Primary courses at MMTS are taught by Pete Emerson, PT, MMTC. Pete has more than 25 years experience in manual therapy. He has taught throughout the United States and abroad, and was the keynote speaker at the 1997 and 1999 OCPPP Conference in England and a guest speaker at the 2000 APTA Conference in Denver. Pete is proficient in many aspects of manual therapy, including high-velocity spinal manipulation, MET, cranial mobilization, joint mobilization techniques and neuropathodynamic mobilizations.

Direct Cranial Mobilization

Objective:  To evaluate and treat dysfunctions of the Cranial System using manual therapy.

Treating the Cranium as a source of dysfunction has been around for decades. The importance and effectiveness of treating the Cranial system have been lost because of the presentation of “unseen energy” being the basis of cranial work. This class peels away all the mystery and gets to the basics and true benefits of Direct Cranial Mobilization.

We start with a detailed review and re-learning of Cranial anatomy, moving on to palpation to identify specific cranial landmarks. Then analysis of cranial movement is studied followed by assessment of cranial dysfunction and finishing with treatment of cranial dysfunction using concepts of sustained force loading to restore cranial mobility and function.

Included will be discussions on how the Cranium is a movable system and how Cranial dysfunction can be contributing factors in conditions such as headaches, neck pain, dizziness both vestibular and cervicogenic, lateral C1 dysfunction, post concussive syndrome and cranio-mandibular dysfunction (TMJ).

Clinical Manual Therapy for the Thoracic Spine and Ribs

• Introduces the muscle energy system in evaluation and treatment of the rib cage and thoracic spine
• Palpation skills and biomechanics of the rib cage will be reviewed, including structural and respiratory rib dysfunction.
• Participants will be able to evaluate and treat various rib dysfunctions and understand how they relate to thoracic dysfunctions
• Participants will be able to practice treatment techniques of the thoracic spine and ribs

Clinical Manual Therapy for the Lumbar Spine, Pelvis, and Sacrum

This course stresses a hands-on, aggressive approach as well as self-mobilization and a home exercise program. The course:

• Introduces evaluation of the lumbar spine, pelvis and sacrum.
• Includes muscle energy diagnosis, palpation, and treatment.
• Participants will be able to practice treatment techniques.

METs of the Cervical Spine

• Introduces evaluation of the cervical spine, including testing of cervical ligaments, single segmental testing of the cervical spine, muscle energy diagnosis and treatment.
• Includes evaluation and treatment of the upper thoracics, along with all the structures contributing to thoracic outlet syndrome and upper extremity radiculopathy.
• Allows participants to examine and treat cervical and upper thoracic dysfunctions, as well as thoracic outlet dysfunctions.

METs of the Thoracic Spine and Ribs

• Introduces the muscle energy system in evaluation and treatment of the rib cage and thoracic spine.
• Palpation skills and biomechanics of the rib cage will be reviewed, including structural and respiratory rib dysfunction
• Participants will be able to evaluate and treat various rib dysfunctions and understand how they relate to thoracic dysfunctions
• Participants will be able to practice treatment techniques of the thoracic spine and ribs.

3 systems approach to the Lumbar Spine

• This course stresses a hands-on, aggressive approach as well as self-mobilization and a home exercise program. The course:
• A working knowledge of all 3 musculoskeletal systems.
• The ability to immediately apply the evaluation and treatment techniques when returning to the clinic.
• To teach the therapist an adaptive approach and flexible mindset so they can help patients who would otherwise fail in therapy.

METs of the Lumbar Spine, Pelvis, & Sacrum, Level 2

• Stresses a hands-on, aggressive approach as well as self-mobilization and a home exercise program. The courseAdvances evaluation of the lumbar spine, pelvis and sacrum.
• Includes muscle energy diagnosis, palpation, and treatment.
• Participants will be able to practice treatment techniques.

METs of the Cervical Spine

• Introduces evaluation of the cervical spine, including testing of cervical ligaments, single segmental testing of the cervical spine, muscle energy diagnosis and treatment.
• Includes evaluation and treatment of the upper thoracics, along with all the structures contributing to thoracic outlet syndrome and upper extremity radiculopathy.
• Allows participants to examine and treat cervical and upper thoracic dysfunctions, as well as thoracic outlet dysfunctions.

METs of the Thoracic Spine and Ribs

• Introduces the muscle energy system in evaluation and treatment of the rib cage and thoracic spine.
• Palpation skills and biomechanics of the rib cage will be reviewed, including structural and respiratory rib dysfunction
• Participants will be able to evaluate and treat various rib dysfunctions and understand how they relate to thoracic dysfunctions
• Participants will be able to practice treatment techniques of the thoracic spine and ribs.

Spinal Manipulation Program (HVLA)

• MMTS’s spinal manipulation program is designed to teach you the skill of high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) spinal manipulation.
• Manipulation of the Lumbar-Pelvis-Sacral Region
• Manipulation of the Thoracic Region
• Manipulation of the Cervical Region