At Hosmer Chiropractic, one of the most common areas I treat are shoulders, elbows, wrists, and hands. Whether it’s shoulder impingement, carpal tunnel syndrome, or tennis elbow, these conditions are often chronic and stem from old injuries or repetitive movement patterns, rather than acute trauma. I see this day in and day out, and about 40–50% of my patients present with upper extremity complaints, especially in the shoulders. That’s exactly why I was drawn to the Active Release Techniques® (ART) Upper Extremity Level 1 course.
This class promised a deep dive into treating soft-tissue disorders of the upper extremity—muscles, fascia, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. I was looking to expand my care toolkit and improve my diagnostic and treatment skills in this region. The better I understand the underlying anatomy and mechanics, the more effectively I can help patients regain function, reduce pain, and get back to doing what they love.
What the Class Entailed
Before the in-person portion of the course, I completed a number of online modules and educational videos. This laid the foundation for the hands-on, immersive experience during the weekend seminar. The class, led by four incredibly knowledgeable and experienced instructors, was held in Lake Oswego.
Over the course of the weekend, we worked through ART protocols for each muscle, tendon, and ligament in the upper extremity. What stood out to me was how much emphasis was placed on palpation—learning to distinguish healthy from unhealthy tissue by feel, movement, and texture. It was insightful not only to perform each protocol but also to receive them. That gave me a clear understanding of what effective treatment should feel like, and how to adjust pressure and hand positioning to improve outcomes and comfort for patients.
The anatomy of the upper extremity is complex—especially when working with smaller structures in the hands and wrists. Having a dedicated space to revisit and explore that anatomy in detail was invaluable. The course emphasized ART’s Diagnostic Algorithm™, which blends clinical reasoning with tactile feedback to guide treatment choices. I walked away feeling much more confident in my ability to evaluate and address upper extremity dysfunctions at their source.
What This Means for My Patients
After completing the course and receiving my certification, I immediately started seeing improvements in the quality of care I’m able to offer. I’m integrating these techniques into my treatments, and the results with my patients have been rewarding—more targeted care, faster progress, and better overall outcomes.
What sets Hosmer Chiropractic apart is our whole-body, function-forward approach. We’re not just adjusting the spine—we’re looking at how the body moves and how all parts work together. Many chiropractors at other clinics often stop at the spine, but I believe lasting relief comes from understanding the full picture.
Looking Ahead: More Tools, More Growth
Continuing education is something I’m truly passionate about. I’m already looking at other trainings to build on this one, including:
- DNS: Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization® – focused on developmental movement patterns and core stabilization.
- McKenzie Method® (MDT) – helpful for assessing and treating mechanical musculoskeletal issues.
- Graston Technique® Seminars – using specialized instruments for soft tissue mobilization.
Before becoming a chiropractor, I was a certified personal trainer in Canada. That background still plays a huge role in my approach today. At Hosmer, I love designing rehab and strength-building programs for my patients—helping them not only heal, but thrive.
If you’re dealing with chronic shoulder, wrist or elbow pain, and haven’t found the right solution yet, there’s a good chance we can make progress with the techniques I’ve recently added to my practice. I’m here to help you move better and feel better, with treatment that’s both personalized and proactive.
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