The Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine Series

Foundations in Osteopathic Evaluation and Hands-On Techniques 
This introductory course explores the philosophy and clinical reasoning behind osteopathic manual medicine, with a focus on hands-on learning. Participants will gain foundational skills in palpatory diagnosis, motion testing, and treatment planning—tools applicable across healthcare disciplines. The course emphasizes manual therapy techniques taught through an osteopathic lens, including:

1. Palpation and identification of musculoskeletal dysfunction
2. Muscle energy, myofascial release, articulatory, and mobilization techniques
3. Biomechanics and functional anatomy
4. Patient-centered assessment and treatment integration
5. Communication, safety, and ethical considerations in hands-on care
    

Objectives: Upon completion of this course, the participant will be able to:

1. Diagnose dysfunctions of the spine, ribs, pelvis, and extremities
2. Identify appropriate indications for hands-on treatment
3. Apply key osteopathic techniques within their clinical scope

4. Develop basic treatment plans using safe and effective manual methods

   Credit Hours: 24.75 CME Credits

Early Bird Tuition: $800
Full Tuition: $1,000
Course Chair: Katie Donahue, DO
Required Text: Principles of Manual Medicine, Greenman, PE, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Sixth Edition. 
A copy of the text is included with course registration.

Core Concepts and Applications in Osteopathic Manual Therapy 
Deepen your understanding of muscle energy techniques—a gentle yet powerful approach that uses a patient’s own muscle contractions to improve motion and reduce pain. This course focuses on the evaluation and treatment of spinal and pelvic dysfunctions, building on foundational manual medicine training. Through a mix of lecture, demonstration, and small-group hands-on practice, participants will:

1. Expand their structural diagnostic skills
2. Review dysfunctions of the vertebral column
3. Learn definitive diagnosis and treatment of bony pelvis dysfunctions
4. Apply the principles of isometric and isotonic contraction in clinical care

Objectives: Upon completion of this course, the participant will be able to: 

1. Explain the integration of neuromuscular physiology with manual techniques
2. Interpret pelvic biomechanics and identify related joint dysfunctions
3. Diagnose and treat spinal, pelvic, and rib cage dysfunctions using muscle energy
4. Incorporate exercise principles into patient evaluation and treatment planning

Credit Hours: 28.0 CME Credits

Prerequisite: Principles of Manual Medicine
Early Bird Tuition: $1,100
Full Tuition: $1,300
Course Chair: Carl Steele, DO, MS, PT

Osteopathic Approaches for Infants, Children, and Adolescents
This hands-on course is designed for clinicians who work with pediatric patients and want to apply safe, effective manual techniques across various stages of development. Participants will build the diagnostic and palpatory skills needed to assess and treat somatic dysfunction in children presenting with conditions such as:

1. Asthma
2. Latching Issues
3. Otitis Media
4. Gerd/Colic
5. Torticollis
6. Plagiocephaly
    

Objectives: Upon completion of this course, the participant will be able to:

1. Explain the rationale and indications for treating common pediatric conditions using osteopathic manual medicine
2. Integrate manual techniques and physical therapy approaches in the care of children with developmental delays

Credit Hours: 22.0 CME Credits 

Early Bird Tuition: $800
Full Tuition: $1,000
Course Chair: Lisa DeStefano, DO
Prerequisites: Principles of Manual Medicine

Blending Soft Tissue Approaches within an Osteopathic Framework
This hands-on course explores the integration of neuromuscular reeducation and myofascial release techniques to address chronic tension, postural dysfunction, and pain syndromes. Through an osteopathic lens, participants will assess and treat common movement and myofascial patterns with practical, evidence-informed strategies. Highlights include:

1. Diagnosis of dysfunctional postural and movement patterns
2. Application of myofascial release to common pain syndromes
3. Emphasis on myofascial system biomechanics and fascial anatomy
    

Objectives: Upon completion of this course, the participant will be able to:

1. Explain basic biomechanical principles of fascia and connective tissue
2. Apply the M.A.N. (Mechanics, Anatomy, Neuroanatomy) framework in evaluation and treatment
3. Demonstrate palpation and treatment skills in myofascial release
4. Recognize inherent motion and its role in the fascial system;
5. Integrate myofascial release with other manual medicine techniques
6. Apply enhanced clinical reasoning to address musculoskeletal dysfunction ​ 

Credit Hours: 20.75 CME Credits

Early Bird Tuition: $800 
Full Tuition: $1,000 
Course Chair: Galen Wetzell, DPT
Prerequisites: Principles of Manual Medicine, Required. Muscle Energy I & Exercise Prescription recommended but not required.

From Assessment to Treatment: Bringing Manual Medicine into Clinical Practice.
This three-day course explores the clinical evaluation and manual treatment of upper and lower extremity dysfunction. Using cases drawn from athletic, occupational, and everyday settings, participants will assess the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle and develop treatment plans guided by their findings.

Hands-on instruction will integrate osteopathic manual medicine approaches, including articulatory techniques, muscle energy, and joint mobilization, with functional strategies to support recovery.

Objectives: Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Evaluate upper and lower extremity dysfunction using clinical examination and osteopathic assessment.
2. Develop treatment plans based on examination findings, patient presentation, and functional goals.
3. Apply appropriate manual medicine techniques to common upper and lower extremity dysfunctions.
4. Incorporate functional strategies into the ongoing management of extremity conditions.

