Module IV

Upper Quadrant: Thorax, Cervical Spine & Shoulder Girdle

Module IV is the final installment of the Dance Medicine Education Initiative Foundational Course and focuses on the evaluation and treatment of the thorax, cervical spine, and shoulder girdle. Building on the content of the previous three modules, this course emphasizes the interplay of mobility, stability, and neuromuscular control within the upper quadrant, while exploring how these elements influence and integrate with movement patterns in the lower body. Participants will engage in detailed analysis of rib mechanics and breathing patterns, with a special opportunity to utilize the Parasetter™—a proprioceptive training tool designed to enhance body awareness, improve breath control, and support more efficient movement strategies in dancers.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of Module IV, the participant will be able to:

  • Describe the anatomy, biomechanics and pathomechanics of common injuries in dancers involving the Thorax, Cervical Spine & Shoulder Girdle.

  • Identify typical presentations of commonly seen injuries/conditions of the Upper Quadrant including predisposing and precipitating factors, diagnostic presentation, typical interventions, and common preventative measures. 

  • Improve assessment skills with a focus on the biomechanics of the Thorax, Cervical Spine and Shoulder Girdle within the context of dance specific movement. 

  • Apply efficient decision-making processes in the clinical setting with an enhanced ability to manage unique presentations that are common to the dancer. 

  • Apply effective intervention strategies to typical injuries/conditions involving the Upper Quadrant in dancers including postural considerations, motor control retraining, technique re-education, soft tissue/joint techniques, neural mobilization, strength conditioning, taping and use of supports.

Photographer Chris Stark

Online Portion:

Module IV is a hybrid online/in-person course. Each participant will receive 2 recordings to watch prior to meeting in person. These recordings will be available starting May 15th, 2026 until the start of the course on May 31st, 2026. Topics will include:

  • Clinical Considerations of the Cervical Spine in the Dancer

  • Clinical Considerations of the Thoracic Spine & Rib Cage in the Dancer

  • Clinical Considerations of the Shoulder Girdle in the Dancer

Module IV - Upper Quadrant: Thorax, Cervical Spine & Shoulder Girdle
$635.00

Next Offered:  May 30th, 31st, 2026

Location: Westside Dance Physical Therapy 53 Columbus Ave, Suite 4, New York, New York 10023

Format: Hybrid Online/In-person

Registration

A photo of two contemporary dancers while dancing.

Pricing and Discounts:

  • Registrations made before May 1st, 2026 at 11:59 pm Eastern are $585.00 with code EARLYM526

  • Registrations made after May 1st, 2026 at 11:59 pm Eastern are $635.00

  • If you have taken the DMEI Module IV course within the last 5 years and would like to repeat the course at a 50% discount, please send an email to admin@dancemedei.com with your certificate of completion attached. You will then be provided with a discount code.