PGP: The Pelvic Girdle Puzzle

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PGP offers a broad introduction to the Functional Manual Therapy® system of patient care with an intensive focus on the anatomical region of the pelvis. This lab-intensive course blends material from a spectrum of the core curriculum courses and then expands upon that material providing additional techniques and concepts not presented in the core-curriculum classes. PGP is designed to meet the needs of both individuals new to IPA, and those seeking to expand their knowledge beyond the core-curriculum of IPA.

In the IPA Functional Manual Therapy® (FMT) paradigm, the pelvis functions as the central axis of both movement and stability, creating far-reaching influences on movement. Therefore, to optimize human motion and stability, one must understand and assess the full-body impact of pelvic structure and function.

PGP explores the biomechanical and functional impact of the pelvis on the kinetic chain both above and below the pelvis. Through demonstration and supervised lab sessions, the participant will develop advanced skills of evaluation, differentiation of mechanical, neuromuscular, and motor control dysfunctions, and implementation of an appropriate plan of care and utilization of Functional Mobilization techniques to treat identified dysfunctions. Systematic functional and structural pre and post-assessments objectify the effectiveness of each intervention. The systematic FMT® treatment approach instructed in all IPA courses allows for seamless transitions between evaluation and treatment of identified impairments as an ongoing process in a session-to-session (reflection-on-action) and moment-to-moment (reflection-in-action) basis.

Objectives

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

  • Identify the biomechanical and functional relationship of the pelvis to the trunk and extremities
  • Differentiate and treat soft tissues, joints, and viscera of the pelvic region
  • Identify, describe, assess, and treat the eight (8) specific biomechanical motions of the innominate (including abduction and adduction)
  • Identify, assess, and treat the specific functional and accessory motions of the sacrum in relationship to both L5 and each innominate
  • Identify, assess, and treat the specific functional and accessory motions of the coccyx
  • Examine the implications of coccyx mobility on the kinetic chain and total body function
  • Seamlessly integrate appropriate neuromuscular re-education and motor control training following each mobilization
  • Synthesize the information gained through objective and subjective evaluations to create a realistic prognosis for each patient
  • Develop a dynamic home program, relevant to each identified pelvic girdle dysfunction
  • Analyze and discuss clinical evidence and current literature related to the pelvic girdle for assessment and treatment.

Requirements & Additional Information

  • Required Course Preparation

    • Prior to the classroom portion of this course, all students must complete the required course preparation which includes videos, quizzes, and articles. Once enrolled in a course, required course preparation can be found by logging on to your IPA account and selecting “My Upcoming Courses.”  If you have any trouble accessing the required course preparation please email [email protected] for assistance.  Prep time varies by course so be sure to review required course work immediately following your purchase to allow for sufficient time to complete assignments prior to the start of the course.  To receive CEUs all required course preparation must be completed prior to course commencement.
    • Please have your fingernails filed and trimmed.
    • Please review pelvic girdle and lumbar spine anatomy.

  • Required Equipment

    • Release of Liability Form: Complete the Release of Liability Form and bring it to the course.
    • Course Manual: PDF or printed course manual
    • Half Foam Roll: (12″ x 6″ which measures 3″ tall at the apex since the 6″ round is cut in half).
    • Mobilization Belt: 1.5″ x 8′.
    • Dycem 5” x 5”: Premium or Regular Dycem
    • Sacral Block or Sacro Wedgie
    • Towel: Large enough to provide lumbar or cervical support
    • Pillow: We suggest that you bring the pillow you normally sleep on for direct feedback and learning.
    • Two Pillowcases

    NOTE:  You may order from IPA or from a number of other providers.  IPA orders that are received three weeks prior to a course, and clearly request shipment to a course, may be shipped directly to the course.  All other orders will be shipped to the address given on the order.

    Optional Equipment:

    • Spiral Bound Manual: Optional printed & spiralbound manual may be purchased with the course (PDF manual included with tuition)
    • Kong Tool
    • Snowman Tool with Hat
    • Neoprene Mobilization Belt Pad
    • Water Bottle: Water is not always immediately available
    • Coffee / Snacks: You are welcome to bring your own coffee, tea and snacks, as these will not be provided

  • CEU Information

    16 Contact Hours

    To receive CEUs all required course preparation must be completed PRIOR to course commencement.

    Approved for PTs in NY, IL, and CA.  For a different state, please check with your state board for reciprocity of CEU approval from one of these states.  IPA will provide the standard documentation needed for individual state approval if your state does not accept reciprocity.  OTs, and PTAs should check with their approving body to determine if the PT approval is acceptable.

    For ATCs – This course has been approved by the BOC for Category A contact hours.

  • Price Information

    Earlybird Price: $700 / Regular Price: $750

    Earlybird Discounts: Register at least one month prior to course commencement and receive a discount of approximately 10%.  Register early and save!

    Student / New Professional Discounts: Students and First Year New Professionals can receive a 20% discount. Full details here.

    Repeat Discounts: IPA makes two (2) spots in each in-person course available at half-price for those repeating a course within five (5) years.  Registration for the half-price spots is on a first-come basis.  You must register by phone to receive a half-price repeat spot.  Registering online will result in you being charged full price. Credits cannot be issued once your transaction is complete.  Half-price tuition does not include a course manual or any supplies distributed at the course. Full details here.

