Orthopedics

Orthopedics 204: Rotator Cuff Syndrome | Chiropractic CE

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Clinical rotator cuff diagram — supraspinatus/infraspinatus/teres minor/subscapularis anatomy, subacromial impingement, Neer and Hawkins-Kennedy tests, MRI cross-section — Orthopedics 204 chiropractic CE course.
Online Course Format:  Online
Course Tuition:   $40.00
Credit Hours ( CE ):  2
Contributor:  Steve Yeomans, DC FACO
CLICK HERE for a list of states, provinces and countries this course is accredited in.

Online Chiropractic CE Course Description & Course Details

Orthopedics 204: Rotator Cuff Syndrome

Course NumberOrthopedics 204
CE Hours2 Hours
Price$40.00
FormatOnline, Self-Paced
CategoryOrthopedics CE Courses
State ApprovalsView State Guidelines

Course Description

Rotator cuff syndrome is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions encountered in chiropractic practice, yet accurate diagnosis and effective conservative management require a precise clinical skill set. Orthopedics 204: Rotator Cuff Syndrome provides an in-depth look at this critical topic, guiding practitioners from initial patient presentation through evidence-based decision-making. The curriculum covers a thorough exploration of rotator cuff anatomy — including the four cuff muscles, subacromial space mechanics, and impingement pathways — alongside validated orthopedic examination procedures, modern imaging interpretation, and structured rehabilitation protocols.

Learners will study the diagnostic value of classic tests such as the Neer, Hawkins-Kennedy, and Empty Can, and develop proficiency in reading X-ray, ultrasound, and MRI findings relevant to rotator cuff pathology. Practical case studies are integrated throughout to reinforce clinical reasoning and sharpen decision-making skills in real-world chiropractic settings. This 2-hour online CE course is taught by Dr. Steven Yeomans, DC, FACO, CCEDseminars' Lead Orthopedics Faculty and a board-certified chiropractic orthopedist since 1985. Whether you are refining your shoulder examination technique or building a more systematic rehabilitation approach, Orthopedics 204 delivers the clinical depth to elevate patient outcomes.

Course Outline

  1. Rotator Cuff Anatomy: The Four Muscles, Subacromial Space, and Impingement Mechanisms
  2. Clinical History and Physical Examination: Neer, Hawkins-Kennedy, and Empty Can Tests
  3. Imaging: X-ray, Ultrasound, and MRI Interpretation for Rotator Cuff Pathology
  4. Conservative Management: Physical Therapy, Manipulation, and Rehabilitation Protocols
  5. Case Studies: Diagnosis and Clinical Decision-Making in Rotator Cuff Syndrome

Learning Objectives

Upon completing this course, participants will be able to:

  • Identify the anatomical structures involved in rotator cuff syndrome and impingement
  • Apply evidence-based orthopedic examination procedures for rotator cuff assessment
  • Interpret imaging findings relevant to rotator cuff pathology in the chiropractic setting
  • Develop conservative management and rehabilitation protocols for rotator cuff syndrome patients

Your Instructor

Dr. Steven Yeomans, DC, FACO

Fellow, Academy of Chiropractic Orthopedists (FACO). Doctor of Chiropractic and BS — National University of Health Sciences. Board-certified chiropractic orthopedist since 1985 (5-year residency). Author of the definitive textbook The Clinical Application of Outcomes Assessment (Appleton & Lange, 1999). Teaching experience at 7 chiropractic colleges. Former President, Wisconsin Back Society. Member, North American Spine Society. Medical Advisory Board, Spine-health.com (since 2000). Partner, Yeomans-Edinger Chiropractic Center, Ripon, WI. Lead Orthopedics Faculty, CCEDseminars. View Full Faculty Profile →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Orthopedics 204 cover?

This 2-hour online course covers rotator cuff anatomy, subacromial impingement mechanisms, evidence-based orthopedic examination (Neer, Hawkins-Kennedy, Empty Can), imaging interpretation (X-ray, ultrasound, MRI), conservative management protocols, and clinical case studies for diagnosis and decision-making in rotator cuff syndrome.

How many CE hours does this course provide?

Orthopedics 204 provides 2 CE hours. For state-specific approval status, please review the State CE Guidelines page before enrolling.

Who teaches this course?

The course is taught by Dr. Steven Yeomans, DC, FACO — CCEDseminars' Lead Orthopedics Faculty and a board-certified chiropractic orthopedist since 1985 with teaching experience at seven chiropractic colleges.

Is this course part of a certification program?

Yes. Orthopedics 204 may apply toward CCEDseminars certification programs. Visit the Certification Programs page to explore available tracks and credit pathways.

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References

  1. Bury J, et al. "Rotator Cuff Disorders: Practical Recommendations for Conservative Management." Medicina. 2026;62(2):207. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12943412/
  2. Lähdeoja T, et al. "Shoulder Rotator Cuff Disorders: A Systematic Review of Clinical Practice Guidelines." BMJ Open. 2020. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32007452/
  3. Moosmayer S, et al. "Rotator Cuff Syndrome." StatPearls. NCBI Bookshelf. 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK531506/
  4. Pedowitz RA, et al. "Management of Rotator Cuff Injuries: Clinical Practice Guideline." Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 2020;28(5):e115–28. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31599763/
This online chiropractic course is accredited in the following states:

Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District Of Columbia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming,

This online chiropractic course is accredited in the following Canadian Provinces:

British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Yukon,

This online chiropractic course is accredited in the following regions outside the United States & Canada:

Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Belgium, Bolivia, Cayman Islands, Chili, Columbia, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Fiji, Finland, Germany, Greece, Guam, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Iran, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Korea, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Mexico, Nambia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Norway, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Saint Kitts & Nevis, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad & Tobago, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Venezuela, Virgin Island, Zimbabwe,