Dec 13, 2025
@
8:00 am
–
Dec 14, 2025
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1:30 pm
Spinal and Peripheral Manual Therapy Treatment Techniques For Upper Quarter
This two-day course will present the Mulligan approach to manual therapy for the Cervical and Thoracic spine as well as for the upper extremity. It will include lecture, patient demonstrations, and lab time to give the participants a thorough and in depth coverage of the Mobilization With Movement™ approach for the upper quarter. This unique approach to manual therapy was discovered and developed by Brian Mulligan F.N.Z.S.P. (Hon), Dip. M.T. from Wellington, New Zealand. This simple yet effective manual approach addresses musculoskeletal disorders with pain free manual joint “repositioning” techniques for restoration of function and abolition of pain.
Learning Objectives
By the end of the course the participant will be able to accurately:
- List 3 key manual components of Mobilization With Movement™ for the treatment of upper quarter.
- Demonstrate 3 shoulder MWM techniques for shoulder elevation impairment.
- Demonstrate 2 elbow MWM techniques for loss of motion and tennis elbow.
- List 2 indications for wrist/hand taping procedures for the proximal row of carpals and the metacarpals to reinforce an MWM technique.
- Demonstrate 3 key variables that may need to be modified for pain-free effective MWM of the upper extremity, cervical and thoracic spine.
- Demonstrate 3 manual upper cervical techniques used for the alleviation of cervicogenic headaches
- Demonstrate 3 manual upper cervical techniques used for the alleviation of cervicogenic dizziness
- Demonstrate central and unilateral manual SNAG techniques for the pain-free improvement of cervical and thoracic ROM.
- Cite at least 2 RCT studies that support cervical snags for headaches and dizziness
- Cite at least 2 RCT studies that support the MWM approach to Tennis elbow
- Integrate one combined shoulder MWM and cervical SNAG when presented with a persistent cervical / shoulder musculoskeletal dysfunctional pattern.
Jennifer Hamsher PT, OCS, FAAOMPT, COMT, CMP, MCTA, ATC-ret
Jennifer received her physical therapy degree from Eastern Washington University (EWU) in 1995, graduating summa cum laude. Previously she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Medicine/Athletic Training from EWU in 1993. She has worked in orthopedic physical therapy her entire career. She received her Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) certification in 2016. She further specialized as a Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist (COMT) and completed her Orthopedic Manual Therapy Fellowship through the North American Institute of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy in 2022.
She became a Certified Mulligan Practitioner (CMP) in 2019 and completed the rigorous process to become a member of the Mulligan Concept Teacher’s Association in 2024.
Jennifer’s philosophy for optimal patient outcomes includes a therapist who is an attentive and compassionate listener, has effective manual therapy skills, uses evidence-based physical therapy, and treats each patient as a unique individual. While she uses an eclectic approach to her practice, she has found the Mulligan Concept to be a cornerstone of her approach since first introduced to the concept in 2003.
She currently lives and works in Spokane, WA. Outside of work she treasures time spent with her family and enjoys running, hiking and cross-country skiing.
Wear loose, comfortable lab clothes. Bring mobilization belts, mobilization pads, if available.
To facilitate your learning and preparation for the course, it is recommended that you purchase a mobilization belt, contact pad, and Brian Mulligan’s 7th edition textbook. Other tools to facilitate learning include video tutorials of the techniques presented in the courses. Click the product links below for information and purchase.
Instructor
Jennifer Hamsher
