Ask an Expert with Jesse Awenus - Complex Musculoskeletal and Neurological Case Discussions

Overview

This advanced case-based session explores four complex presentations commonly encountered in physiotherapy and musculoskeletal practice. Through real-world examples and expert discussion, clinicians gain insights into assessment, reasoning, and management strategies for patients with overlapping musculoskeletal and neurological conditions.

From chronic migraines rooted in cervical dysfunction to acute neurological red flags and shoulder tendinopathy in active populations, this session highlights the importance of critical thinking, interprofessional collaboration, and patient-centered care.

Case Studies Covered

1. Chronic Neck Pain and Migraines in a 33-Year-Old Male Plumber

A long-standing history of headaches linked to posture, concussion, and muscular tension. Learn how to differentiate and manage mixed headache presentations and integrate breathing, motor control, and postural retraining strategies.

2. Neural Dural Tension and Lumbar Spinal Stenosis in a Male in His Late 60s

A complex presentation of lower limb pain and unexpected cervical symptoms during lumbar testing. This case explores neural tension, spinal cord involvement, and when to refer for advanced imaging and multidisciplinary assessment.

3. Sudden Drop Foot in a 60-Year-Old Accountant

An urgent case of acute motor loss without sensory deficit. Understand red flags that warrant immediate medical referral and the physiotherapist’s role in timely triage and advocacy for further investigation.

4. Long Head of Biceps Tendinopathy in Active Golfers and Overhead Workers

A deep dive into shoulder mechanics, posterior capsule tightness, and scapular control. Learn evidence-informed techniques for assessment, treatment, and load management in chronic anterior shoulder pain.

Who Should Enroll

Physiotherapists, rehabilitation professionals, and clinicians interested in advancing their diagnostic reasoning and management skills for challenging, multifactorial cases.

The Expert: Jesse Awenus 

B.A Hons (Kin), MSc.PT, MClSc, Dip. Manip. PT, FCAMPT, TPI-CGFI

Areas of interest 

• Lower Back & Shoulder Disorders
• Neck pain

Jesse has a special interest in managing acute and chronic pain stemming from sports injuries as well as the aches brought on by long hours of sedentary desk work. He believes in providing his patients with the independence, confidence, and ownership they need for their recovery.

Jesse’s background in strength and conditioning allows him to tailor his treatments to the unique needs of each individual patient. He uses a movement-based examination to figure out what might be contributing to the pain and from there may elect to incorporate hands-on manual therapy, dry needling, and/or a specific exercise routine to get his patient moving and feeling better as quickly as possible. A cornerstone of Jesse’s practice is education: he believes that each patient should leave their assessment with a clear understanding of what’s wrong and how they might fix it.

Jesse was a competitive basketball player who represented Team Canada at the 2005 Pan-American Maccabi Games in Santiago, Chile. He last represented Canada as a Team Physiotherapist at the 2022 Maccabiah games in Israel. He now enjoys staying active by weight training, playing golf and volleyball, and can also be found playing with his dog any chance he gets. Aside from clinical practice, Jesse is also a health and wellness contributor to Huffington Post Canada.

Credentials

• Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science, York University
• Master of Science in Physical Therapy, Queen’s University
• Master of Clinical Science (pain management), Western University
• Diploma of Advanced Manual and Manipulative Physiotherapy, Orthopaedic Division of the CPA
• Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy (FCAMPT)
• Certified in Integrated Dry Needling (IDN)
• Titleist Golf Fitness Instructor (TPI-CGFI)