The Management of Cervicobrachial Pain: Small Wins Approach seminar  aims to equip physiotherapists, clinicians, and academics with practical  skills for the assessment, differential diagnosis, and management of cervicobrachial  pain. The session focuses on incremental clinical improvements—“small wins”—based  on physical examination findings, ensuring a hands-on, patient-centred learning  experience.

Aim

With the aim of optimising therapeutic outcomes and ensuring a person-centred, experiential learning experience, the seminar focuses on the development of structured clinical reasoning for the comprehensive assessment of cervicobrachial pain and its targeted management.
At the same time, emphasis is placed on the systematic integration of physical examination findings with individualised therapeutic interventions, enhancing their effective and evidence-based application in everyday clinical practice.

Session 1: Assessment of Cervicobrachial Pain

• History Taking: Structured approach to patient history, focusing on onset, aggravating/relieving factors, and symptom behaviour.
• Physical Examination: Hands-on techniques for inspection, palpation, range of motion testing, neurological screening, and provocative tests.
• Clinical Reasoning: Synthesising findings to generate working hypotheses; identifying subtle signs that inform incremental clinical changes.

Participants will practise assessment techniques on simulated patients and peers, with  guidance from Dr Saad to refine observational and manual skills.

Session 2: Differential Diagnosis

• Key Clinical Features: Differentiating cervicobrachial pain from other upper limb and cervical pathologies (e.g., radiculopathy, referred pain, local nerve entrapment).
• Red Flags: Recognising serious underlying conditions (e.g., infection, tumour, vascular compromise) requiring urgent attention.
• Decision-Making Process: Systematic approach to narrowing differential diagnoses using physical findings and patient history.

Case vignettes will be presented for group analysis, encouraging participants to  articulate their reasoning and discuss management implications.

 Session 3: Management Strategies—The Small Wins  Approach

• Treatment Selection: Choosing appropriate interventions (manual therapy, exercise, education) tailored to assessment findings.
• Small Wins Approach: Emphasising achievable, incremental improvements (e.g., increased range of motion, pain reduction, improved function) to build patient confidence and clinical momentum.
• Practical Demonstrations: Real patient scenarios showcasing assessment, treatment planning, and delivery of care with immediate feedback.

Participants will rotate through stations, practising interventions and receiving direct  supervision from Dr Saad and faculty.

Case Studies: Group Discussion and Analysis

Small groups will review real patient cases, discussing assessment findings, differential  diagnoses, and management options. Each group will present their approach, focusing  on the rationale for incremental improvements and the impact on patient outcomes.

Live Demonstrations: Hands-On Assessment and  Management

Dr Saad will conduct live assessments and treatments with consenting patients,  demonstrating the application of workshop principles. Attendees will have  opportunities to practise under supervision, refining their clinical technique and  decision-making.

Q&A and Wrap-Up

• Key Takeaways: Summary of workshop learnings and practical tips for clinical practice.
• Feedback: Participants share reflections and suggestions for future sessions.
• Further Resources: Recommended readings, guidelines, and professional development opportunities.