Upper Quadrant Certification Specifically Tailored to OTs & the Patients You See

Whether you are looking to fine-tune your manual techniques of the upper quadrant, or deepen your clinical sciences and ability to make a musculoskeletal differential diagnosis, this program is for you.


The Certification in Manual Therapy of the Upper Quadrant For  Occupational Therapist (CMOT) also means that you will be able to screen for serious pathology and medical referral while evaluating and treating basic cervical spine conditions.

Other benefits include:

  • Integrating the upper quadrant, making it easier to treat the upper quadrant patient
  • Developing more skills with complex patient load. (Cancer, double crush, cervical radiculopathy, etc.)


See what one of our newly certified OT's has to say about the CMOT Certification

Upcoming CMOT Courses [Click the Courses Below to Register]

C-416 Screening for Cervical Spine Pathology for Occupational Therapists

This course is 21 hrs. (14 hrs. Live and 7 hrs. Online) case based addressing patho-anatomy, and clinical recognition patterns of the cervical spine. Clinical presentation of each condition is highlighted and organization of knowledge is taught so that an OT may arrive at a sound clinical impression of the cervical spine as a potential pain generator of the upper quadrant. The OT based on the information from the examination may choose to treat the patient or refer to a physical therapist. 

C-426 The Functional Girdle for Occupational Therapists

This course is dedicated to the management and treatment of the Shoulder Girdle and its related anatomical structures (SC/AC/Scapulothoracic/Glenohumeral joint. The Occupational Therapist will learn a step by step examination process leading to the pain generator and area of dysfunction of the shoulder girdle using Selective Tissue Testing, Palpation and Passive Movement Assessment. This differential examination and clinical recognition pattern will lead to a rational treatment plan designed for efficient and effective outcomes for the patient with shoulder girdle pain or dysfunction.

C-436 The Distal Upper Extremity for Occupational Therapists

This course is dedicated to the comprehensive examination and treatment of the elbow/forearm/wrist and hand. The Occupational Therapist will learn a musculoskeletal examination process including stress testing and biomechanical assessment of the distal upper extremity. Detailed surface anatomy and clinical recognition pattern will lead to a rational treatment plan designed for efficient and effective outcomes for the patient with distal upper extremity pain or dysfunction.

C-446 Integration of the Upper Quadrant for Occupational Therapists

This course is dedicated to the comprehensive examination and treatment of the elbow/forearm/wrist and hand. The Occupational Therapist will learn a musculoskeletal examination process including stress testing and biomechanical assessment of the distal upper extremity. Detailed surface anatomy and clinical recognition pattern will lead to a rational treatment plan designed for efficient and effective outcomes for the patient with distal upper extremity pain or dysfunction.

C-456 Upper Quadrant Skills & Techniques for Occupational Therapists

The Occupational Therapist entry level education does not emphasize manual/manipulative techniques of the upper quadrant. Therefore a course dedicated to the review and refinement of techniques is necessary for the implementation of the NAIOMT Upper Quadrant theory and practice. In addition this course will be used as a review and discussion of areas needed to prepare for the OT oral practical (C-430).

2025-2026 Schedule

Location: Dallas, Texas - Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation 

          Live Registration Links Below!

Course Details

Course Registration
Please contact Susan Windsor at [email protected] to join the cohort.

Questions

Michael Lucido, PT, DPT
NAIOMT Faculty
BSW Outpatient Education Director
[email protected]
214.500.4744

Susan Windsor
NAIOMT Courses & Events Coordinator
[email protected]

Watch Intro Video

Shoulder Treatment Phase 1: Adhesive Capsulitis

Watch NAIOMT faculty instructor Michael Lucido demonstrate key techniques from the CMOT program.

