Continuing Education for Physical Therapists

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Manual Therapy Strategies for Lumbar Spine Instability & Connective Tissue Laxity

Date: September 27th, 8 am-4 pm
Cost: $150

Hosted by Innova Physical Therapy Redmond.
Bring your own lunch

Download a PDF flyer to share with co-workers

  • This specialized course is designed for licensed physical therapists seeking advanced training in manual therapy techniques for patients with chronic lumbar spine dysfunction related to connective tissue laxity, instability, or pain sensitivity. While especially relevant for patients with hypermobility disorders, these skills also apply to individuals with chronic low back pain, proprioceptive deficits, and spinal instability due to injury or systemic factors.

    Participants will deepen their understanding of how fragile connective tissues and altered motor control affect spinal biomechanics, neuromuscular coordination, and soft tissue integrity. Emphasis is placed on gentle, modified manual therapy approaches that prioritize joint protection, proprioceptive retraining, and stabilization.

    Hands-on lab sessions and real-world case discussions equip therapists with practical techniques such as soft tissue release, neuromuscular re-education, and pain modulation strategies tailored to patients with unique tissue behavior and movement patterns.

  • By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

    • Understand the clinical presentation and diagnostic criteria of hypermobility, particularly hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS)

    • Apply safe manual therapy techniques adapted for connective tissue fragility in the lumbar region

    • Assess and address spinal stability, muscle imbalances, and postural control in hypermobile patients

    • Develop customized treatment plans integrating manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and patient education

    • Recognize and manage common comorbidities and complications related to lumbar dysfunction in hypermobility

  • Licensed physical therapists, manual therapists, and rehabilitation professionals with foundational knowledge in spinal anatomy and manual therapy.

  • Bret Swigard, PT, MPT, OCS, FAAOMPT, c MDT, LJLCP, CDNS

    Innova Physical Therapy (Clinician, Clinic Owner)

    I have over 20 years of orthopedic experience, and am a PT instructor, mentor, consultant, clinic owner and clinician. I have worked with professional athletes, professional dancers, collegiate athletes and weekend warriors.

    I have had the honor of training with some of the best PTs in North America. I have taught Orthopedic Manual Therapy Courses in the US and Canada and still teach specialty private courses. I am a lifelong learner and have a passion to share my knowledge, experience, and expertise with others. I enjoy mentoring PTs of all levels of experience and have a deep pride in Innova's team of specialists.

    Full Bio

Manual Therapy for Foot and Ankle Instability: Strategies for Joint Laxity and Chronic Dysfunction

Date: October 18th, 8 am-4 pm
Cost: $150

Hosted by Innova Physical Therapy Redmond.
Bring your own lunch

Download a PDF flyer to share with co-workers

  • This advanced manual therapy course is designed for physical therapists seeking to expand their clinical skills in treating foot and ankle dysfunction in individuals with connective tissue laxity, joint instability, or complex lower extremity mechanics. Though particularly beneficial for hypermobile patients, the strategies taught are applicable across a range of presentations involving recurrent sprains, collapsed arches, and proprioceptive deficits.

    The course includes a comprehensive review of foot and ankle anatomy, mechanics, and common dysfunction patterns associated with tissue fragility or neuromuscular coordination issues. Participants will engage in hands-on labs emphasizing gentle mobilizations, soft tissue techniques, taping/bracing strategies, and proprioceptive retraining tailored to patients with instability and chronic pain.

    Real-life case examples and interactive discussion will help providers integrate manual therapy with orthotic support, functional movement retraining, and long-term symptom management.

  • Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

    • Understand the biomechanical and functional consequences of hypermobility in the foot and ankle complex

    • Apply modified manual therapy techniques that consider tissue fragility and joint laxity

    • Identify and manage common dysfunctions such as pes planus, ankle sprains, and proprioceptive deficits in hypermobility

    • Design comprehensive treatment plans incorporating manual therapy, orthotic support, and functional exercise

    • Improve patient outcomes through targeted education, movement retraining, and joint protection strategies

  • Licensed physical therapists, manual therapists, and rehabilitation professionals with experience in orthopedic or neurologic practice.

  • Bret Swigard, PT, MPT, OCS, FAAOMPT, c MDT, LJLCP, CDNS

    Innova Physical Therapy (Clinician, Clinic Owner)

    I have over 20 years of orthopedic experience, and am a PT instructor, mentor, consultant, clinic owner and clinician. I have worked with professional athletes, professional dancers, collegiate athletes and weekend warriors.

    I have had the honor of training with some of the best PTs in North America. I have taught Orthopedic Manual Therapy Courses in the US and Canada and still teach specialty private courses. I am a lifelong learner and have a passion to share my knowledge, experience, and expertise with others. I enjoy mentoring PTs of all levels of experience and have a deep pride in Innova's team of specialists.

    Full Bio

We want to thank Bret for teaching and hosting at Innova Physical Therapy in Redmond.