Biomechanics - Upper Body (5 hrs)
Biomechanics of the Upper Body
5 Hours CE/CPD | Online Course with Phillipa Butler PT
The shoulder, neck, upper back, and wider upper quadrant are deeply interconnected through anatomy, fascia, movement control, posture, stability, and functional biomechanics.
Biomechanics of the Upper Body provides a detailed exploration of upper quadrant function, helping practitioners better understand how movement quality, myofascial relationships, stability, and common movement errors may contribute to dysfunction and injury.
Presented by Chartered Physiotherapist Phillipa Butler, this course integrates principles from biomechanics, myofascial meridians, Clinical Pilates, therapeutic yoga, Anatomy Trains, and core stability to support a more complete approach to assessment, exercise selection, rehabilitation, and injury prevention.
Course Overview
Across this 5-hour CE/CPD course, participants will explore the anatomy, function, assessment, and rehabilitation of the shoulder, neck, upper back, and upper quadrant.
The course combines detailed lectures, advanced assessment principles, therapeutic exercise concepts, movement analysis, and holistic rehabilitation approaches to help practitioners better understand upper quadrant dysfunction and its wider biomechanical relationships.
Participants will examine the role and function of fascia, key myofascial and anatomical links through the body, the sequence of events required for ideal movement, and the key components of biomechanical assessment.
Supported by 3.5 hours of video classes, a fully illustrated course workbook, lesson quizzes, online examination, subtitles in English, French, German, and Spanish, and certificate of completion, this course provides a structured learning experience for professionals who want to improve their understanding of upper body biomechanics and rehabilitation.
What You Will Learn
| Topic | Focus |
|---|---|
| Upper Quadrant Anatomy | Understanding the anatomy and functional relationships of the shoulder, neck, upper back, and surrounding structures |
| Fascia & Myofascial Links | Exploring the role of fascia and key myofascial connections through the body |
| Biomechanical Assessment | Identifying key components of assessment, movement sequencing, and common movement errors |
| Stability & Motor Control | Understanding the role of stability, coordination, motor control, and core support in upper quadrant function |
| Exercise Application | Applying strengthening, flexibility, motor control, and coordination exercises to manage and prevent injury |
Course Content
The course combines biomechanics, anatomy, fascia education, myofascial chain theory, assessment principles, common injury considerations, and exercise-based rehabilitation strategies.
| Module | Focus |
|---|---|
| Upper Quadrant Function | Anatomy, movement, posture, and functional relationships of the shoulder, neck, and upper back |
| Fascia & Anatomical Links | The role of fascia, myofascial meridians, Anatomy Trains concepts, and whole-body connections |
| Biomechanical Assessment | Movement sequencing, assessment components, common errors, and injury-related dysfunctions |
| Management of Common Injuries | Treatment principles, rehabilitation considerations, and movement-based strategies for common upper body injuries |
| Therapeutic Exercise Integration | Clinical Pilates, therapeutic yoga, strengthening, flexibility, coordination, motor control, and stability exercises |
Who This Course Is For
This course is suitable for rehabilitation professionals, massage therapists, manual therapists, physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, athletic trainers, nurses, carers, exercise professionals, and fitness professionals.
It is especially valuable for practitioners who work with clients experiencing shoulder, neck, upper back, postural, movement, stability, or upper quadrant dysfunction, as well as those seeking to integrate biomechanical assessment and exercise-based rehabilitation into professional practice.
About Phillipa Butler
Phillipa Butler PT, MSCP, is a Chartered Physiotherapist with extensive experience across both NHS and private sector practice, specializing in rehabilitation following accidents, illnesses, and injuries.
Passionate about teaching, Phillipa is skilled in helping individuals engage in safe and effective exercise while highlighting the transformative role of movement in recovery, confidence, and long-term wellbeing.
A certified instructor across multiple disciplines, Phillipa is a Pilates Mat and Reformer teacher, Hatha Yoga instructor, and meditation teacher. She integrates this broad skill set into a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation, movement education, and physical wellbeing.
Her work reflects a strong commitment to helping people unlock their physical potential through safe progression, movement awareness, therapeutic exercise, and a holistic understanding of body function.
Included With This Course
| Included | Details |
|---|---|
| Video Classes | 3.5 hours of online video education presented by Phillipa Butler PT |
| Fully Illustrated Course Workbook | Supporting workbook covering anatomy, biomechanics, assessment, exercise, and rehabilitation concepts |
| Lesson Quizzes | Knowledge checks designed to reinforce learning throughout the course |
| Online Exam | Assessment included for course completion |
| Certificate | 5 Hours CE/CPD following successful completion |
| Lifetime Access | Study at your own pace and revisit the material whenever required |
| Subtitles | English, French, German, and Spanish subtitles included |
CE Finder
This course has been approved for continuing education by numerous professional boards and associations worldwide. Scroll sideways to find your board or association.
Approvals Listed: 63
CE Broker Provider: #20-1238530
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Approval requirements can change. Please confirm acceptance with your own board, association, employer, or regulatory authority before registration.
Biomechanics of the Upper Body
Professional Reviews & Feedback
The reviews below represent feedback provided by students and practitioners through Trustpilot, Google Reviews, and Judge.me.
“Phillipa Butler has a gift for explaining biomechanics in a way that immediately makes sense in clinical practice.”
“This course completely changed how I look at shoulder and upper body movement. Extremely practical and well presented.”
“The movement analysis sections were outstanding. I now assess upper body mechanics with much greater confidence.”
“An excellent course that connects anatomy, biomechanics, and rehabilitation in a very accessible way.”
“The practical demonstrations helped me understand movement faults that I had previously struggled to identify.”
“Phillipa explains complex biomechanical concepts with remarkable clarity. One of the best courses I have completed.”
“The course strengthened my understanding of how posture, movement, and function influence upper body symptoms.”
“A very useful course for anyone working with shoulder, neck, or upper limb complaints.”
“The movement demonstrations were exceptionally clear and easy to apply in practice.”
“I appreciated the emphasis on functional movement rather than isolated anatomy.”
“This course improved how I assess shoulder mechanics and movement restrictions.”
“Excellent educational value. The concepts were immediately relevant to rehabilitation and performance work.”
“The course helped me connect biomechanical findings with practical treatment planning.”
“A highly professional course with excellent demonstrations and clinical reasoning throughout.”
“Phillipa Butler's approach to biomechanics is both evidence informed and highly practical.”
“The material gave me a much better understanding of how the upper body functions as an integrated system.”
“The explanations around scapular control and shoulder movement were particularly valuable.”
“This course has improved both my assessment skills and my confidence when discussing movement patterns with clients.”
“A comprehensive course that balances anatomy, biomechanics, and rehabilitation exceptionally well.”
“One of the most useful biomechanics courses I have completed. The practical applications were excellent.”








