Imaging Interpretation for Therapists – The Only Course of its Kind in Israel

Imaging Interpretation for Clinicians: From Radiology Reports to Clinical Action

This course was specifically designed for practitioners working in the field who want to finally understand what they are seeing in their patients' scans:

• What does the image actually mean?
• Is the finding correlated to the patient's pain?
• Is a referral necessary, or is this an emergency?
• Is it safe to treat (Contraindications)?

The curriculum integrates clinical science, functional anatomy, pathologies, and real-world case studies, covering findings across all imaging modalities (X-ray, CT, MRI, Ultrasound).

 

Lead Instructor – Dr. Mike Nathanson

Specialist in Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology.

Dr. Nathanson brings extensive experience in interpreting complex imaging and managing clinical pathways within both private clinics and hospital settings.

As a Consultant in Sports Medicine and Physical Activity, he supports athletes and patients in injury assessment, imaging-based decision-making, and directing precise treatment plans.

His rich clinical background provides a practical and clear approach to understanding findings—exactly what therapists need in their daily practice.

Target Audience

• Manual Therapists
• Medical Massage & Soft Tissue Therapists
• Physical Therapists (PT)
• Chiropractors
• Sports Therapists
• Students of Health & Therapy Professions
• Any practitioner seeking to interpret medical findings with safety and precision

Key Benefits

1. X-ray Analysis & Interpretation 

Pathology Identification: Recognizing fractures, dislocations, and calcifications.

Clinical Correlation: Distinguishing between Osteoarthritis (OA) and non-significant incidental findings.

Chest & Thoracic Pathologies: Identifying Pneumothorax, Pneumonia,

Pleural Effusion, and Cardiomegaly (heart enlargement).

Shoulder & Rib Imaging: Analyzing traumatic and degenerative changes.

Clinical Decision Making: Tools to decide when it’s safe to treat and when an urgent referral is required.

 

2. Clinical CT Interpretation 

Spatial Navigation: Mastering Axial, Sagittal, and Coronal views.

Technical Foundations: Understanding Contrast vs. Non-contrast and "Windows" / Hounsfield Units.

Bone & Hard Tissue Pathology: Identifying Spondylolysis, Spondylolisthesis,

fractures, and infections (Osteomyelitis).

Oncology Screening: Recognizing the characteristics of malignant vs. benign findings.

 

3. Ultrasound Imaging (US) 

Soft Tissue Assessment: Evaluating muscles, tendons, bursae, and the Rotator Cuff.

Inflammation & Trauma: Identifying edema, bursitis, and partial vs. full-thickness tears.

Clinical Selection: Knowing when Ultrasound is superior to MRI for musculoskeletal (MSK) assessment.

 

4. MRI – Deep Dive 

Disc Pathologies: Understanding the clinical significance of disc herniations, protrusions, and bulges.

Inflammatory Processes: Identifying active inflammation and bone marrow edema.

MRI vs. CT: Choosing the right modality for the specific clinical question.

The "Fear Factor": Learning to identify findings that look "scary" in reports but are clinically insignificant.

What Makes This Course Unique?

Not a Theoretical Course: Every session includes dozens of real-world

clinical examples and actual scans. You will learn through active analysis, not just passive listening.

Designed for Therapists – Not for Doctors: While most radiology training is

tailored for the academy or the operating room, this course is tailored specifically for the clinical setting.

 

Clinical Focus:

Identifying Danger: Learn to recognize what is truly dangerous and requires immediate medical attention.

Correlation vs. Coincidence: Understand what is common, age-related, and

completely unrelated to the patient's pain.

Clinical Clearance: Know exactly when it is safe to proceed with manual treatment.

Science-Based & Up-to-Date: Content is grounded in the latest evidence-based clinical guidelines.

Professional Differentiation: Gain a specialized skill set that sets you apart from

other therapists and establishes your clinical authority.

Course Structure

Total Duration: 20 Hours (≈ 27 Academic Hours)

Sessions: 4 Comprehensive Meetings