Clinical Reasoning First
Develop a clear way to think through cervicothoracic cases without relying on rigid protocols.
Clear Exam-to-Treatment Connections
Understand how assessment findings guide treatment decisions and progression.
Practical & Immediately Usable
Straightforward strategies designed for real clinic settings, not ideal scenarios.
About the course
Cervicothoracic cases often feel complex, neck pain, headaches, upper quarter symptoms, and overlapping movement limitations can make it hard to know where to focus. This course was built to bring clarity to that complexity. You’ll learn a structured approach to assessing and treating the cervical and upper thoracic spine that helps you prioritize findings, make confident decisions, and connect your exam directly to treatment. The course walks through the full cervicothoracic care process, from understanding key anatomy and biomechanics to performing an efficient exam, identifying red flags, selecting appropriate interventions, and progressing patients toward meaningful goals. Everything is designed to be practical, adaptable, and immediately usable in real clinical settings.
Meet Your Instructor: Dr. Nick Rainey
I’m a physical therapist, clinic owner, and educator who works extensively with spine, neck, and complex pain presentations in real clinical practice. Cervicothoracic cases can be challenging, not because they’re rare, but because symptoms often overlap and don’t follow clean patterns. Early in my career, it wasn’t always clear how to prioritize findings or decide where to focus treatment. Through years of clinical work, mentoring clinicians, and teaching residents, I learned that the key is clear clinical reasoning and simple, repeatable frameworks, not more tests or techniques. My goal with this course is to help you feel more confident and consistent when treating cervicothoracic patients, so you can think clearly, make better decisions, and provide care that actually fits real clinic demands.
What Clinicians Are Saying
“An exceptional educator whose evidence-based teaching builds confidence, critical thinking, and real-world clinical skill.”
"Dr. Rainey is an outstanding mentor and educator who has dedicated his career to becoming a true expert in orthopedic physical therapy, particularly in the treatment of temporomandibular disorders and orofacial pain. His willingness to share his life’s work has been invaluable to my professional growth. His dedication to advancing the profession and passion for teaching are evident in every course he offers. Through his mentorship, I have gained a deep understanding of evidence-based treatment strategies and the confidence to apply them effectively in clinical practice. He not only shares his vast knowledge but also fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills, ensuring his students develop a comprehensive approach to patient care. Dr. Rainey’s courses are well-structured, engaging, and filled with practical insights that can be immediately implemented. He goes above and beyond to support his students, making complex concepts accessible and applicable. His commitment to excellence and generosity in sharing his expertise make him a truly exceptional educator and leader in the field of physical therapy." I highly recommend Dr. Rainey’s courses to any clinician looking to enhance their skills in orthopedic physical therapy. His mentorship has had a profound impact on my career, and I am deeply grateful for his knowledge and guidance.
DPT
"Dr. Rainey is an outstanding mentor and educator who has dedicated his career to becoming a true expert in orthopedic physical therapy, particularly in the treatment of temporomandibular disorders and orofacial pain. His willingness to share his life’s work has been invaluable to my professional growth. His dedication to advancing the profession and passion for teaching are evident in every course he offers. Through his mentorship, I have gained a deep understanding of evidence-based treatment strategies and the confidence to apply them effectively in clinical practice. He not only shares his vast knowledge but also fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills, ensuring his students develop a comprehensive approach to patient care. Dr. Rainey’s courses are well-structured, engaging, and filled with practical insights that can be immediately implemented. He goes above and beyond to support his students, making complex concepts accessible and applicable. His commitment to excellence and generosity in sharing his expertise make him a truly exceptional educator and leader in the field of physical therapy." I highly recommend Dr. Rainey’s courses to any clinician looking to enhance their skills in orthopedic physical therapy. His mentorship has had a profound impact on my career, and I am deeply grateful for his knowledge and guidance.
DPT
Enroll now and build confidence in cervicothoracic care.
Cervicothoracic cases demand precision, confidence, and clear decision-making. This course equips you with a structured, evidence-based framework you can rely on, so you’re no longer guessing, overtesting, or second-guessing your plan. You’ll leave with a sharper clinical lens, greater confidence in complex presentations, and a practical approach you can apply immediately with your patients.
$297.00