Hypermobility and connective tissue disorders present unique challenges in knee rehabilitation, where traditional strengthening and high-load approaches often provoke flares, instability, or symptom escalation. This advanced CME course equips physical therapists with a structured, evidence-informed framework to confidently assess and treat complex knee instability in hypermobile populations, including individuals with EDS and HSD.

Participants will learn how to identify key movement system impairments driving knee symptoms, perform efficient and reproducible examinations, recognize red flags and escalation thresholds, and apply EDS-adapted manual therapy safely. Emphasis is placed on phased stabilization, neuromuscular control, graded loading, and pacing strategies designed to build tolerance without triggering boom-bust cycles.

Through clinical reasoning models, hands-on labs, and real-world case examples, clinicians will leave with practical tools to improve patient confidence, functional stability, and long-term outcomes—while minimizing flares and setbacks common in hypermobile care.

This course is ideal for physical therapists seeking a precise, patient-centered approach to managing knee instability in hypermobility and connective tissue disorder populations.

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

Dr. Oseto is an ABOS board-certified Orthopedic Surgeon with broad general orthopedic training, and a special interest in sports injuries. He has expanded his practice to include treatment of patients with joint hypermobility issues and subtle peripheral nerve, joint and tendon problems with Dr. Ericson, including the lower extremities, such as tarsal tunnel syndrome, peroneal nerve entrapment, tibial nerve entrapment; restless leg syndrome.

As a competitive bicycle racer, Dr. Oseto understands how exercise and movement can enhance quality of life.  Dr. Oseto’s background as an exercise physiologist and general orthopedist helps expand the patient services we offer at Ericson Hand and Nerve Center.  Dr. Oseto treats upper and lower extremity fractures, meniscus tears, ACL tears, tendon disorders, rotator cuff tears, and arthritis, as well as chronic pain from hypermobility issues involving nerve compression, as well as tendon and joint instability.  Dr. Oseto has a loyal patient following and enjoys treating the whole patient.  He strives to return patients to the highest level of functioning possible.