BayGrass Institute

10/13/2025

During our recent course, Vagus Nerve Disorders: A Manual Therapy Approach, we discussed how the vagus nerve contributes to parasympathetic nervous system function and autonomic balance, all of the pathways of the vagus nerves, and the implications of Polyvagal Theory to a manual therapy clinical practice.

This class, held at the Kennedy Krieger Institute International Center for Spinal Cord Injury at White Marsh on September 27-28, 2025, reviewed the vagal nuclei and all of the branches of the right and left vagus nerves and the similarities and differences of the two sides. We also discussed how each branch affects the physiology of the local area in addition to overall autonomic function.

During lab we identified the anatomical structures through which each of the branches travel and how different somatic dysfunctions can affect vagal nerve function of that branch. Participants then practiced various manual therapy techniques to treat these dysfunctions, including muscle energy, functional technique, fascial release, and autonomic nervous system balancing.

We look forward to our next course, Biotensegrity: A New Approach to Manual Therapy on December 6-7, 2025.

10/10/2023

During our recent session – Manual Therapy Treatment of the Genitourinary System, we discussed how to treat disorders in the urinary and reproductive systems. We look forward to presenting the second part of our three-part series on the spine – A Segmental Review of the Spine – Part 2 (T5-L2) that will be held on December 2-3, 2023.

During our recent session – Manual Therapy Treatment of the Genitourinary System, we discussed how to treat disorders in the urinary and reproductive systems of both men and women that are contributing to patients’ complaints. These complaints include not only specific ones related to the functi...

08/28/2023

While treating sciatica can be tricky, finding the true cause is not as hard as you might think, which will lead you to more successful treatments. Despite the common presence of a higher level of pain, successful treatment can occur if you follow a few important rules.

Treating patients who complain of sciatica can be daunting as they are often in quite a lot of pain. This higher pain intensity, can be explained, at least in part, by the sciatic nerve possessing a larger amount of ASIC acid-sensing cells than many other nerves. As a result, the pain response from....

05/31/2023

During our recent session we reviewed the anatomy, biomechanics, and pathomechanics of lower extremity injuries. We look forward to our class, Manual Therapy Treatment of the Genitourinary System to be held on September 30-October 1, 2023.

View Larger Image During our recent session – Manual Therapy Approach to Evaluation and Treatment of Common Lower Extremity Injuries, we discussed how each part of the lower extremity into pelvis and trunk need to function properly and in a coordinated manner. Failure of this process can lead to m...

02/21/2023

This class reviewed the anatomy, biomechanics, embryology and neurology of the spine from levels C1 through T4. Multiple treatment options were demonstrated and practiced. Part 2 (T5-L2) that will be held on December 2-3, 2023.

During our recent session – A Segmental Review of the Spine – Part 1 (Cranial Base to T4), the first part of a 3-part series, we discussed the part each segment of the spine from levels C1 through T4 plays in movement and daily activities; autonomic nervous system imbalance; circulation; […]

10/27/2022

Registration is now open for A Segmental Review of the Spine – Part 1 (Cranial Base to T4) on December 3-4 when we will discuss the role each segment of the spine from levels C1 through T4 plays in movement and daily activities; autonomic nervous system imbalance; circulation; and gastrointestinal, respiratory, and cardiac function.

This class will discuss the role each segment of the spine from levels C1 through T4 plays in movement and daily activities; autonomic nervous system imbalance; circulation; and gastrointestinal, respiratory, and cardiac function.

06/01/2022

During our recent session – Manual Therapy Approach to Evaluation and Treatment of the Cervical Spine, we discussed the mechanical function of the cervical spine in normal conditions and in dysfunction, including its transition with the base of the cranium and upper thorax.

The cervical spine is involved with many pain complaints in the neck, upper trunk, head, and upper extremities. It may also be a factor in conditions affecting the heart and respiratory system. During our recent session – Manual Therapy Approach to Evaluation and Treatment of the Cervical Spine, w...

01/27/2022

We have an exciting lineup of classes at the BayGrass Institute in 2022 – so mark your calendar to plan ahead. Be sure to sign up early – space is limited – to beat the price increases as they get closer.

We have an exciting lineup of classes in 2022 - so mark your calendar to plan ahead. Be sure to sign up early - space is limited - and beat the price increases as they get closer.

12/10/2021

During our recent session, we discussed how treating aberrant physiology involving digestion can help to decrease pain complaints, restore gastrointestinal function, and improve restrictions of body motion.

Gastrointestinal disorders are a common non-musculoskeletal reason why people have pain, systemic inflammation, and difficulty performing their desired activities. Many of these gastrointestinal disorders involve problems with digestion. During our recent session – Manual Therapy Treatment of the ...

10/26/2021

During our recent session – New Fascial Considerations in a Manual Therapy Practice – we discussed how treating fascial restrictions in the appropriate tissue layer can speed up the healing process by improving oxygen delivery to and waste removal from impacted areas, remove pain signals, and restore proper motion.

While treatment of fascial restrictions has been a part of manual therapy for years, there has been greater emphasis on joint dysfunctions and muscle tightness. However, recent research findings have suggested that the fascia is playing a much bigger role than previously understood in regard to tiss...

03/23/2020

This video was posted my friend and colleague Neal O'Neal and describes how COVID-19 can overpower the lungs and ways to combat it. It is a wonderful supplement to the written material I have provided previously. Stay well, everyone.

Non medical person information to help with avoidance of Coronavirus.

03/23/2020

I have written a comprehensive guide focused on manual therapy treatments that can be used to change the microenvironment around the cells of the respiratory system to allow healing to occur. I hope you find this helpful as we continue to realize the impact of the coronavirus on our population. Please share with other manual therapists!

During, and especially after the COVID-19 virus has been controlled enough to allow us to resume our normal lives, we may see a slew of patients that present with aching and/or restriction in the upper trunk, neck, and head. Attached you will find a comprehensive guide focused on the treatment to ch...