Module IV

Upper Quadrant: Thorax, Cervical Spine & Shoulder Girdle

Module IV is the final module of the Dance Medicine Education Initiative Foundational Course and is focused on the evaluation and treatment of the Thorax, Cervical Spine and Shoulder Girdle. Building upon the prior three Modules, course participants will have the opportunity to attend a course that is focused both on issues of mobility, stability, and control of the Upper Quadrant and how movement and control is linked to the lower half of the body. An analysis of rib motion and breathing mechanics is also included with a unique opportunity to work with the Parasetter ™ a proprioceptive tool that can increase the dancer’s awareness of breathing and movement strategies. This course is primarily focused on practical hands-on instruction and practice and will include the opportunity to work with a dancer volunteer.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of Module IV, the participant will be able to:

  • Describe the anatomy, biomechanics and pathomechanics of common injuries in dancers involving the Thorax, Cervical Spine & Shoulder Girdle.

  • Identify typical presentations of commonly seen injuries/conditions of the Upper Quadrant including predisposing and precipitating factors, diagnostic presentation, typical interventions, and common preventative measures. 

  • Improve assessment skills with a focus on the biomechanics of the Thorax, Cervical Spine and Shoulder Girdle within the context of dance specific movement. 

  • Apply efficient decision-making processes in the clinical setting with an enhanced ability to manage unique presentations that are common to the dancer. 

  • Apply effective intervention strategies to typical injuries/conditions involving the Upper Quadrant in dancers including postural considerations, motor control retraining, technique re-education, soft tissue/joint techniques, neural mobilization, strength conditioning, taping and use of supports.

Photographer Chris Stark

Online Portion:

Module IV is a hybrid online/in-person course. Each participant will receive 2 recordings to watch prior to meeting in person. These recordings will be available starting May 23rd, 2025  until the start of the course on June 7th, 2025.

Topics will include:

  • Clinical Considerations of the Cervical Spine in the Dancer

  • Clinical Considerations of the Thoracic Spine & Rib Cage in the Dancer

  • Clinical Considerations of the Shoulder Girdle in the Dancer

Module IV - Upper Quadrant: Thorax, Cervical Spine & Shoulder Girdle
$635.00

Next Offered:  June 7-8, 2025

Location: Johns Hopkins Hospital Greenspring Clinic Baltimore, MD
10803 Falls Road, Pavilion III, Suite 2100, Lutherville-Timonium, MD 21093

Format: Hybrid Online/In-person

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Registration

A photo of two contemporary dancers while dancing.

Pricing and Discounts:

  • Registrations made before May 9th, 2025 at 11:59 pm Eastern are $585.00 with code EARLYM425

  • Registrations made after May 9th, 2025 at 11:59 pm Eastern are $635.00

  • If you have taken the DMEI Module IV course within the last 5 years and would like to repeat the course at a 50% discount, please send an email to admin@dancemedei.com with your certificate of completion attached. You will then be provided with a discount code.