Shoulder dysfunction not only affects the work category under the occupations domain of the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Process 3rd Edition, it will affect other categories such as basic and instrumental activities of daily living, rest and sleep, play, leisure, and social participation. Furthermore, shoulder dysfunction can affect categories under the performance pattern domain such as daily routines and habits. In order to effectively rehabilitate the shoulder, occupational therapists must address components of the client factors and performance skills domains. Specifically, the body functions-structure and motor skills components, respectively. Interventions performed under the client factors and performance skills domains are mostly considered preparatory by the Framework. However, although clearly stated in the Framework, their use in musculoskeletal/neurological disorders and its connection to occupation appears to not be easily grasped by occupational therapists. Perhaps this is because the literature available showing the combination of occupation-based and preparatory interventions is lacking. Therefore, this educational workshop/course not only introduced occupational therapists to basic evaluation and treatment concepts. it also clarified the role of occupational therapists treating clients with shoulder complex dysfunction. Moreover, the content of this course which was delivered from and occupation-based perspective, conveyed the message that occupational therapists are best positioned provide the best comprehensive care available to people living with shoulder dysfunction.
