Mulligan's Professional Training Courses

brian mulligan professional development courses

Mulligan's Professional Courses

Brian Mulligan is the creator of the Mobilisation With Movement" (MWM) as we know it today. MWM examination and treatment techniques integrate manual therapy, functional exercise, and cognitive therapy elements. 

These two-day practical workshops provide clinical reasoning strategies and detailed hands-on instruction on unique examination and treatment techniques.

MWM is one of the most popular approaches physiotherapists use to treat neuromusculoskeletal conditions. Mark has presented Mulligan courses for over 30 years and assisted Brian worldwide on numerous occasions. The approach is easy to learn and integrate into existing examination and treatment models. There is a large body of research validating the concept.

Brian's textbook is now in the 7th edition. There are two comprehensive books by eminent physiotherapy researchers detailing the theory, principles, concepts, and relevant research relating to the evidence-based practice of MWM (Vicenzino et al 2011, Hing et al 2020).  mark brian new york mwm finger march 2016 modified 760

Course Goals

  • • To present the principles of the Mulligan Concept
  • • To demonstrate clinical applications of these principles
  • • To explain the clinical reasoning process of the Mulligan Concept
  • • To develop and refine manual skills
  • • To offer theoretical models to explain the clinical results achieved
  • • To challenge some ways that established conceptual models of pathology and biomechanics are used to justify and determine treatment approaches
  • • To demonstrate how MWM principles can be integrated into established treatment regimes
  • • To outline current research & publications related to the Mulligan concept
  • • To present information in an open non-threatening collegial dialogue
  • • To provide participants with a stimulating learning experience.

mark oliver professional development coursesMark Oliver presents the Mulligan Upper and Lower Quadrant courses in Perth and also his own courses "SIJ & Pelvis" and "TMJ & Orofacial Pain" in which assessment and treatment methods are based upon Mulligan concepts.
Mark is an internationally recognised clinical educator with 30 years of clinical experience and 25 years of teaching experience. He was a lecturer on the Graduate Diploma in Manipulative Therapy and Graduate Diploma in Sports Physiotherapy courses at Curtin University has presented more than 200 clinical workshops and lectures, is a keynote speaker at conferences, and has written chapters in textbooks and published in scientific journals. Mark is Australia’s most experienced Mulligan Concept teacher and practitioner.

Mulligan's Lower Quadrant

1200750 Girls

This 2-day practical course, focused on the Lower Quadrant, provides clinical reasoning strategies and detailed instruction on the unique examination and treatment techniques developed by New Zealand physiotherapist Brian Mulligan. See Mulligan's Upper Quadrant course. Participants must be registered as a physiotherapist, chiropractor, osteopath or medical practitioners with AHPRA.

Presented by Mr. Mark Oliver (certified Mulligan concepts teacher), Mark has presented Mulligan courses for more than 30 years and assisted Brian on his courses throughout the world on numerous occasions. Mobilisation with movement is one of the most popular approaches physiotherapists use to treat neuromusculoskeletal conditions. The approach is easy to learn and integrate into existing examination and treatment models. There is a large body of research validating the Mulligan concept.

The Lower Quadrant course includes:

  • MWM techniques for the foot, ankle, knee, and hip regions
  • SNAGS for the lumbar spine region. 
  • Examination and treatment techniques for lumbar neural elements
  • Treatment of muscular and soft tissue elements, including calf and tendo-achilles injuries and hamstring injuries.

This approach is easy to learn, appealing to experienced and inexperienced clinicians alike and can be quickly integrated into existing examination and treatment models.

Learning Outcomes

  • At the completion of this course, participants should have a good understanding of the Scandinavian concept of joint mobilisation.
  • At the completion of this course, participants should have a basic understanding of the Mulligan concept of mobilisation with movement and the clinical reasoning process it is based on.
  • At the completion of this course, participants should have a basic understanding of the “Pain Release Phenomenon” (PRP) concept and be able to perform PRP techniques to structures of the lower limbs and lumbar spine.
  • At the completion of this course, participants should be able to perform basic mobilisation with movement and self – mobilisation with movement treatment techniques to joints of the lower limbs and lumbar spine.
  • At the completion of this course, participants should be able to perform NAGs and SNAGs to the lumbar spine.
  • At the completion of this course, the participant should be able to perform spinal mobilisation with leg movement techniques.
  • At the completion of this course, participants will be aware of the current research and publications related to the Mulligan concept.

Participants are required to;

  1. Have a sound knowledge of human anatomy and biomechanics
  2. Be fully aware of the contraindications to manual therapy and adhere to appropriate examination and treatment guidelines
  3. Comply with the most important Mulligan Concept guideline: When applying a Mobilization with Movement (MWM) technique, if you take up the slack and it is painful, DO NOT PROCEED
  4. Possess competent handling and communication skills, to facilitate patient compliance with instructions
  5. To treat other participants with the same care and respect accorded to patients
  6. Take personal responsibility for any conditions you may have that might be exacerbated by practising manual therapy skills: INFORM YOUR FELLOW PARTICIPANTS
 mark brian new york mwm finger march 2016 modified 760

 

Mobilisation With Movement made simple!

