COURSES
Use this page to search for courses by instructor, location, or date. You can also register for courses, and read the course descriptions.
If you are a University, a Health Care System, or Private Clinic interested in hosting courses, please contact us at info@aspireomt.com.
The COMT Courses can be taken in any order. However, there is a recommended order as the theory builds on itself. (COMT-1, COMT-2, COMT-3, COMT-4, COMT-5, COMT-6)
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OUR COURSES
Have you ever wondered how a lumbar instability can lead to medial knee pain, or how a thoracic lesion can lead to shoulder dysfunction? Our courses consistently build on a foundation that starts with an understanding of the components of a thorough patient history, screen, and bio-mechanical assessment. We guide you in a growing understanding of clinical reasoning and regional interdependence that will prepare you to search out the culprit causing the pain and dysfunction, and not just the victim of the dysfunction. You will be given the manual therapy tools, neuromuscular re-education skills, and concepts for home programs that will transform the way you practice physical therapy.
Course Descriptions
COMT-1: LUMBAR: GATEWAY TO MUSCULOSKELETAL THERAPY
DESCRIPTION: This lab intensive course applies clinical reasoning and differential diagnosis through formulating illness scripts based upon a thorough subjective history and a hands-on musculoskeletal assessment of the lumbar spine. This course is designed to equip the clinician with the proper subjective and objective evaluation to determine the appropriateness of physical therapy, recognize the need for a referral for signs and symptoms of serious pathology and generate a provisional differential diagnosis of lumbar spinal dysfunction. Pain science, including acute and chronic nociceptive mechanisms are discussed and applied through clinical scenarios. Furthermore, intervention techniques and management of common spinal pathologies are demonstrated, including soft tissue techniques and joint articulation techniques. Neuromuscular reeducation and therapeutic exercises are introduced to reinforce each manual treatment.
Course Number: PTH 732
CEU's: 1.5 credit hours/ 21 CEU’s
Format:: 1 day online (7 hours) with 2 assessments + 2 days onsite (14 hours)= 21 hours
Accelerated Format Option:
Andrews University: 4 days back to back. Sun-Wed. Register for Gateway Lumbar and Gateway Cervical together=42 hours
COMT-2: CERVICAL: GATEWAY TO MUSCULOSKELETAL THERAPY
DESCRIPTION: This lab intensive course applies clinical reasoning and differential diagnosis through formulating illness scripts based upon a thorough subjective history and a hands-on musculoskeletal assessment of the lumbar and cervical spines. This course is designed to equip the clinician with the proper subjective and objective evaluation to determine the appropriateness of physical therapy, recognize the need for a referral for signs and symptoms of serious pathology and generate a provisional differential diagnosis of lumbar and cervical spinal dysfunction. Pain science, including acute and chronic nociceptive mechanisms are discussed and applied through clinical scenarios. Furthermore, intervention techniques and management of common spinal pathologies are demonstrated, including soft tissue techniques and joint articulation techniques. Neuromuscular reeducation and therapeutic exercises are introduced to reinforce each manual treatment. Dr. James Cyriax principles are presented, including the application of the selective tissue tensioning examination.
Course Number: PTH 733
CEU's: 1.5 credit hours/ 21 CEU’s
Format: 1 day online (7 hours) with 2 assessments + 2 days onsite (14 hours)= 21 hours
Accelerated Format Option: Andrews University: 4 days back to back. Sun-Wed. Register for Gateway Lumbar and Gateway Cervical together=42 hours.
COMT-3: UPPER QUADRANT: ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT
DESCRIPTION: Upper Extremity: This lab intensive course applies clinical reasoning and a hands-on musculoskeletal assessment of the shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand, while focusing heavily on biomechanics, introduced by Michael MacConnail and functional anatomy. Based on the recognition of signs and symptoms of upper extremity pathology, the participant will formulate a provisional differential diagnosis while demonstrating how to rule out serious pathology, which may mimic upper extremity musculoskeletal dysfunction. Additionally, the participants will demonstrate appropriate treatment and management skills of the shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand utilized by the physical therapist in the clinical setting management including joint articulation stability and mobility techniques, including manipulation, as well as neuromuscular reeducation and therapeutic exercises to reinforce all manual therapy techniques.