Credit Hours: 20.75 CME Credits 

Early Bird Tuition: $800
Full Tuition: $1000
Course Co-Chairs: Lisa Chase, PT and Carl Steele, DO, PT
Prerequisite: Principles of Manual Medicine and Muscle Energy Technique Part I

Integrating Diagnosis, Treatment, and Functional Outcomes
Designed for those who have completed Muscle Energy Technique Part I, this advanced course deepens understanding of somatic dysfunction and introduces more complex applications of muscle energy techniques within a clinical context. Emphasis is placed on clinical reasoning, problem-solving, and integration of manual techniques with exercise-based rehabilitation. Participants will engage in lecture, demonstration, and small group lab sessions to:

1. Review and expand prior muscle energy training
2. Apply advanced techniques to the spine, pelvis, and extremities
3. Integrate muscle energy with exercise planning and patient self-management
4. Discuss clinical cases and treatment challenges in a collaborative setting
    

Objectives: Upon completion of this course, the participant will be able to:

1. Apply and refine muscle energy techniques for the upper and lower extremities
2. Utilize muscle energy principles in complex case-based scenarios
3. Incorporate exercise principles into individualized treatment plans
4. Build on prior knowledge to enhance diagnostic and therapeutic precision

Credit Hours: 34.0CME Credits 

Early Bird Tuition: $1,300
Full Tuition: $1,500
Course Chair: Carl Steele, DO, MS, PT
Prerequisite: Principles of Manual Medicine & Muscle Energy Technique Part I. 

An Introduction to Osteopathic Cranial Concepts and Techniques
This comprehensive 6-day course introduces participants to the foundational principles, anatomy, and hands-on techniques of osteopathic cranial work. Through a combination of lectures and guided practice, learners will explore the Primary Respiratory Mechanism, cranial palpation, and craniosacral treatment methods. Course highlights include:

1. In-depth exploration of cranial anatomy and the physiology of the Primary Respiratory Mechanism
2. Palpatory training to develop skill in diagnosing and treating cranial and TMJ dysfunctions
3. Techniques including dural membrane release, fluid balancing, and articular unwinding
4. Application of craniosacral methods to broader strain patterns in the body
5. Discussion of cranial techniques for mild to moderate traumatic brain injury
    

Objectives: Upon completion of this course, the participant will be able to:

1. Identify the components of the Primary Respiratory Mechanism and key cranial articulations
2. Apply diagnostic and palpatory skills to assess cranial mechanics and dysfunction
3. Evaluate and treat TMJ issues and cranial articular restrictions
4. Use craniosacral techniques for fluid and membrane balancing
5. Recognize and treat strain patterns extending to the trunk and extremities
6. Integrate cranial approaches into care for patients with traumatic brain injury

Credit Hours: 40.00 CME Credits

Early Bird Tuition: $950
Full Tuition: $1,150
MSU GME Alliance Resident: $300
Resident Rate: $450
Course Chair: Lisa DeStefano, DO
Prerequisites: Principles of Manual Medicine is strongly recommended

**Approved by the AOBNMM as part of the 40-hour cranial requirement for residents.**

Movement Strategies that Reinforce Osteopathic Principles
This four-day course teaches participants how to design individualized exercise programs that support and extend the effects of manual therapy. Rooted in the work of Vladimir Janda and developed by Mark Bookhout, PT, the course integrates osteopathic principles with functional movement and corrective exercise. Designed to complement the muscle energy biomechanical model, the course helps clinicians address neuromuscular imbalance and reinforce structural changes achieved through manual treatment. Course highlights:

1. Exercise planning based on biomechanical findings
2. Integration of functional movement testing
3. Techniques to improve neuromotor control and manage chronic pain
4. Self-mobilizing strategies for long-term patient outcomes
    

Objectives: Upon completion of this course, the participant will be able to:

1. Understand functional connections between the upper/lower quarters and the trunk/pelvis
2. Identify neuromuscular imbalances contributing to chronic dysfunction
3. Perform and interpret functional movement tests for the upper and lower quarters
4. Address adverse neural tension and its impact on chronic pain
5. Prescribe targeted exercises to refine neuromotor control
6. Use self-mobilizing exercises for the spine and pelvis
7. Create individualized, functional home exercise programs for patient self-management

Credit Hours: 20.75 CME Credits

Early Bird Tuition: $800
Full Tuition: $1,000
Course Chair: Lisa Chase, PT, CFMM
Prerequisites: Principles of Manual Medicine & Muscle Energy Part I

Osteopathic Approaches for Pregnancy and Postpartum Support
This course teaches participants how to apply osteopathic manual techniques safely and effectively during all stages of pregnancy and into the postpartum period. Emphasis is placed on pelvic mechanics, posture, diaphragmatic function, and addressing common musculoskeletal complaints such as low back pain, pelvic girdle pain, and rib dysfunction.

Through hands-on instruction and case-based discussion, clinicians will gain practical skills to support structural adaptation during pregnancy, facilitate recovery after birth, and improve comfort and function for perinatal patients.

Objectives: Upon completion of this course, the participant will be able to: 

1. Describe the anatomical and physiological changes that occur during pregnancy and postpartum, and their implications for manual treatment.
2. Assess and diagnose common somatic dysfunctions associated with the perinatal period, including pelvic, sacral, lumbar, and thoracic regions.
3. Apply osteopathic manual techniques—including muscle energy, myofascial release, and gentle mobilization—appropriate for each trimester and the postpartum period.
4. Address musculoskeletal complaints such as low back pain, sciatica, rib dysfunction, and pelvic girdle pain using safe and effective treatment approaches.
5. Evaluate the role of posture, diaphragm function, and pelvic floor mechanics in perinatal musculoskeletal health. ​ 

Credit Hours: 15.0 CME Credits 

Early Bird Tuition: $600
Full Tuition: $800
Course Chair: J'Aimee Lippert, DO
Prerequisites: Principles of Manual Medicine