Effortless Spinal Manipulation

Course Description:
This course is designed to improve participants' confidence in performing manual-based interventions and to provide an environment for all participants to receive constructive feedback to ensure their manual skills are at the specialist level.  The content of this course will primarily focus on thrust manipulation, mobilization, and manual resisted exercises specific to the spine.  Participants will apply best manual interventions while considering the patient's presentation.  Participants learn how to determine the risks and benefits of manual therapy and apply this evidence to clinical practice.  The goal of this course is to develop manual therapists who are confident and able to apply effortless manipulation for the patients they serve.

Course Outcomes:

• Perform a cervical spine risk assessment
• Determine the risks and benefits of using manual therapy
• Implement both subjective and objective asterisks within the clinical practice including test-retest principles
• Report confidence in at least one manual intervention for each region of the spine (cervical, thoracic, lumbar)
• Demonstrate appropriate setup and performance of manual therapy techniques directed to the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine
• Demonstrate at least one technique in two different positions (i.e., supine. prone, seated, side lying)
• Determine and demonstrate best interventions based on various S(P)INSS presentations
• Confidently demonstrate at least one manually resisted/supported exercise
• Design an HEP that compliments the manual treatment provided in the clinic
• Appropriately describe and demonstrate best plan of care for patients with spinal disorders
• Adequately explain clinical decision-making for choosing a specific manual technique while considering the patient presentation

Course Schedule:
Saturday, April 12, 2025 - 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 13, 2025 - 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Course Instructor:
Dr. Elizabeth Lane has been in outpatient orthopedic practice since 2009 and teaching in post-professional continuing education since 2013.  Her achievements include clinical doctorate in physical therapy from the Medical College of Georgia, board-certification in orthopaedics (OCS), fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists (FAAOMPT), Therapeutic Pain Specialist (TPS), certified in dry needling, and CrossFit Level 2 trainer (CF-L2).  She completed her Ph.D. at the University of Utah under the direction of Julie Fritz, PT, Ph.D., FAPTA with a focus on neuroscience education for those with chronic spinal pain. She has served as director of an orthopaedic residency and on the Residency and Fellowship Education Special Interest Group of the APTA's Education Section.  She currently holds a research faculty position at the University of Utah where her research interests include chronic pain, low pack pain, and pain neuroscience education.