Course components are delivered online or in print:

- 21 evidence-based practice articles from Sports Medicine Research

- Continuing education exam

Upper extremity injury and pain encompass an array of pathologies and can affect up to 33% of the population. Upper extremity pain has many risk factors--including age, sport, and activity--and can be caused by neurological disorders stemming from the cervical and thoracic spine, joint dysfunctions, muscular issues, or other soft tissue pathologies.

Treatment and rehabilitation for upper extremity injuries are often based on anecdotal evidence, which makes clinical decisions difficult. Many new treatment strategies and rehabilitation techniques are being developed and require randomized controlled trials for determining effectiveness. Health care providers should acknowledge that patients with upper extremity injuries have a large range of treatment options that are thought to improve outcomes; however, not all are truly effective. Practitioners may consider enhancing neuromuscular rehabilitation by using EMG biofeedback, PRP or corticosteroid injections, and kinesiotape (when available).

This continuing education course provides a series of 21 research articles regarding upper extremity injuries with the goal of demonstrating how athletic trainers and therapists can apply the information from existing studies to their own practice. The articles are followed by an exam containing 105 questions. Upon passing the exam, learners may print out and submit a certificate for continuing education credits. Certified athletic trainers completing this course may earn continuing education units to apply toward the required evidence-based practice category to maintain their certification.

Evidence-Based Management of Upper Extremity Injuries CE Course supports the initiative in the athletic training profession to integrate the best new research and evidence into clinical decision making with the goal of improving patient outcomes. Using the current evidence regarding management of upper extremity injuries, readers will be able to optimize their rehabilitation for upper extremity injuries and better educate and advise patients about various treatment options.