What Our Students Say

Straightforward, Systematic Assessments

by Beth Krantz

My favorite aspect was learning straightforward, systematic assessments which have allowed me to more quickly evaluate new patients. Learning about the facilitated segment, and having an excellent research based approach to treating lateral epicondylitis has made life much less frustrating. I actually enjoy treating these, now. The extensive hands-on training was very helpful. Mike [Lucido, NAIOMT faculty instructor] was an excellent instructor, and presented things at an appropriate pace, consistently made sure we were understanding the concepts and correctly performing the techniques.
  • NAIOMT faculty instructor Michael Lucido demonstrating upper quadrant manual therapy techniques.
  • NAIOMT faculty instructor Michael Lucido demonstrating upper quadrant manual therapy techniques.
  • NAIOMT faculty instructor Michael Lucido demonstrating upper quadrant manual therapy techniques.

Courses Overview

C-416
Screening for Cervical Spine Pathology for Occupational Therapist (21 hrs.)

This course is 21 hrs. (14 hrs. Live and 7 hrs. Online) case based addressing patho-anatomy, and clinical recognition patterns of the cervical spine. Clinical presentation of each condition is highlighted and organization of knowledge is taught so that an OT may arrive at a sound clinical impression of the cervical spine as a potential pain generator of the upper quadrant. The OT based on the information from the examination may choose to treat the patient or refer to a physical therapist.  

C-426
The Functional Shoulder Girdle for Occupational Therapist (21 hrs.)

This course is dedicated to the management and treatment of the Shoulder Girdle and its related anatomical structures (SC/AC/Scapulothoracic/Glenohumeral joint. The Occupational Therapist will learn a step by step examination process leading to the pain generator and area of dysfunction of the shoulder girdle using Selective Tissue Testing, Palpation and Passive Movement Assessment. This differential examination and clinical recognition pattern will lead to a rational treatment plan designed for efficient and effective outcomes for the patient with shoulder girdle pain or dysfunction.

C-436
The Distal Upper Extremity (21hrs.)

This course is dedicated to the comprehensive examination and treatment of the elbow/forearm/wrist and hand. The Occupational Therapist will learn a musculoskeletal examination process including stress testing and biomechanical assessment of the distal upper extremity. Detailed surface anatomy and clinical recognition pattern will lead to a rational treatment plan designed for efficient and effective outcomes for the patient with distal upper extremity pain or dysfunction.

C-446
Integration of the Upper Quadrant for Occupational Therapist (21 hrs.)

An Integrated model of the upper quadrant including the head/neck unit cervical and thoracic spine as it relates to upper quadrant dysfunction is emphasized.  This course also builds on the theory of segmental dysfunction and neutral zone instability as it relates to the upper quadrant.

Treatment principles using muscle energy, soft tissue treatment and grade I cervical traction to address the myoarticular function of the cervical and upper thoracic spine. In addition manually assisted muscle re-education for intrinsic muscles of the cervical spine and exercises to achieve postural balance is taught at this level.

C-456
Upper Quadrant Skills & Techniques

The Occupational Therapist entry level education does not emphasize manual/manipulative techniques of the upper quadrant. Therefore a course dedicated to the review and refinement of techniques is necessary for the implementation of the NAIOMT Upper Quadrant theory and practice. In addition this course will be used as a review and discussion of areas needed to prepare for the OT oral practical (C-430).

Our Course Partners

Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation
Joint Implant Surgeons of Florida

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NAIOMT

The North American Institute of Orthopedic Manual Therapy

The North American Institute of Orthopedic Manual Therapy, Inc. (NAIOMT) is a private physical therapist-owned organization dedicated to achieving the highest standards of clinical practice for manual physical therapists.

NAIOMT specializes in a flexible teaching program, which seeks to promote the utilization of safe, effective and efficient manual physical therapy management of musculoskeletal dysfunction. It further seeks an environment that is conducive to the application of a reasoned approach to manual physical therapy through critical inquiry and the creation of new knowledge and skills based on scientific study and dissemination of that knowledge.

NAIOMT strongly supports the union of the clinician, academician and researcher to further facilitate the development of quality patient care, physical therapy education and the development of master clinicians.