  • Recommended Reading and Viewing
  • Audience & Attendance

    PT, PTA, OT, OTA, SPT, OTS, & ATC

    Attendees agree to utilize all skills of evaluation, assessment and treatment learned in this course to the extent allowed under the regulations of their professional practice act. By registering you acknowledge that your attendance does not represent authorization by the IPA, or any of its officers, to utilize any of the material learned which may lie outside of the strict interpretation of your practice act.

    Each attendee is expected to complete the required pre-course work before the course begins, and attend all hours of instruction to receive a certificate of completion. Any exceptions to this policy must be pre-approved in writing by the Directors.

  • Lab Clothing

    • Each participant’s body must be accessible for observation and treatment of the lumbar spine, abdomen, pelvis and hip.
    • Shorts which allow access to the upper hamstrings
    • Please refrain from wearing large or sharp jewelry.
    • It is recommended to wear layers for comfort between labs as temperatures may vary in the room.

  • Breaks

    Meals are not provided. You are welcome to bring your own coffee, tea and snacks, as these will not be provided by the facility.  Please be mindful of your snack choices as you will be consuming them among the other participants.

  • Instructor Note

    While specific instructors are scheduled for each course, circumstance may necessitate instructor changes. In addition, the final number of instructors is determined by enrollment.  Course refunds or transfers are not granted related to changes in the designated instructor or number of instructors.

     

    Instructor/Participant Ratio:

    • 1 Instructor:  ≤ 20 participants
    • 2 Instructors:  22 – 32 participants
    • 3 Instructors:  ≥ 34 participants

Dates & Locations

  • Water and Sports Physical Therapy
    San Diego, CA

    Apr 11, 2026 - Apr 12, 2026
    Jeremy Simmons
    Schedule Location Date & Time
    Course:
    Course Check-in
    Location:
    Water and Sports Physical Therapy
    San Diego , CA
    Date:
    Starts at 7:30 am PDT
    Ends at 8:00 am PDT
    Course:
    Saturday
    Location:
    Water and Sports Physical Therapy
    San Diego , CA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am PDT
    Ends at 6:00 pm PDT
    Course:
    Sunday
    Location:
    Water and Sports Physical Therapy
    San Diego , CA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am PDT
    Ends at 4:00 pm PDT
  • On the Move PT & Pilates
    Belmont, CA

    Jun 13, 2026 - Jun 14, 2026
    Jeremy Simmons
    Schedule Location Date & Time
    Course:
    Course Check-in
    Location:
    On the Move PT & Pilates
    Belmont , CA
    Date:
    Starts at 7:30 am PDT
    Ends at 8:00 am PDT
    Course:
    Saturday
    Location:
    On the Move PT & Pilates
    Belmont , CA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am PDT
    Ends at 6:00 pm PDT
    Course:
    Sunday
    Location:
    On the Move PT & Pilates
    Belmont , CA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am PDT
    Ends at 4:00 pm PDT
  • Broadlawns Medical Center
    Des Moines, IA

    Jun 27, 2026 - Jun 28, 2026
    Gregory Law
    Schedule Location Date & Time
    Course:
    Course Check-in
    Location:
    Broadlawns Medical Center
    Des Moines , IA
    Date:
    Starts at 7:30 am CDT
    Ends at 8:00 am CDT
    Course:
    Saturday
    Location:
    Broadlawns Medical Center
    Des Moines , IA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am CDT
    Ends at 6:00 pm CDT
    Course:
    Sunday
    Location:
    Broadlawns Medical Center
    Des Moines , IA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am CDT
    Ends at 4:00 pm CDT
  • Emory University Hospital
    Atlanta, GA

    Aug 29, 2026 - Aug 30, 2026
    Cheryl Wardlaw
    Schedule Location Date & Time
    Course:
    Course Check-in
    Location:
    Emory University Hospital
    Atlanta , GA
    Date:
    Starts at 7:30 am EDT
    Ends at 8:00 am EDT
    Course:
    Saturday
    Location:
    Emory University Hospital
    Atlanta , GA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am EDT
    Ends at 6:00 pm EDT
    Course:
    Sunday
    Location:
    Emory University Hospital
    Atlanta , GA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am EDT
    Ends at 4:00 pm EDT
  • Fox Valley Physical Therapy and Wellness
    St. Charles, IL

    Sep 26, 2026 - Sep 27, 2026
    Gregory Law
    Schedule Location Date & Time
    Course:
    Course Check-in
    Location:
    Fox Valley Physical Therapy and Wellness
    St. Charles , IL
    Date:
    Starts at 7:30 am CDT
    Ends at 8:00 am CDT
    Course:
    Saturday
    Location:
    Fox Valley Physical Therapy and Wellness
    St. Charles , IL
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am CDT
    Ends at 6:00 pm CDT
    Course:
    Sunday
    Location:
    Fox Valley Physical Therapy and Wellness
    St. Charles , IL
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am CDT
    Ends at 4:00 pm CDT
  • Barrows Physical Therapy-Fresno
    Fresno, CA

    Oct 3, 2026 - Oct 4, 2026
    Jeremy Simmons
    Schedule Location Date & Time
    Course:
    Course Check-in
    Location:
    Barrows Physical Therapy-Fresno
    Fresno , CA
    Date:
    Starts at 7:30 am PDT
    Ends at 8:00 am PDT
    Course:
    Saturday
    Location:
    Barrows Physical Therapy-Fresno
    Fresno , CA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am PDT
    Ends at 6:00 pm PDT
    Course:
    Sunday
    Location:
    Barrows Physical Therapy-Fresno
    Fresno , CA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am PDT
    Ends at 4:00 pm PDT