Athletic Trainers frequently encounter conditions of shoulder pain in their target populations. While most clinicians are proficient in examining the shoulder, fewer have additional training in how to differentiate primary shoulder pain versus that being a result of a primary cervical condition, or that of the brachial plexus complex. The goal of this presentation is to assist clinicians in helping to identify nociceptive-mechanical versus neuropathic conditions that can have a primary referral to the shoulder complex, and to design a treatment plan to best deal with each category to maximize patient outcomes. The goal is to empower clinicians to be more confident in their assessment and management of these conditions.

This session will utilize an interactive lecture format to examine how to interpret the literature to develop an appropriate treatment strategy for athletes with low back disorders. The session will begin with a quick review of the most common low back diagnoses. Attendees will then examine the research that explores the role of motor control, strengthening, proprioceptive and manual treatment strategies and their applicability to athletic populations. Finally, attendees will explore a sample protocol for each of the most common exercise progressions. The video section of the session will involve reviewing a few of the exercise progression explored in the lecture.