PROGRAM
Background, Subjective Assessment and Physical Assessment
8:00pm | 10:00pm
This introductory class lays the foundations for understanding the shoulder joint complex by addressing its main anatomical, biomechanical and pathophysiological determinants, as well as the tools and strategies for correct assessment.
- Anatomy and functional biomechanics of the shoulder:
- Anatomical structures and their relationship to functionality;
- Biomechanical characteristics and implications for mobility and stability;
- Movement patterns and functional compensations.
- Mechanisms of injury, epidemiology and main clinical conditions:
- Prevalence of shoulder dysfunctions in different populations;
- The most common risk factors and injury mechanisms;
- Relationship between biomechanical alterations, clinical conditions and pathologies.
- Technologies applied to shoulder assessment and rehabilitation:
- Innovative tools for assessing the shoulder (movement sensors, dynamometry, force platforms, among others);
- Use of functional analysis software and platforms.
- Subjective assessment strategies and clinical interpretation:
- Structured anamnesis and the importance of functional questionnaires;
- Models of clinical reasoning and decision-making.
- Objective shoulder assessment protocols:
- Range of motion and active and passive mobility;
- Motor control, dynamic stability and neuromuscular tests;
- Assessment of muscle strength and power applied to functionality.
Periodization, Rehabilitation and Return to Function
8:00pm | 10:00pm
This class will explore how to structure effective rehabilitation programs, based on the principles of periodization, load control and clinical exercise prescription.
1. structuring and periodizing a rehabilitation plan:
- Stages of rehabilitation and progression criteria;
- Integrating rehabilitation into the continuum of active life and sports practice.
2. The role of manual therapy in shoulder rehabilitation:
- Scientific evidence and clinical application;
- Specific techniques and indications based on the person's profile.
3. Prescription of clinical exercise based on movement patterns:
- Selection and analysis of shoulder movement patterns;
- Definition of clinical exercise variables;
- Corrective exercises and re-education of motor needs.
4. Monitoring and controlling loads during rehabilitation:
- Methods for quantifying and adjusting volume and intensity;
- Principles of progression and management of load and functionality;
- Strategies to avoid overload and optimize recovery.
5. Criteria for return to functional and sporting performance:
- Safety parameters for returning to work;
- Functional tests and readiness indicators.
Medical Approach and Surgical Procedures
8:00pm | 10:00pm
This class aims to deepen your knowledge of the main medical and surgical interventions in the treatment of shoulder pathologies, through a comprehensive overview of indications, techniques and prognosis.
Surgical Intervention in Shoulder Dislocation
1. indications for surgical intervention
- Clinical and radiographic criteria for choosing between conservative and surgical treatment
- Types of dislocation (anterior, posterior and multidirectional) and respective approaches
- Recurrent instability and impact on the Person's functionality
2. Surgical procedures for shoulder instability
a) Arthroscopic repair of Bankart's lesion
- Indications and surgical technique
- Factors influencing the success of the repair
b) Latarjet procedure
- Bone reconstruction and transfer of the coracoid process
- Advantages and associated complications
c) Capsuloplasty and other stabilization procedures
Complementary interventions in complex instability
- Criteria for selecting the most appropriate procedure
3. Post-surgical rehabilitation and functional prognosis
- Impact on sports practice and risk of recurrence
- Comparison of different surgical techniques in terms of recovery time and effectiveness
Rotator Cuff Rupture - Medical Approach
1. Clinical and imaging diagnosis
- Complementary diagnostic tests (ultrasound, MRI, arthrography)
- Classification of rotator cuff injuries (partial, complete, degenerative, traumatic)
2. Conservative approach vs. surgical intervention
- Criteria for indicating surgery
- Conservative management through physiotherapy and pharmacotherapy
- The role of anti-inflammatory drugs and shockwave therapy
3. Main surgical techniques
- Arthroscopic repair
- Biological reinforcement techniques and the use of grafts
- Reversal of shoulder arthroplasty in advanced cases
Medical approach, echoguided procedures and regenerative medicine
8:00pm | 10:00pm
This class aims to explore the latest minimally invasive medical approaches applied to the shoulder, with a special focus on echoguided techniques, regenerative therapies and the use of orthobiologics. The aim is to provide an integrated vision of clinical innovation geared towards therapeutic and functional efficacy.
1. intra-articular and periarticular infiltrations
Types of drugs used (corticosteroids, anesthetics, hyaluronic acid)
Indications and short- and long-term effects
Echo-guided procedures vs. blind infiltrations
2. Echoguided barbotage in calcifying tendinopathy
Principles of procedure and applied technique
Efficacy in dissolving tendon calcifications
Comparison with other conservative approaches
3. Regenerative medicine applied to the shoulder
Use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP): mechanisms of action and clinical protocols
Mesenchymal stem cell therapy: current evidence and future potential in tissue regeneration
4. Orthobiologics and innovation in the medical approach to the shoulder
New trends in the use of biological therapies
Impact on rehabilitation and potential reduction in the need for surgery
Prevention, Treatment and Special Contexts
9:00pm | 10:00pm
The last session of the course delves into primary and secondary prevention, addresses rehabilitation in specific populations and presents evidence-based treatment algorithms.
