Lesson 1Expected clinical findings in prolonged computer users: common patterns for neck flexion, scapular protraction, thoracic stiffness, and median nerve mechanosensitivityThis section summarises typical clinical patterns in prolonged computer users, including neck flexion bias, scapular protraction, thoracic stiffness, and median nerve mechanosensitivity, and links them to tailored ergonomic and exercise strategies.
Common postural patterns at computer workstationsTypical cervical and thoracic mobility restrictionsFrequent scapular control and strength deficitsMedian nerve mechanosensitivity presentationsPatterns of symptom distribution and timingImplications for ergonomic and rehab planningLesson 2Work task analysis questions: device use, work patterns, breaks, commuting, remote vs office differencesThis section guides targeted questioning about devices, work patterns, breaks, commuting, and hybrid work. It links task demands and exposure duration to symptom behaviour, helping identify modifiable ergonomic and organisational risks.
Key questions on device types and input methodsMapping daily work patterns and task variabilityAssessing break frequency, duration, and qualityCommuting demands and their impact on symptomsComparing remote and office workstation setupsIdentifying high‑risk tasks and peak load periodsLesson 3Provocative and special tests relevant to cervical radiculopathy and carpal tunnel: Spurling, shoulder abduction relief, Phalen, TinelThis section covers selection and performance of key provocative tests for cervical radiculopathy and carpal tunnel. You will learn indications, test sequences, interpretation of positive findings, and how to integrate results with the full clinical picture.
Indications and contraindications for Spurling testShoulder abduction relief sign performancePhalen and reverse Phalen test proceduresTinel sign at wrist and alternative sitesTest sequencing to minimize symptom flareInterpreting sensitivity, specificity, and clustersLesson 4History-taking for occupational musculoskeletal disorders: symptom timing, aggravating/relieving factors, psychosocial and work organization questionsThis section structures history-taking for occupational musculoskeletal disorders, covering symptom onset, temporal patterns, aggravating and easing factors, psychosocial context, and work organisation, to build a clear, work-focused clinical picture.
Characterizing pain, paresthesia, and stiffnessTemporal patterns: during, after, and away from workAggravating and relieving task‑related factorsPsychosocial stressors and job satisfactionWork organization, demands, and controlPrevious treatments, imaging, and sick leaveLesson 5Physical observation and postural assessment: static posture, spinal alignment, scapular position, head forward postureYou will learn systematic visual assessment of posture, including static alignment, spinal curves, scapular position, and head posture. The section links observable patterns to loading of cervical and upper limb structures in office environments.
Global observation on entry and informal postureCervical and thoracic spinal alignment landmarksScapular resting position and dynamic controlHead forward posture and craniovertebral angleIdentifying asymmetries and muscle imbalancesRelating posture to workstation and task demandsLesson 6Neurological and peripheral nerve assessment: sensory testing, reflexes, myotomes, upper limb tension tests (ULTT) and nerve biasingHere you will learn structured neurological and peripheral nerve assessment, including dermatomes, myotomes, reflexes, and ULTT. Emphasis is on safety, recognising nerve mechanosensitivity, and differentiating neural from musculoskeletal pain.
Screening sensory loss using dermatomal mapsMyotome testing for cervical nerve rootsDeep tendon reflex assessment and gradingUpper limb tension tests: median nerve biasRadial and ulnar nerve biasing techniquesDocumenting findings and clinical implicationsLesson 7Manual muscle testing and functional strength screening: neck flexors/extensors, scapular stabilizers, shoulder rotators, grip strengthThis section details manual muscle testing and functional strength screens for neck, scapular, shoulder, and grip muscles. Focus is on grading strength, endurance, and control, and relating deficits to work tolerance and ergonomic recommendations.
Deep neck flexor endurance and strength testsNeck extensor and postural muscle assessmentScapular stabilizer strength and control testsShoulder rotator cuff strength screeningGrip and pinch strength measurement methodsLinking strength deficits to work restrictionsLesson 8Screening for red flags and differential diagnosis: signs of systemic, inflammatory, or serious neurological conditionsYou will learn to screen for red flags and consider differential diagnoses, including serious spinal, neurological, vascular, and systemic disease. The section emphasises key questions, examination signs, and criteria for urgent referral.
Key red flag questions in subjective historySerious cervical spine and myelopathy signsScreening for vascular and cardiac causes of painInflammatory and systemic disease indicatorsDifferentiating peripheral nerve and root lesionsCriteria and pathways for urgent medical referralLesson 9Range of motion and joint mobility tests: cervical active/passive ROM, thoracic mobility, shoulder ROMHere you will learn to assess active and passive cervical ROM, thoracic mobility, and shoulder ROM. Emphasis is placed on standardised measurement, symptom reproduction, side-to-side comparison, and documenting functional relevance for work tasks.
Standardized cervical active ROM assessmentPassive cervical ROM and end‑feel interpretationThoracic spine mobility screening techniquesShoulder flexion, abduction, and rotation testingRecording ROM, pain behavior, and asymmetriesRelating ROM limits to specific job demands
