This advanced specialty course empowers orthopedic physical therapists working with hypermobile populations—particularly those with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)—to deeply understand and manage thoracic function in context. We’ll thoroughly explore the intricate, interdependent connections between the thorax and the shoulder girdle, glenohumeral joint, cervical and lumbar spine, pelvis and hips, as well as the sympathetic nervous system.

• Holistic Structural Insight: Grasp how thoracic mechanics influence—and are shaped by—adjacent regions throughout the kinetic chain.

• Innovative Manual Therapy Tools:Learn cutting-edge, clinically effective techniques not typically covered in standard manual therapy curricula.

• Hands-On Lab Training: Refine and perfect your assessment and treatment skills through intensive lab sessions.

• Immediate Clinical Impact: Walk away equipped to apply new strategies in your next session with hypermobile patients.

Hypermobile individuals present unique therapeutic challenges. This course delivers a targeted, thorax-centered curriculum with practical labs and novel interventions—designed to elevate your clinical reasoning and hands-on skill set from day one.

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.

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