Course Number: PTH 734
CEU's: 1.5 credit hours/ 21 CEU’s
Format: 1 day online (7 hours) with 2 assessments + 2 days onsite (14 hours)= 21 hours
Accelerated Format Option: Andrews University: 4 days back to back. Sun-Wed. Register for both Upper Extremity Assessment, Management & Manipulation and Cervico-Thoracic Spine Assessment and Management together
COMT-4: CERVICO-THORACIC SPINE: ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT
DESCRIPTION: This lab intensive course applies clinical reasoning and a comprehensive biomechanical musculoskeletal assessment and examination skills of the lower thoracic and cervical spines utilized by the physical therapist in the clinical setting. This course analyzes the importance of safely assessing and treating the cervical and thoracic spine by discussing various clinical scenarios which require immediate clinical reasoning and differential diagnostic skills, in order to act efficiently. This course will solidify the importance of a thorough subjective examination and specific objective assessment in order for the participant to formulate a provisional differential diagnosis while demonstrating how to rule out serious pathology. Additionally, the participants will demonstrate appropriate treatment and management skills of the cervical and upper thoracic spine utilized by the physical therapist in the clinical setting management including joint articulation stability and mobility techniques, as well as neuromuscular reeducation and therapeutic exercises to reinforce all manual therapy techniques.
Course Number: PTH 735
CEU's: 1.5 credit hours/ 21 CEU’s
Format: 1 day online (7 hours) with 2 assessments + 2 days onsite (14 hours)= 21 hours
Accelerated Format Option: Andrews University: 4 days back to back. Sun-Wed. Register for both Upper Extremity Assessment, Management & Manipulation and Cervico-Thoracic Spine Assessment and Management together.
COMT-5: LUMBAR SPINE: ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT
DESCRIPTION: This lab intensive course applies clinical reasoning and a comprehensive biomechanical musculoskeletal assessment and examination skills of the lower thoracic and lumbar spines utilized by the physical therapist in the clinical setting. This course will solidify the importance of a thorough subjective examination and specific objective assessment in order for the participant to formulate a provisional differential diagnosis while demonstrating how to rule out serious pathology. Additionally, the participants will demonstrate appropriate treatment and management skills of the lumbar and lower thoracic spine utilized by the physical therapist in the clinical setting management. The course will introduce lumbar spine locking techniques in order to navigate complex lumbar pathologies. This course will demonstrate specific lumbopelvic stabilization and graded mobilization techniques, as well as neuromuscular reeducation and therapeutic exercises to reinforce all manual therapy techniques.
Course Number: PTH 738
CEU's: 1.5 credit hours/ 21 CEU’s
Format: 1 day online (7 hours) with 2 assessments + 2 days onsite (14 hours)= 21 hours
Accelerated Format Option: Andrews University: 4 days back to back. Sun-Wed. Register for both Lower Extremity Assessment, Management & Manipulation and Lumbar Spine Assessment and Management together.
COMT-6: LOWER QUADRANT: ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT
DESCRIPTION: Lower Extremity: This lab intensive course applies clinical reasoning and a comprehensive biomechanical musculoskeletal assessment and examination skills of the hip, knee, ankle and subtalar joint utilized by the physical therapist in the clinical setting. Based on the recognition of signs and symptoms of lower extremity pathology, the participant will formulate a provisional differential diagnosis while demonstrating how to rule out serious pathology, which may mimic lower extremity musculoskeletal dysfunction. Additionally, the participants will demonstrate appropriate treatment and management skills utilized by the physical therapist in the clinical setting management including joint articulation stability and mobility techniques, including manipulation, as well as neuromuscular reeducation and therapeutic exercises to reinforce all manual therapy techniques.
