Event Recap: Evaluation and Treatment of the Cervical Thoracic Region | January 24, 2026

The "Evaluation and Treatment of the Cervical Thoracic Region" course was a resounding success, delivering evidence-based insights and practical skills that attendees can immediately apply in the clinic.

Based on the overwhelmingly positive feedback from our "ETCTR2026" survey, here is a recap of the event, the key takeaways, and why this course continues to be a staple for clinicians looking to master the cervical and thoracic spine.

Watch the Highlights

A Systematic Approach to Success

Led by Robert Shapiro, DPT, COMT, NKT, this course was designed to cut through the noise and provide a clear, systematic framework for evaluation and treatment. The feedback speaks for itself: 100% of attendees rated the overall educational activity as "Excellent," with every participant agreeing that the course objectives were fully met.

The curriculum focused on critical skills—from understanding clinical anatomy to mastering differential diagnosis between upper cervical, lower cervical, and CTJ dysfunction. Attendees consistently rated the information as highly useful and, most importantly, grounded in the best available evidence.

What Participants Loved Most

The hands-on components were a standout feature. Participants praised the balance between lecture and lab, specifically highlighting the ability to practice techniques immediately after learning the theory.

"There was a direct treatment for each evaluation approach."

"Guided labs with apt instruction... Rob was also very informative in the topic and able to explain it succinctly."

This practical application is at the core of what we do at Professional Seminars. It’s not just about theory; it’s about "improving joint position to reduce neuromuscular inhibition" and ensuring that an "accurate assessment guides appropriate treatment."

Speaker Spotlight: Robert Shapiro

The instruction by Robert Shapiro was universally praised. Attendees described him as "eloquent," "knowledgeable," and highly effective at making complex concepts digestible.

"The speaker was eloquent and knowledgeable."

"The class participation and Speaker [were what I liked most]."

Rob’s teaching style was rated as "Appropriate" (Strongly Agree) across the board, with participants noting his ability to clearly explain the material and foster an engaging learning environment.

Impact on Clinical Practice

The ultimate goal of any continuing education course is to improve patient care. We are thrilled to report that every single attendee agreed or strongly agreed that this program would improve their competence, performance, and patient outcomes.

Participants left with actionable strategies, noting:

"Improved assessment of cervical and thoracic conditions leading to more informed treatments."

"Able to better differentiate and treat upper C spine/lower C spine/CTJ dysfunction."

"The cervical/thoracic course helped improve my clinical reasoning and treatment skills."

Don't Miss the Next One

Whether you are looking to refine your manual therapy skills or gain a better understanding of the cervical-thoracic region, this course offers the "great insight" and "best available evidence" you need to elevate your practice.

Thank you to everyone who attended and made ETCTR2026 such a success!

Did you miss out? Check out the full course description and keep an eye out for upcoming dates here:

Evaluation and Treatment of the Cervical Thoracic Region