Continuing Education for Physical Therapists
Connective Strength Manual Therapy Certification in Hypermobility & EDS
CS-HEDS
Six regional courses (8.0 hours each) + Optional Course 7 Oral Practical Prep (8.0 hours)
Hosted by EvergreenHealth Medical Center
Bring your own lunch
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This series prepares clinicians to deliver safe, precise, evidence-informed manual therapy and rehabilitation for patients with hEDS/HSD and generalized joint hypermobility. The curriculum emphasizes red flags and risk stratification, examination excellence, EDS-adapted manual therapy selection and dosing, stabilization and graded loading, kinesiology taping, and multidisciplinary collaboration with MD specialists and allied disciplines. It also includes a required autonomic dysfunction/POTS component using the CHOP graded-exercise framework (HR-guided) and practical hydration/electrolyte management education in coordination with medical providers.
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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.
CS-HEDS Accelerated Course Dates + Titles (2026)
June 13, 2026 — Course 1: Craniovertebral Junction & Cervical Spine
June 14, 2026 — Course 2: Shoulder Girdle, Glenohumeral & Elbow
July 18, 2026 — Course 3: Thorax (Thoracic Spine, Ribs, Breathing Mechanics)
July 19, 2026 — Course 4: Lumbar Spine
August 15, 2026 — Course 5: Pelvis & Hip
August 16, 2026 — Course 6: Knee & Foot/Ankle
September 26, 2026 — Course 7 (Optional): Oral Practical Prep (highly recommended)
September 27, 2026 — Oral Practical Exam (Certification)
WA State PT CME Credits
Each course qualifies for Washington State PT continuing competency (CME) credits.
Courses 1–6: 8 CME credits each (48 total CME credits)
Pricing
$250 per course
Bundle & Save: Purchase Courses 1–7 together and receive 15% off
Regular total: $1,750 (7 courses × $250)
15% discount: –$262.50
Bundle total: $1,487.50
Can’t Do The Accelerated Track?
No problem. If the accelerated program doesn’t fit your schedule, you can still earn CS-HEDS by completing Courses 1–6 in any order (as they’re offered), then taking the Oral Practical Exam once you’ve finished the required courses.
What You’ll Gain
A repeatable framework for safe, high-quality examination and clinical reasoning in HMS/EDS
Region-specific decision-making for manual therapy selection, dosing, and contraindications
Practical strategies to build stability, proprioception, and load tolerance without boom–bust cycles
Clear tools for patient education, pacing, flare planning, and referral considerations
Who Is This Class For?
Physical Therapists who want a structured, evidence-informed approach to caring for hypermobile/HMS/EDS populations—and a credential that reflects advanced competency.
***All six courses must be completed to earn the CS-HEDS certification.***
East Coast Courses
8.0 credit hours per course
Hosted by Bodies In Motion Physical Therapy - Reston, Virginia
Bring your own lunch
CS-HEDS Course Dates + Titles (2026)
June 27th, 2026 — Course 1: Craniovertebral Junction & Cervical Spin
June 28th, 2026 — Course 4: Lumbar Spine
Pricing: $250 per course
Who Is This Class For?
Physical Therapists who want a structured, evidence-informed approach to caring for hypermobile/HMS/EDS populations—and a credential that reflects advanced competency.
***All six courses must be completed to earn the CS-HEDS certification.***