Stretching in Clinical Practice
Stretching in Clinical Practice
5 Hours CE/CPD | Online Course with Dr. Cory McMillen, DAT
Stretching is one of the most widely used interventions in rehabilitation and manual therapy, yet it is often applied through habit rather than clear clinical reasoning.
Stretching in Clinical Practice provides a practical, evidence-informed exploration of stretching, flexibility, and the clinical use of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation techniques.
Presented by Dr. Cory McMillen, DAT, this course helps practitioners better understand when, why, and how different stretching approaches may be used within rehabilitation, manual therapy, and movement-based care.
Course Overview
This 5-hour CE/CPD course builds a clearer clinical framework for understanding stretching, flexibility, and tissue adaptation.
Participants will explore the physiology of stretching, the difference between flexibility and stretching, and the factors that may limit or influence range of motion, including hypermobility, neuromuscular control, and movement variability.
The course examines dynamic, static, ballistic, active, passive, and PNF stretching techniques, helping clinicians determine which method may be most appropriate for different patient presentations and treatment goals.
Supported by full webinar recordings, downloadable course materials and workbook, companion course learning, lesson quizzes, online exam, CE/CPD certificate, and lifetime access, this course provides a practical foundation for integrating stretching into clinical practice with greater confidence and precision.
What You Will Learn
| Topic | Focus |
|---|---|
| Flexibility & Stretching | Understanding the difference between flexibility, stretching, range of motion, and tissue adaptation |
| Stretching Physiology | Exploring the physiological mechanisms involved in stretching and neuromuscular response |
| Hypermobility Considerations | Recognising when flexibility is not the primary goal and when control may be more clinically relevant |
| Stretching Methods | Comparing dynamic, static, ballistic, active, passive, and PNF stretching techniques |
| PNF Techniques | Understanding the principles and clinical application of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation |
| Clinical Integration | Selecting appropriate stretching strategies for rehabilitation and manual therapy programs |
Course Content
The course combines stretching theory, flexibility science, neuromuscular control, PNF principles, practical demonstrations, and clinical decision-making.
| Module | Focus |
|---|---|
| Foundations of Stretching | Understanding stretching as a clinical intervention rather than a routine add-on |
| Flexibility and Range of Motion | Exploring factors that influence flexibility and mobility in clinical populations |
| Physiology and Neuromuscular Control | Understanding tissue adaptation, nervous system response, and motor control considerations |
| Types of Stretching | Dynamic, static, ballistic, active, passive, and assisted stretching approaches |
| PNF Stretching | Principles, rationale, and clinical application of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation |
| Clinical Application | Integrating stretching safely and effectively into rehabilitation and manual therapy treatment plans |
Who This Course Is For
This course is designed for massage therapists, physiotherapists, physical therapists, athletic trainers, manual therapists, rehabilitation professionals, and other clinicians who use stretching or flexibility techniques as part of treatment, rehabilitation, or movement-based care.
It is especially valuable for practitioners who want to move beyond generic stretching routines and apply stretching techniques with clearer reasoning, better safety, and stronger clinical relevance.
About Dr. Cory McMillen
Dr. Cory McMillen, DAT, is an experienced athletic trainer and educator with extensive experience working with collegiate athletes and teaching future clinicians.
She serves as Associate Athletic Trainer at the University of Pennsylvania, where her clinical work focuses on evidence-based rehabilitation strategies, neuromuscular control, and functional recovery.
Dr. McMillen holds both a Master of Science in Kinesiology and a Doctorate in Athletic Training from Temple University.
Included With This Course
| Included | Details |
|---|---|
| Webinar Recordings | Full webinar recordings presented by Dr. Cory McMillen |
| Course Materials | Downloadable course materials and workbook |
| Online Exam | Assessment included for course completion |
| Certificate | 5 Hours CE/CPD certificate following successful completion |
| Lifetime Access | Unlimited access to course materials for ongoing review |
