Niel Asher Education
Clinical Biomechanics of the Upper and Lower Body

Gain next-level skills with Coursera Plus for $199 (regularly $399). Save now.

Niel Asher Education

Clinical Biomechanics of the Upper and Lower Body

Included with Coursera Plus

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level

Recommended experience

9 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level

Recommended experience

9 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • How to assess and correct faulty movement patterns using myofascial and biomechanical principles

  • How to apply biomechanical analysis to rehabilitation and exercise programs for the upper and lower body

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Recently updated!

January 2026

Assessments

7 assignments

Taught in English

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

 logos of Petrobras, TATA, Danone, Capgemini, P&G and L'Oreal

There are 7 modules in this course

Module 1 introduces the foundational biomechanics of the upper body with a focus on how regional interactions influence movement, loading, and clinical decision-making. The instructor explores the relationships between the cervical spine, thoracic spine, ribs, scapulae, and upper-limb joints, emphasising how movement restrictions or compensations in one region can create symptoms elsewhere. Throughout the module, learners are guided through clinically relevant concepts such as optimal thoracic motion, scapular orientation, muscle recruitment strategies, and the kinetic chain’s role in functional movement. This session sets the stage for a practical, evidence-informed understanding of how upper-body biomechanics shape assessment and treatment planning for therapists, trainers, and rehabilitation professionals.

What's included

9 videos3 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt

Module 2 focuses on detailed biomechanics and clinical reasoning related to the acromioclavicular (AC) joint, cervical spine contribution to symptoms, and the influence of scapular mechanics on upper-body function. The instructor explains common AC joint presentations—including instability, osteolysis, and degenerative changes—alongside typical mechanisms of injury and pain referral patterns. Learners are shown how provocative movements, repeated-movement testing, and symptom-modification strategies can help differentiate shoulder pathology from cervical contributions. The module also highlights the vital role of thoracic rotation, scapular positioning, and coordinated muscular control in maintaining efficient load transfer and shoulder performance.

What's included

9 videos1 reading1 assignment

Module 3 progresses into practical upper-body biomechanics through targeted therapeutic and rehabilitative exercises. The instructor demonstrates how to modify the scapular assistance test, facilitate clavicular and scapular movement, and select exercises based on symptom-modification findings. A wide range of shoulder and upper-limb exercises—including wall slides, serratus-biased drills, deltoid and cuff conditioning, open-book variations, bow-and-arrow patterns, and progressive push-ups—are broken down biomechanically to highlight their clinical purpose. The module concludes with cervical rehabilitation principles, emphasising deep neck flexor activation, endurance development, pattern retraining, and postural control. The session equips therapists with actionable strategies for restoring coordinated upper-body movement.

What's included

9 videos1 reading1 assignment

Module 1 explores the foundational biomechanics of lower-body movement through the lens of myofascial continuity, efficient gait, and optimal load distribution. Beginning with an overview of fascia, anatomy trains, and tensegrity, the instructor explains how fascial elasticity, joint sequencing, and muscular coordination together support efficient walking and reduce compensatory strain. You’ll examine the essential events of gait—heel strike, mid-stance, heel off, toe off, and swing—and learn how the four foot rockers (heel, ankle, midfoot, great toe) drive fluid motion up the kinetic chain. The module also demonstrates practical observations using a model to highlight superficial front, superficial back, lateral, and spiral line involvement in walking. By the end, you’ll better understand how mobility, stability, and timing must interact for healthy, energy-efficient lower-body movement.

What's included

5 videos2 readings1 assignment

Module 2 expands on lower-body biomechanics by exploring common movement errors of the superficial front and back lines and demonstrating targeted clinical interventions. You’ll investigate how dysfunction in the foot rockers leads to compensations such as hip hitching, overpronation, and altered torsional patterns, and how these contribute to conditions like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, patellofemoral pain, and toe-off inefficiency. The instructor demonstrates a full range of practical techniques including progressive loading, stretching, self-mobilisation, foam rolling, plantar fascia release, acupressure (BL60), and joint mobilisations for hallux rigidus. The module also covers intrinsic foot-muscle strengthening, footwear considerations, and orthotic strategies. By the end, you’ll have a set of clinically applicable tools to assess, treat, and retrain lower-body movement and foot mechanics.

What's included

12 videos1 reading1 assignment

This module translates biomechanical theory into real-world clinical application. Learners will observe and analyze functional movement patterns to recognize muscular imbalances and inefficient mechanics. Through case-based reasoning, manual therapists will learn how to adjust technique, apply treatment strategies that improve movement quality, and support safer, more effective client outcomes.

What's included

4 videos1 assignment1 discussion prompt

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

Instructor

Niel Asher Education
Niel Asher Education
28 Courses169 learners

Offered by

Explore more from Patient Care

Why people choose Coursera for their career

Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."

Frequently asked questions