Differential Diagnosis in Physical Therapy: Recognizing Non-Musculoskeletal or Unusual Causes of Pain

Saturday June 14, 2025

(7:30 am Registration)

8:00 am- 12:00 pm 

Course Description:

This course focuses on enhancing diagnostic skills for physical therapists to effectively identify and address non-musculoskeletal or unusual causes of pain. Participants will learn to recognize red and yellow flags and differentiate between musculoskeletal and systemic pathologies. Using real-world case studies, the course emphasizes the integration of patient history, physical examination findings, and diagnostic tools to identify conditions with atypical presentations. Hands-on practice of specific tests and measures will help participants refine their approach to complex cases.

Level of Course: Intermediate

Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, the attendee should be able to:

• Identify non-musculoskeletal conditions mimicking musculoskeletal pain
• List common signs and symptoms related to those conditions
• Identify red flags of serious underlying conditions
• Apply differential diagnosis principles through case studies
• Perform tests and measures to assist in the differential diagnostic process
• Recognize early warning signs and symptoms to prevent missed diagnoses
• Accurately recognize when to refer a patient for further evaluation

Instructor Info:

Marie-Eve Pepin, PT, OMPT, MSPT, DPT

Bio:

Marie-Eve Pepin, PT, OMPT, MSPT, DPT is a 1998 graduate of McGill University with a BS in Physical Therapy, a Master from Oakland University, a Doctorate from the MGH Institute and a specialization in Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy from Oakland University. She is also a core faculty in the Wayne State University Physical Therapy Program. She has been teaching orthopedic content, and in particular special tests, for 19 years. She has been working as an orthopedic physical therapist for 26 years. She authored 12 peer reviewed papers with the most recent being the APTA clinical practice Guidelines for Distal Radial Fractures.

Intended Audience:

PT/ PTA, OT/COTA, ATC

Course Location:

RIM Brasza 261 Mack, Detroit MI 48201

Course Hours:

8:00am to 12:00pm Registration will begin at 7:30am 

Contact Hours:

4 hours 

Registration Fees:

Tenet/DMC/RIM employees: $50 
Non Tenet/DMC/RIM employees: $100

Class limit:

30 registrants 

Online Registration:

To register visit www.rimrehab.org -> Health Professionals -> Continuing Education Courses

You will have to register to https://dmc.clubautomation.com to pay for registration fee (DMC employee- should be outside Citrix)

Any questions or issues with registration, please contact:

Rhoda Astronomo, PT, DPT
Email: rastrono@dmc.org
Phone: 313-745-1100
Voicemail: 313-745-1427