Course Number: PTH 739
CEU's: 1.5 credit hours/ 21 CEU’s
Format: 1 day online (7 hours) with 2 assessments + 2 days onsite (14 hours)= 21 hours
Accelerated Format Option: Andrews University: 4 days back to back. Sun-Wed. Register for both Lower Extremity Assessment, Management & Manipulation and Lumbar Spine Assessment and Management together.
COMT EXAM: CERTIFIED ORTHOPAEDIC MANUAL THERAPIST
DESCRIPTION: This oral practical examination allows the participant to demonstrate proficiency in clinical reasoning and differential diagnosis, including properly screening for serious pathology. Testing content will include assessment and management techniques including: cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacroiliac scanning examinations, Cyriax’s STTT principles, localized spinal stability testing and appropriately graded mobilizations followed by neuromuscular reeducation and therapeutic exercise techniques for all spinal involvement. Additionally, surface anatomy and deep friction massage techniques to localized structures may be assessed, as well as peripheral joint stability and specific graded mobilizations and manipulations followed with the proper instruction of neuromuscular and therapeutic exercise prescription.
Format: 1 review day prior to 1 day on-site
SMT-1: INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE THORAX
DESCRIPTION: This course dives into the visceral and biomechanical functions served by the thorax. This course will include the awareness that thoracic biomechanical problems can mimic visceral problems and vice versa. Also, this course analyzes why normal function of the thoracic region is so important for the musculoskeletal health of the entire axial and appendicular skeleton. A comprehensive assessment and of the ribs and the thoracic spine, as well as specific mobilization and manipulative techniques will be demonstrated followed with the proper instruction of neuromuscular and therapeutic exercise prescription.
Course Number: PTH 8XX
CEU’S: 21 CEU’s
Format: 1 day online (7hours) with 1 assessments + 2 days onsite (14 hours)= 21 hour
Accelerated Format: Andrews University 3 days, back to back.
SMT-2: INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE LOWER QUADRANT
DESCRIPTION: This lab intensive course examines the regional interdependence of the lower quadrant and applies global comprehensive advanced biomechanical musculoskeletal assessment skills of the lower quadrant utilized by the physical therapist in the clinical setting. This course will build on skills learned in previous courses to help the clinician to understand the kinetic chain interdependence. This course integrates information generated in the assessment to understand how remote dysfunctions can be causal or contributory. Topics include: gait analysis, psoas pyramid, detailed foot musculoskeletal assessment and management, sacroiliac joining assessment and management, integration of the individual lower quadrant and lumbar/sacroiliac joint examinations into a larger regional diagnosis picture for examination and management.
Course Number: PTH 752
CEU's: 42 CEU’s
Format: 2 days online (14 hours) with 2 assessments + 4 days onsite (21 hours)= 42hours
Accelerated Format Option: Andrews University: 4 days back to back. Sun-Wed.
SMT-3: INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE UPPER QUADRANT
DESCRIPTION: This lab intensive course examines the regional interdependence of the upper quadrant and applies global comprehensive advanced biomechanical musculoskeletal assessment skills of the lower quadrant utilized by the physical therapist in the clinical setting. This course will build on skills learned in previous courses to help the clinician to understand the kinetic chain interdependence. This course integrates information generated in the assessment to understand how remote dysfunctions can be causal or contributory. Topics include: Differential diagnosis of trigeminal sources of pain, TMJ, the functional hand, integration of the individual upper quadrant and cervical joint examinations into a larger regional diagnosis picture for examination and management.
Course Number: PTH 757
CEU's: 42 CEU’s
Format: 2 days online (14 hours) with 2 assessments + 4 days onsite (21 hours)= 42hours
Accelerated Format Option: Andrews University: 4 days back to back. Sun-Wed.
SMT-4: SPINAL SEGMENTAL MANIPULATION: (Part A & B)
DESCRIPTION: This lab intensive course examines and applies a global comprehensive biomechanical musculoskeletal assessment of the axial spine utilized by the physical therapist in the clinical setting. The participant will recognize spinal thrust indications and contraindications, a differential diagnosis of spinal pathology that is appropriate for manipulations, along with adaptations of techniques as needed to be successful with the techniques.
