2027 Clinical Reasoning and Case Management
Course Description
The Clinical Reasoning & Case Management course is an advanced orthopedic and sports physical therapy course designed to strengthen clinicians' ability to make confident, evidence-informed decisions across the continuum of care. Using a structured Clinical Reasoning Framework, participants learn to evaluate patient presentations, develop and refine differential diagnoses, create individualized plans of care, and adapt treatment strategies based on patient response and clinical findings.
The course integrates patient-centered care, the ICF framework, pain science, tissue healing principles, diagnostic imaging, and evidence-based practice to support effective management of orthopedic and sports medicine conditions. Participants will also develop skills in interpreting research, applying outcome measures, incorporating sport-specific demands into rehabilitation planning, and making criteria-based return-to-sport decisions.
Designed for physical therapists, residents, and other rehabilitation professionals, this course provides a practical framework for enhancing clinical reasoning, improving confidence in complex patient management, and delivering high-quality, outcome-driven care across diverse orthopedic and sports populations.
Virtually hosted via TEAMs.
January Course: Saturday 1/23/27 9-1:30pm
September Course: Saturday 9/11/27 9-1:30pm
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
• Apply a structured clinical reasoning framework to guide patient evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
• Develop and prioritize differential diagnoses using patient history, examination findings, and ongoing reassessment.
• Integrate patient-centered and ICF-based principles into clinical decision-making and goal setting.
• Analyze tissue healing, irritability, pain mechanisms, and movement impairments to guide intervention selection and dosing.
• Apply evidence-based practice principles, including interpretation of research, outcome measures, and diagnostic testing, to support clinical decisions.
• Determine appropriate use and interpretation of diagnostic imaging in orthopedic and sports medicine populations.
• Incorporate sports-specific demands, workload management, and performance factors into rehabilitation planning.
• Design and progress criteria-based return-to-sport and return-to-performance plans.
• Communicate clinical reasoning, risk, prognosis, and treatment decisions effectively to patients, athletes, and healthcare team members.
Dr. Megan Duran
Dr. Megan Duran, PT, DPT, OCS, PCES, Cert. DN is the Director of Education at The Jackson Clinics and co-owner of LifeFit Physical Therapy & Wellness, where she specializes in orthopedic, pelvic health, pregnancy, postpartum, and performance-based rehabilitation. She is a residency-trained, board-certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) with advanced training in dry needling and musculoskeletal diagnostic ultrasound.
Dr. Duran has extensive experience in clinical practice, residency education, and professional development. Throughout her career, she has served in leadership roles including Residency Coordinator, Clinic Director, and Clinical Instructor, helping develop evidence-based clinicians and advance orthopedic physical therapy education. She has also served as adjunct faculty for the University of Lynchburg Doctor of Physical Therapy Program and the College of William and Mary, contributing to the education of future physical therapists and rehabilitation professionals.
Her clinical interests include orthopedic and sports rehabilitation, clinical reasoning, return-to-sport decision-making, pelvic health, and the integration of rehabilitation with fitness and performance principles. Dr. Duran is passionate about helping clinicians translate evidence into practice and develop the critical thinking skills necessary to deliver exceptional patient-centered care.
Available editions:
| Product Name | Date | Location | Delivery Method | Price | |
| Clinical Reasoning January Session | January 23, 2027 | Online Learning | Webinar | $599.00 | |
| Clinical Reasoning September Session | September 11, 2027 | Online Learning | Webinar | $599.00 |