Webinar Dr. Toby Hall: Clinical Reasoning in Cervicogenic Headache for Physiotherapists and Manual Therapists: On demand webinar

Webinar Dr. Toby Hall: Clinical Reasoning in Cervicogenic Headache for Physiotherapists and Manual Therapists

There are many forms of cervical manual therapy, but which one is best to use when a patient presents with headache. This webinar will present a clinical reasoning process in determining the specific type of manual therapy and exercise in the management of headache. Whilst the webinar will be presented at a high level this should not be seen as a barrier to participation for those with little or with no previous experience in this area. 

What is cervicogenic headache and why does it matter for physiotherapists?

Cervicogenic headache (CGH) affects 15–20% of patients with chronic headache and originates from the upper cervical spine (C0–C3). This CPD course teaches you to distinguish CGH from migraine and tension-type headache using clinical features, pain mechanisms, and validated assessment tools — so you can offer targeted, evidence-based intervention.

Cervical assessment: from clinical reasoning to validated diagnostic tests

You will learn to systematically apply the Flexion-Rotation Test (FRT), Craniocervical Flexion Test (CCFT), and segmental palpation C1–C4. The diagnostic value of each test is discussed with reference to current evidence (FRT: sensitivity 91%, specificity 90%). Two detailed case studies guide you through the clinical reasoning process.

Evidence-based manual therapy treatment for cervicogenic headache

The course presents a three-dimensional treatment classification: articular techniques (mobilisation and manipulation of upper cervical joints), therapeutic exercise (deep cervical flexors), and neural mobilisation. Evidence for each intervention is reviewed from systematic reviews and RCTs (Castien 2011/2013; Watson & Drummond 2014; Mesa-Jiménez 2015).

Who is this CPD course designed for?

This course is aimed at physiotherapists specialising in manual therapy and those treating patients with headache and neck pain. Content is pitched at EQF level 7 (master's level) and aligns with the Dutch NVMT Manual Therapy competency profile 2023.

Learning goals

After completing this course, the participant is able to:

independently differentiate cervicogenic headache from primary headache disorders (migraine and tension-type headache) through systematic integration of pain mechanisms, clinical history, and ICHD-3 classification criteria to support informed clinical decision-making.

perform the Flexion-Rotation Test (FRT), Craniocervical Flexion Test (CCFT), and segmental palpation of C1–C4 in a standardized manner and critically interpret the findings based on diagnostic accuracy metrics (sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios) within the individual patient context.

design a personalized, evidence-based treatment plan for cervicogenic headache, systematically justifying the selection of interventions (manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and neural mobilization) based on current scientific evidence and clinical findings.

systematically analyze and manage diagnostic uncertainty in complex or mixed headache presentations by explicitly formulating and testing clinical hypotheses, applying red flag screening, and iteratively revising the working diagnosis.

critically appraise the scientific evidence regarding manual therapy for cervicogenic headache and tension-type headache by evaluating methodological quality of studies and translating findings into justified clinical practice decisions.

Accreditation and CPD credits for physiotherapists

This course is accredited through Kwaliteitshuis Fysiotherapie (professional content, manual therapy specialisation) and Pro-Q-Kine. Presented by Dr Toby Hall (PhD, MSc, FACP), internationally recognised expert in cervical spine pathology and manual therapy, affiliated with Curtin University (Australia) and Manual Concepts.