Course Number: PTH 848
CEU's: 42 CEU’s
Format: Part A: 1 days online (7 hours) with 1 assessments + 2 days onsite (21 hours)
Part B: 1 days online (7 hours) with 1 assessments + 2 days onsite (21 hours)
Accelerated Format Option: Andrews University: 6 back to back days onsite
SMT-5: CLINICAL REASONING INTEGRATION OF THE ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE WHOLE PATIENT
DESCRIPTION: This interactive course examines and applies a global comprehensive biomechanical musculoskeletal assessment of the entire body, incorporating regional interdependence by the physical therapist in the clinical setting. This course will focus on advanced differential diagnosis using a case-based approach. In this course, participants will demonstrate advanced clinical reasoning and differential diagnosis skills by analyzing information gathered in the subjective and objective examinations to accurately form a hypothesis, examination plan, and comprehensive treatment plan demonstrating regional interdependence in complex musculoskeletal dysfunctions.
Course Number: PTH 762
CEU's: 1.5 credit hours/21 CEU’s
Format: 1 days online (7 hours) with 1 assessments + 2 days onsite (14 hours)=21 hours
Accelerated Format Option: Andrews University: 6 back to back days onsite
SMT EXAM: SPINAL MANIPULATIVE THERAPIST EXAM AND CLINICAL DEFENSE
DESCRIPTION: This oral practical examination allows the participant to demonstrate proficiency in clinical reasoning and differential diagnosis, including properly screening for serious pathology. examination will focus on clinical reasoning and the quadrant inter-relationships. Testing content will include mobilization/ manipulation (thrust) to joint and soft tissue techniques to all parts of appendicular/extremity and axial/spinal skeleton, in addition to shoulder and pelvic girdles, as well as temporomandibular joint. The participant will defend each technique in terms of safety, specificity and grade and will articulate to the panel the neuromuscular reeducation and therapeutic exercises utilized to enhance the patient’s prognosis.
Course: PTH 8XX
CEU’S: 0 Credits
Format: 1 review day prior to 1 day on-site
SPECIALTY COURSES
Chronic Pain and Holistic Physical Therapy: Improving Patient Outcomes: Chronic Pain, Nutrition, Functional Medicine, Scars, Stress Management and Traumatic Brain Injury-A Live Stream CE course by David Musnick MD
DESCRIPTION: This course will give the PT a method of analysis and a wealth of practical information to evaluate more than just mechanical factors that affect pain and symptoms and disease progression. It will cover pain sensitization and the role of the brain and spinal cord as well as peripheral sensitization. It will also cover issues such as toxicity, mold, autoimmune conditions, leaky gut, nutrition, stress and many other factors that affect the musculoskeletal system. When this material is learned the PT will be able to be much more effective with the same number of PT visits. You will learn a lot about nutrition as well as supplements. You will learn about which modalities are most effective for pain. In fact, you will be able to be less stressed and more confident treating more complex patients and patients that will not respond to mechanical treatment only.
Course Number: To be assigned
CEU's: To be assigned
Format: : Live streamed lectures, pre recorded lectures, assessment questionnaires(for you and to hand out to your patients), and virtual labs.
Integrating Manual Therapy With Pain Science by Kathy Berglund
Description: Over the last 40 years much has happened in PT research. Manual Therapy, Motor Control and now Pain Science have dominated the research in respective decades. Does one take precedence over the other in terms of clinical practice? No! The well rounded clinician will understand how all of these pieces of the puzzle fit together to offer cutting edge treatments for the myriad of clients that we serve.
In this course, the learner will explore the research behind each of these entities and learn, using sound clinical reasoning , what “tool” to utilize and when, depending on the presentation of the patient. Evaluation and treatment skills will be taught with regards to pain science so that the learner feels confident incorporating these principles into their clinical practice. This course is useful for all clients but will especially help the clinician dealing with chronic pain patients.
Course Number: To be assigned
CEU's: To be assigned
Format: : 2 day course, online pre-recorded lecture and didactic portion.