Lower Quarter Neurodynamics:
Assessment and Treatment Strategies
Confident assessment and treatment of neural mechanosensitivity
Live Lab • 4.0 CE Credits
Register for This CourseCourse Overview
This 4-hour laboratory course provides an applied, hands-on examination of lower quarter neurodynamics with direct relevance to orthopedic and neurologic physical therapy practice. The course emphasizes the anatomical, mechanical, and physiological behavior of the peripheral nervous system as it relates to lumbar spine, pelvis, and lower extremity dysfunction. Participants will develop skill in the assessment and treatment of neural mechanosensitivity using standardized lower quarter neurodynamic tests and evidence-informed intervention strategies. Guided laboratory practice will focus on integrating neurodynamic principles into differential diagnosis, movement analysis, and patient-specific treatment planning. Medical professionals, including physical therapists, should expect to achieve enhanced evaluation, management, and communication skills for patients with or without referral.
Clinical bottom line: neurodynamics is frequently used in practice without a complete understanding of anatomy, patient presentation, and proper utilization — this course helps clinicians perform effective testing and proper treatment.
What You'll Learn
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
Describe the anatomical, biomechanical, and physiological principles of the peripheral nervous system relevant to lower quarter neurodynamics.
Differentiate neural tissue involvement from musculoskeletal or non-neural sources of symptoms during examination of the lumbar spine, pelvis, and lower extremity.
Demonstrate accurate performance of lower quarter neurodynamic tests, including straight leg raise (SLR), slump, and femoral nerve bias testing, with appropriate sequencing and clinician handling.
Analyze neurodynamic test findings to identify neural mechanosensitivity and inform differential diagnosis.
Apply neurodynamic treatment techniques, including nerve sliding and tensioning interventions, with appropriate clinical reasoning regarding intensity, movement sequencing, and dosage.
Integrate lower quarter neurodynamic assessment and intervention strategies into a comprehensive plan of care for patients with lumbar spine, hip, knee, or lower extremity conditions.
Adapt examination and treatment techniques based on patient response, symptom behavior, and functional presentation to ensure safe, effective, and patient-centered care.
Course Schedule
Half-day Saturday laboratory course (7:30 registration; 8:00 start)
7:30 — Registration
8:00 — Course intro; neurodynamics defined; anatomy of the nervous system; peripheral nerve injury
9:00 — Clinical presentation; indications/contraindications
10:00 — Lower extremity palpation
10:30 — Break
10:45 — Lower extremity testing, treatment techniques, exercise techniques, and adjunctive treatments
12:00 — Case study
12:15 — Conclusion
CE Credits & Approval
This course is approved by the New Jersey Board of Physical Therapy Examiners for 4.0 continuing education credits. It is pre-approved in the following states as a result of NJBPTE approval: AK, DE, HI, IN, KS, KY, MA, MI, MT, NC, ND, OR, PA, TN, UT, VT, VA, WI, WY, and Washington, DC. This course involves 2.0 hours of evaluative procedures to treat a person without referral. The following states do not require pre-approval of courses and/or have no CE requirements for PTs and PTAs: AL, CO, CT, GA, ID, IA, ME, MO, NE, NH, WA. Not sure if your state is covered? Email us before enrolling.
Registration & Tuition
Tuition: $125 members | $150 early bird | $175 standard
Location: Phillipsburg, NJ
To register or ask about the next scheduled date, email abilityhealthwellness@gmail.com
Registration deadline is 5 days prior to the course date.
Frank Buzin, DPT, FAAOMPT, FASPT
Dr. Buzin earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy from Slippery Rock University and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from West Chester University. He completed his fellowship in orthopaedic manual physical therapy at the Manual Therapy Institute and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Manual Physical Therapy and the Academy of Spine Physical Therapy. An Advanced Spine Care Practitioner at Physical Therapy at St. Luke’s, he serves as faculty for the St. Luke’s Spine Physical Therapy Fellowship and Orthopedic Residency and enjoys mentoring and teaching courses on manual therapy and treatment of the nervous system throughout the region.
Ready to test and treat the lower quarter with confidence?
Register for This CourseDisclosures: Dr. Buzin reports no conflicts of interest to disclose.
Cancellation: written requests received ten (10) days prior to the seminar receive a refund less a $35 administrative charge; within ten days, no refund is granted but a credit equal to the amount paid may be applied toward a future course.