  • Identify symptomatic or dysfunctional movement or activity
  • Apply and sustain pain-free mobilization forces
  • With the mobilization forces applied and sustained, repeat the symptomatic movement or activity
  • If the movement is then PAIN-FREE, repeat the activity three times and at the end of each movement, apply end-of-range overpressure.
  • When the symptomatic movement is re-tested, there should be a significant lessening of pain and improvement in movement
  • Depending on the presentation and response to treatment, the MWM can be repeated, modified, and progressed/integrated into self-treatment techniques and functional exercise.

Mobilisation With Movement

  • Combines passive mobilization with active movement
  • Performed in weight-bearing positions if possible and if indicated
  • A "no pain" guideline is used as a basis for sound clinical reasoning in examination and treatment
  • Clinically facilitates normal muscle function and eliminates maladaptive movement patterns and movement "fear avoidance".

A simple theoretical model for the effectiveness of MWM

  • The pain-free normal movement is achieved by applying specific forces relative to the joint plane so that neural afferent activity from innervated joint structures, surrounding ligaments, fascia, tendons, and muscles are normalized - reassertion of an appropriate response from the CNS
  • Re-establish normal mechanoreceptor and nociceptor activity responses during movement aided by: 
    • Performing the MWM in weight-bearing positions  
    • Combining with cognitive goal-directed functional movement
    • Guiding and supporting the patient as they move to INSTANTANEOUSLY eliminate fearful responses, bracing patterns, and other maladaptive compensatory movement strategies

Rural & Remote Professional Development Support

See Rural Workforce Support Agencies for details in your state or territory.

Mulligan's Upper Quadrant

Mulligans upper2

Along with Mulligan's Lower Quadrant course, this course forms one of the two 'core' units of the Mulligan Concept Program and the use of mobilisation with movement. Mobilisation with movement is one of the most popular approaches physiotherapists use to treat neuromusculoskeletal conditions. Mark has presented Mulligan courses for over 30 years and assisted Brian worldwide on numerous occasions. The approach is easy to learn and integrate into existing examination and treatment models. There is a large body of research validating the concept.

Presented by Mr. Mark Oliver (certified Mulligan concepts teacher), this 2-day practical workshop provides participants with new examinations and easy-to-apply treatment skills. Participants must be registered as a physiotherapist, chiropractors, osteopaths or medical practitioners with AHPRA.

The Upper Quadrant course includes:

  • MWM techniques for the shoulder girdle, shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand
  • SNAGS (a form of MWM for the spinal column) for the cervical and thoracic (including ribs) region
  • NAGs and SNAGs for the cervical and thoracic regions
  • Techniques for cervicogenic headaches and dizziness 
  • Techniques for treatment of upper limb neural elements. 

Mark has had the privilege of Brian’s mentoring since 1981 which continues to this day. He is Australia's most experienced Mulligan Concept teacher having taught the approach intensively since 1988.

Learning Outcomes

  1. At the completion of this course, participants should have a good understanding of the Scandinavian concept of joint mobilisation.
  2. At the completion of this course, participants should have a basic understanding of the Mulligan concept of mobilisation with movement and the clinical reasoning process it is based on.
  3. At the completion of this course, participants should have a basic understanding of the “Pain Release Phenomenon” (PRP) concept and be able to perform PRP techniques on structures of the upper limbs and cervical spine.
  4. the completion of this course, participants should be able to perform basic mobilisation with movement and self – mobilisation with movement treatment techniques to joints of the upper limb, cervical spine, thoracic spine and ribs.
  5. At the completion of this course, participants should be able to perform NAGs and SNAGs to the cervical spine.
  6. At the completion of this course, participants will be expected to be aware of the current research and publications related to the Mulligan concept.
  7. At the completion of this course, participants should be able to perform spinal mobilisation with arm movement techniques.
  8. At the completion of this course, the participant should be able to apply appropriate Mulligan Concept techniques to the upper cervical spine for headaches and autonomic phenomena associated with upper cervical dysfunction.

Participants are required to; Mull upp2

  1. Have a sound knowledge of human anatomy and biomechanics
  2. Be fully aware of the contraindications to manual therapy and adhere to appropriate examination and treatment guidelines
  3. Comply with the most important Mulligan Concept guideline: When applying a Mobilization with Movement (MWM) technique, if you take up the slack and it is painful, DO NOT PROCEED
  4. Possess competent handling and communication skills, to facilitate patient compliance with instructions
  5. To treat other participants with the same care and respect accorded to patients
  6. Take personal responsibility for any conditions you may have that might be exacerbated by practising manual therapy skills: INFORM YOUR FELLOW PARTICIPANTS

Mobilisation With Movement made simple!

