Differentiating Shoulder Pain: Cervical vs Thoracic vs Shoulder

Shoulder pain can often be deceptive, with symptoms originating from the cervical spine, thoracic spine, or the shoulder itself. This webinar is designed to help clinicians confidently and accurately differentiate between these regions using a systematic, evidence-based approach. Through five detailed sections, participants will learn how to gather key diagnostic clues from the subjective exam, identify referral patterns commonly mistaken for primary shoulder pathology, and perform comprehensive orthopedic examinations of the cervical, thoracic, and shoulder regions.

The webinar also explores the application of special tests and screening tools to refine differential diagnosis, followed by instruction on how to synthesize findings and apply clinical reasoning. By the end of the webinar, therapists will be equipped with practical tools and enhanced diagnostic clarity to guide more targeted and effective treatment strategies for patients presenting with shoulder-related symptoms.

Webinar Schedule

Saturday

November 22, 2025

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM ET

Live Webinar via Zoom

Approved for 3 CEU hours in most states. Check state approval below.

Instructor: Robert Bunnell

$119.00 incl. Tax

Saturday

June 6, 2026

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM ET

Live Webinar via Zoom

Approved for 3 CEU hours in most states. Check state approval below.

Instructor: Robert Bunnell

$119.00 incl. Tax

Saturday

September 12, 2026

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM ET

Live Webinar via Zoom

Approved for 3 CEU hours in most states. Check state approval below.

Instructor: Robert Bunnell

$119.00 incl. Tax

Course Objectives

At the completion of this seminar, the participant will be able to:

Confidently palpate and correctly differentiate each of the muscles covered in class in the upper extremity, trunk and lower extremity
Independently demonstrate how 10 muscle dysfunctions relate to common symptom patterns found within the body
Correctly and independently state and locate the origin and insertion of each of the muscles covered in the class
Describe at least 5 functional synergist patterns
Independently state at least 3 possible drivers of a dysfunction based on clinical presentations

Course Outline

Section 1 – Deciphering Between Muscular/Non-Muscular Symptoms Obtained in Subjective Exam/History (20 minutes)

Section 2 – Pain Sources that Refer to Shoulder (20 minutes)

Section 3 – Performing and Interpreting the Cervical/Thoracic/Shoulder Examination (60 minutes)

Section 4 – Using Evidence-based Screening and Special Testing to Determine Proper/Correct Differential Diagnoses of Shoulder Pathology vs Cervical or Other Pathology (60 minutes)

Section 5 – Putting it All Together in Order to Understand Examination Results (20 minutes)

FAQs

Will I receive any course materials?

Yes, you will receive a PDF version of the course lecture slides/manual upon registration

Does this count for live CEUs?

Our webinars count for live CEUs in most states (the same live credit as our in-person courses), as you have real-time interaction with the instructor and your classmates. Check official state approvals under the State CEU Approvals dropdown below, and check with your licensing board for their stance on live webinar courses.

When will I receive my certificate?

You will receive a certificate of completion within 3 business days after the course, usually the Monday after (may fall to spam).

State CEU Approvals

This webinar is approved for 3 hours in the following states for PTs and PTAs: AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MO, MT, NE, NH, NJ, NY, NC, ND, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WY

If you do not see your state listed above, please contact info@glseminars.com for clarification.

Webinar Instructors

Robert Bunnell

DPT, MED, CSCS, CIMT

Robert earned his Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Eastern Michigan University in 2010, where he also obtained his start in the health and wellness industry as a personal trainer. He went on to earn his CSCS through the National Strength and Conditioning Association in 2013 well as his Master’s degree in Exercise Physiology from Cleveland State University in 2015. Robert ultimately earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2018 from D’Youville College in Buffalo, NY and has been a Certified Integrative Manual Therapist (CIMT) through Great Lakes Seminars since 2019.

He is currently the director of an outpatient orthopedic clinic, treating a variety of orthopedic and neurological dysfunctions with specialization in post-surgical orthopedic rehabilitation as well as sport populations. Robert employs a diverse treatment approach utilizing a combination of joint mobilization techniques, muscle energy and myofascial release. He joined the Great Lakes Seminars team in 2022 after taking a number of the GLS courses and experiencing the effectiveness of these techniques with his patients. He continues to expand his knowledge in manual therapy through teaching and continuing education courses.

What Attendees Are Saying

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I loved how informative this webinar was!

Webinar Attendee - June 2025

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It was really nice to have a refresher on things that have been learned previously!

Webinar Attendee - June 2025

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In-Person Course Topics

Live Webinars

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FAQ

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In-Person Course Topics

Live Webinars

Private Course Interest

Public Course Interest

Private Course Interest

Public Course Interest

FAQ

Contact

FAQ

Contact

Differentiating Shoulder Pain: Cervical vs Thoracic vs Shoulder

Webinar Schedule

Webinar Instructors

Robert Bunnell

DPT, MED, CSCS, CIMT

What Attendees Are Saying

Slide 1 Heading

Slide 1 Heading

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