When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
Learn new concepts from industry experts
Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
Earn a shareable career certificate
There are 4 modules in this course
By the end of this course, you will (1) perform comprehensive thoracic mobility assessments and (2) design corrective exercise programs that improve posture, performance, and breathing mechanics. Presented by athletic trainer Eric Beard, this course explores how thoracic restrictions influence shoulder function, core stability, and overall movement.
Learners gain mastery in using mobility tools, assessing rotation and overhead patterns, and applying progressions and regressions based on individual needs. Detailed demonstrations and case-based programming bring each concept to life. What makes this course distinct is its integrated, multi-tool approach—teaching how to blend manual therapy, corrective exercise, and reassessment to create lasting improvements in mobility and performance.
In this module, Eric Beard explores the anatomy, structure, and biomechanical function of the thoracic spine. He highlights the thoracic spine’s vital role in posture, load transfer, and healthy movement between the cervical and lumbar regions. The lesson covers the architecture of the thoracic vertebrae, the articulation with the ribs, and the implications of different spinal regions (upper, mid, lower thoracic) for mobility and stability. Students learn how dysfunction in thoracic rotation and extension often leads to compensatory stress in the lumbar spine and shoulder girdle.
What's included
4 videos2 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt
Show info about module content
4 videos•Total 22 minutes
Course Introduction•1 minute
Anatomy - Part 1•7 minutes
Anatomy - Part 2•7 minutes
Assessment Overview•7 minutes
2 readings•Total 15 minutes
Syllabus•5 minutes
Course Workbook•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
Module Reflection Quiz•15 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
Introduction•10 minutes
Thoracic Mobility Assessment and Corrective Programming: Part 2
Module 2•1 hour to complete
Module details
This module introduces the concepts of form closure, soft tissue health, and neuromuscular control, providing a foundational understanding for identifying dysfunction and planning corrective exercise strategies. By the end of this session, learners will appreciate how thoracic mobility impacts breathing, spinal integrity, and global movement efficiency.
What's included
3 videos1 reading1 assignment
Show info about module content
3 videos•Total 28 minutes
Causes of Dysfunction•7 minutes
Corrective Programming Overview - Part 1•10 minutes
Corrective Programming Overview - Part 2•11 minutes
1 reading•Total 10 minutes
Student Notes•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 30 minutes
Module Reflection Quiz•30 minutes
Thoracic Mobility Assessment and Corrective Programming - Practical Work
Module 3•2 hours to complete
Module details
Building on the anatomical foundations from Module 1 and 2, this practical session focuses on assessing and improving thoracic mobility in clients and athletes. Using a live model, Eric Beard demonstrates how to evaluate posture, breathing patterns, and thoracic movement through both static and dynamic assessments, including visual observation, the Apley Scratch Test, and the overhead squat. He explains how restrictions in thoracic rotation, stiffness in the rib cage, and dysfunctional breathing patterns affect overall performance and shoulder health. Learners are guided to identify asymmetries, compensations, and kinetic chain interactions that influence thoracic mobility. The module concludes with strategies for selecting targeted corrective and breathing exercises to restore optimal motion and integration throughout the kinetic chain.
What's included
6 videos1 reading1 assignment1 discussion prompt
Show info about module content
6 videos•Total 78 minutes
Assessment - Mariana•15 minutes
Corrective Programming 1 - Mariana
•10 minutes
Corrective Programming 2 - Mariana•12 minutes
Assessment Nicole•7 minutes
Corrective Programming 1 - Nicole•19 minutes
Corrective Programming 2 - Nicole•15 minutes
1 reading•Total 10 minutes
Student Notes•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
Practice Assignment•15 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
Summary•10 minutes
Reflective Learning
Module 4•1 hour to complete
Module details
This final exam is designed to assess your understanding of the key concepts presented throughout the course. Please review all video lessons and written materials before beginning. A passing score of 70% or higher is required to successfully complete the course and earn your CE certificate. You may reference your notes during the exam. Once you pass, your certificate will be available for immediate download.
What's included
1 assignment
Show info about module content
1 assignment•Total 60 minutes
Course Exam•60 minutes
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.
Niel Asher Education is a world leader in evidence-based online education for massage therapists, manual therapists, and allied health professionals. Our mission is to empower practitioners worldwide with accessible, high-quality training that bridges traditional bodywork, modern rehabilitation, and integrative health science.
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.