  • Identify symptomatic or dysfunctional movement or activity
  • Apply and sustain pain-free mobilization forces
  • With the mobilization forces applied and sustained, repeat the symptomatic movement or activity
  • If the movement is then PAIN-FREE, repeat the activity three times and at the end of each movement, apply end-of-range overpressure.
  • When the symptomatic movement is re-tested, there should be a significant lessening of pain and improvement in movement
  • Depending on the presentation and response to treatment, the MWM can be repeated, modified, and progressed/integrated into self-treatment techniques and functional exercise.

Mobilisation With Movement

  • Combines passive mobilization with active movement
  • Performed in weight-bearing positions if possible and if indicated
  • A "no pain" guideline is used as a basis for sound clinical reasoning in examination and treatment
  • Clinically facilitates normal muscle function and eliminates maladaptive movement patterns and movement "fear avoidance".

A simple theoretical model for the effectiveness of MWM

  • The pain-free normal movement is achieved by applying specific forces relative to the joint plane so that neural afferent activity from innervated joint structures, surrounding ligaments, fascia, tendons, and muscles are normalized - reassertion of an appropriate response from the CNS
  • Re-establish normal mechanoreceptor and nociceptor activity responses during movement aided by: 
    • Performing the MWM in weight-bearing positions  
    • Combining with cognitive goal-directed functional movement
    • Guiding and supporting the patient as they move to INSTANTANEOUSLY eliminate fearful responses, bracing patterns, and other maladaptive compensatory movement strategies

Rural & Remote Professional Development Support

See Rural Workforce Support Agencies for details in your state or territory.

Mulligans TMJ

Presented by Mr. Mark Oliver (certified Mulligan concepts teacher), this 2-day practical workshop provides participants with new examination and treatment skills for orofacial pain and temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) based on the Mulligan Concept of mobilisation with movement. Mobilisation with movement is one of the most popular approaches physiotherapists use to treat neuromusculoskeletal conditions. Mark has presented Mulligan courses for over 30 years and assisted Brian worldwide on numerous occasions. The approach is easy to learn and integrate into existing examination and treatment models. There is a large body of research validating the concept.

Appropriately trained physical therapists can significantly contribute to managing temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD). This two-day practical workshop is an advanced course for clinicians (physical therapists, osteopaths, chiropractors, medical practitioners) who have completed a basic Mulligan course.  

A health professional working in the field of orofacial pain must have a sound knowledge of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and orofacial anatomy, relevant neurophysiology and pain neuroscience and the contribution of spinal dysfunction to TMD. They must also be able to perform a detailed clinical examination and develop an effective treatment plan within a biopsychosocial context. Physical therapists treating orofacial pain and TMD must have a sound appreciation of dental management and fit into a multi-disciplinary treatment team.

Physical therapists can expand their knowledge of anatomy, biomechanics, neurophysiology and pathology using e-learning or books. Still, the in-person course is the most effective way to grasp clinical reasoning concepts and master “hands-on” skills. This course will provide participants with the appropriate knowledge and skills to perform practical, precise TMJ evaluation and treatment.

SueLIsh White"Just passing on some feedback about the Mulligan's Orofacial/TMJ course - it was well worth the wait.

Mark is a fabulous presenter with the patience of a saint. His means of conveying the material made it easy to take in and understand. The catering was also excellent."

SueLin Kalisch - Physiotherapist

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this course, participants should;

• Have a good understanding of the applied anatomy of the orofacial bony, ligamentous and neuromuscular systems as they relate to the TMJ

• Have an appreciation of relevant neuroscience and pain neuroscience relating to the TMJ and orofacial region

• Have an understanding of the etiology of TMJ neuromusculoskeletal disorders

• Have a good understanding of how whole-body function and posture can contribute to TMJ dysfunction

• Be aware of the current literature related to physical examination and treatment of the TMJ (up-to-date reference list provided)

• Have a good understanding of the Mulligan concept of MWM and its clinical reasoning process 

• Be able to confidently perform a basic evaluation of the TMJ and related orofacial musculature

 • Be able to perform basic TMJ MWW and self –MWM treatment techniques

 • Be able to design and implement individualized neuromuscular exercise and “brain game” programs for the TMJ and, when indicated, integrate them into a whole-body exercise program

• Have an appreciation of how physical therapists should fit into a multi-disciplinary team treating TMD

• Be aware of other relevant forms of treatment for orofacial pain and dysfunction in a biopsychosocial context.

Course Pre Requisites

The course will be of value to all Physiotherapists who have an interest in orofacial pain, TMJ dysfunction and experience in Mulligan's concepts.

The course will include all the necessary elements for inexperienced clinicians to become proficient in the use of the concept. Experienced clinicians will learn new treatment techniques and develop advanced clinical reasoning strategies for the orofacial region.

Rural & Remote Professional Development Support

See Rural Workforce Support Agencies for details in your state or territory.