics Lab

4:00–5:00 p.m.  Clinical Reasoning in Action: Technique Case-Based Practice & Feedback


Course Instructor

Joe Kucksdorf, PT, DPT, DSc, OCS, FAAOMPT


Registration

Complete the registration form below to reserve your spot.

Limited seats available!

Cancellation policy – participants who cancel their registration a minimum of 30 days prior to the event are eligible for a full refund of fees paid. Cancellation requests less than 30 days prior will not be eligible for a refund.


Travel Information:

Travel Information

Nearby Hotels

Traveling from out of town? The following hotels are located near Bellin College for your convenience. 

Home2 Suites by Hilton / Hampton Inn

810 Morris Ave.
Green Bay, WI 54304
(920) 227-5757
Distance to Emplify Health: 10 miles
Mention that you are attending a Bellin College event when making your reservation.

Hampton Inn Green Bay Stadium

830 Morris Ave.
Green Bay, WI 54304
(920)785-9660
Distance to Emplify Health: 10 miles
Mention that you are attending a Bellin College event when making your reservation.

Country Inn & Suites

850 Kepler Dr.
Green Bay, WI 54311
(920)770-2683
Distance to Emplify Health: 2.3 miles
Mention that you are attending a Bellin College event when making your reservation.


Questions?

Contact us for more information about this course, registration, or other continuing education opportunities.

Contact Us

For additional questions, contact physicaltherapy@bellincollege.edu or Ann at (920) 433-6628.

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