Vagus Nerve Disorders: A Manual Therapy Approach

Overview

Many patient complaints have an autonomic nervous system imbalance as a major contributing factor. Recent research studies have shown how vagal nerve stimulation can have a positive impact on numerous health conditions. Manual therapy can also help balance the autonomic nervous system. This course will focus on the vagus nerve, its branches, and their contribution to parasympathetic nervous system function and autonomic balance. We will examine the pathways of the right and left vagus nerves and the similarities and differences between them. Specific evaluation and manual therapy techniques will be presented for locating and treating the somatic dysfunctions that can influence vagal function.

Learning Objectives (upon completion)

1. The student will understand the anatomical location of the right and left vagus nerve pathways.
2. The student will understand how dysfunctions affecting vagal nerve function can affect the body’s physiology.
3. The student will understand how to evaluate for the presence of somatic dysfunctions that may be affecting vagal nerve function.
4. The student will understand how to treat somatic dysfunctions that may be affecting vagal nerve function.

Details

Duration: Saturday, September 27, 2025 from 8am-5pm; Sunday, September 28, 2025 from 8am-4pm

Location: Kennedy Krieger Institute
International Center for Spinal Cord Injury at White Marsh
425 Williams Court
Suite 116
Middle River, MD 21220

Price: $595 / person (price increases to $620 one week prior to class date)

Number of Attendees: 15-20

Instructors: Robert Cohen, M.A., P.T. and Jon Laking, M.A., P.T.

Contact: Robert Cohen, M.A., P.T. at 410-321-9292 or bob@baygrassinstitute.com

Target Audience: Healthcare providers – M.D., D.O., P.T., A.T.C., M.T., R.N., O.T., and other licensed or certified Healthcare Providers.

Continuing Education Credits: NCBTMB Approved Provider #1418. This course is awaiting approval by NCBTMB and the Maryland Board of Physical Therapy Examiners for 1.5 CEUs (15 credit hours).