Lumbar Spine: Manual Therapy Management (Jan 23 - 24, 2027)

Lumbar Spine: Manual Therapy Management is organized by Institute of Clinical Excellence (ICE) and will be held from Jan 23 - 24, 2027 at Onward Physical Therapy, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, United States of America.

Course Overview:
Lumbar Spine Physical Therapy Course:
This course will cover current best evidence in the physical therapy management of low back pain. Laboratory sessions will focus on the safe and effective delivery of thrust and non-thrust manipulation to the lumbar spine, thoracolumbar spine, and lower ribs.

Additional labs will cover an introduction to the McKenzie approach, management of lumbar radiculopathy, thoracolumbar junction dysfunctions, and progressive exercise concepts with particular emphasis on performance and incorporation of the deadlift. Mobility and motor control exercises will be included to complement the manual therapy techniques.

Lecture material will summarize the developing body of literature regarding the subgrouping of lumbar spine patients, differential diagnosis of lumbar conditions, neurophysiology of manipulation, sleep and pain, and lumbar spine examination based on clinical practice guidelines.

Objectives:

• Perform a thorough subjective and objective examination using clinical practice guidelines and current best evidence to maximize efficiency and accuracy
• Understand how to incorporate repeated movement testing and treatment in patients presenting with radiculopathy / radiculitis
• Understand the role of patient expectations, the associated research, and how to leverage these components in clinical practice
• Understand the role of key lifestyle factors such as sleep and stress in the causing and maintenance of low back pain
• Demonstrate an excellent understanding of current best evidence in regards to manual therapy, thrust and non-thrust joint mobilization techniques, in the treatment of patients with low back pain
• Demonstrate proper technique with lumbar mobilization and thrust manipulation to the lumbar and lower thoracic regions.
• Be able to incorporate therapeutic neuroscience in the care of patients with persistent pain, central sensitization, and fear related pain.