1. Primary prevention and strategies to prevent relapses
Identifying risk factors for injury
Evidence-based prevention programs
2. Adaptations in rehabilitation in special contexts
Post-surgery: recovery after orthopedic procedures
High performance sports: load management and performance
Active ageing: strategies for maintaining functionality
Obesity: impact on shoulder biomechanics and specific strategies
3. Treatment algorithms for different clinical conditions
Fractures: stability criteria and progressive rehabilitation
Dislocations and instabilities: conservative and post-surgical approach
Tendinopathies and muscle injuries: treatment based on tissue adaptation and functionality
Wear and tear injuries and arthropathies: conservative management and joint preservation strategies
4. Recent scientific evidence and good clinical practice
Updates in scientific literature
Application of international guidelines in clinical practice
PRATICAL COMPONENT
- 8 face-to-face practical hours that you can choose to attend in Porto OR in Lisbon:
- Porto (Estádio do Dragão): June 21, 2025 (13h30 - 21h30)
- Lisbon (Lumiar): June 29, 2025 (13h30 - 21h30)
This practical class is designed to provide an applied training experience, allowing participants to consolidate theoretical knowledge through supervised clinical practice. The pedagogical organization privileges an approach based on scientific evidence, ensuring that physiotherapists and students develop differentiating skills in the assessment, planning and intervention in shoulder pathologies.
13h30 - 15h30 | Subjective and Physical Assessment Strategies
The first part of the practical class is dedicated to patient assessment, an essential component for defining an effective treatment plan. Emphasis will be placed on the integration of subjective and objective methods for a complete functional assessment.
Practical application of assessment tests and clinical records
Demonstration and supervised practice of clinical tests used in shoulder assessment, including:
- Joint range and mobility tests
- Motor control and movement quality tests
- Dynamic stability, strength and muscle power tests
Discussion on the validity and reliability of different tests in clinical practice
Implementation of a structured clinical record system to ensure continuity of care and monitoring of the person's progress
Use of equipment and technology to support physical assessment
Practical application of instruments and technologies used to quantify biomechanical and neuromuscular parameters, such as:
- Inertial sensors for measuring shoulder kinematics
- Surface electromyography to analyze muscle activation
- Isometric dynamometry to assess muscle strength: maximum strength, asymmetries and ratios
- Force platforms for analyzing dynamic stability, muscle strength and power
- Discussion on the advantages of incorporating technology into clinical practice and its applicability in decision-making
Recording and processing data collected during the evaluation
Methods for organizing and interpreting the data collected
Discussion on the use of software to support the analysis and monitoring of the evolution of the Person
BREAK: 20 minutes
15h50 - 17h50 | Manual Therapy and Periodization of Rehabilitation
This practical session focuses on developing skills in applying manual therapy techniques and structuring individualized rehabilitation programs.
Practical application of manual therapy techniques in specific conditions
Demonstration and practice of manual therapy techniques frequently used in shoulder treatment, including:
- Joint mobilization
- Myofascial techniques and soft tissue mobilization
- Proprioceptive and neurodynamic neuromuscular facilitation techniques
- Application of manual therapy techniques in different clinical conditions
Structuring periodization to rehabilitate different pathologies and clinical conditions
Introduction to the principles of periodization in functional shoulder rehabilitation
Definition of the stages of rehabilitation and criteria for progression:
- Initial phase (pain control and recovery of mobility)
- Intermediate phase (strengthening and neuromuscular re-education)
- Advanced phase (functional integration and return to activity)
Adapting rehabilitation protocols to the individual characteristics of the person
Prescribing a rehabilitation plan based on objective data
Drawing up a rehabilitation plan based on the objective data collected in the physical assessment
Discussion on key indicators of clinical progression
Practical application of strategies for monitoring the person's response to the rehabilitation process
BREAK: 20 minutes
18h10 - 20h10 | Intervention Planning and Clinical Exercise Prescription
This session aims to train trainees in the design and application of clinical exercise programs for shoulder rehabilitation, based on anatomical, biomechanical and neurophysiological principles.
Draw up clinical exercise plans adapted to individual needs
Integrating clinical and objective data in the prescription of clinical exercise
To apply the knowledge acquired in the theoretical class through the group preparation of clinical exercise plans applied to clinical conditions of the shoulder.
Discussion of the criteria to be adopted for selecting the most suitable exercises for each stage of rehabilitation
Apply strategies to progress safely in rehabilitation
Training in shoulder mobility, movement, strength and power exercises
Demonstration and practice of clinical exercises for different clinical conditions
- Mobility and flexibility: passive, active-assisted and active exercises
- Neuromuscular re-education: motor control exercises and improving the quality of active movement
- Muscle strengthening: isometric, concentric and eccentric exercises
- Power and reactivity: plyometric exercises with specificity in athletes
Load progression and reintroduction of functionality
Load progression strategies according to the person's individual tolerance
Indications for a safer return to activity
Integration of the functional approach in the final phase of rehabilitation
BREAK: 20 minutes
20h30 - 21h30 | Clinical Cases and Final Discussion
The last part of the practical class aims to consolidate the knowledge acquired through the analysis of real clinical cases and group reflection.
Analysis and group discussion of real clinical cases
Presentation of selected clinical cases depicting different clinical conditions of the shoulder
Discussion on the choice of the most appropriate assessment and intervention strategies
Practical application of the concepts discussed throughout the course
Practical application of the content taught
Review of skills acquired during practical lessons
Reflection on the importance of a scientific evidence-based approach in clinical practice
Discussion on the challenges and limitations of shoulder rehabilitation in professional practice