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 and those receiving regenerative MD interventions, these skills also apply to individuals with less severe low back pain, proprioceptive deficits, and non-optimal spinal loading.  

Participants will deepen their understanding of how lax 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.

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. Balaji Sridhar, MD, PhD MPH is a board-certified physician with experience in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Occupational and Environmental Medicine. He trained under one of the country's leading regenerative medicine experts, and has led national clinical trials, developed patented biomaterials, and explored how to harness the body's own healing tools.