Differentiating Between Lumbar vs SI vs Hip Dysfunction

This webinar provides a structured, evidence-based approach to help clinicians confidently differentiate between lumbar spine, sacroiliac joint (SIJ), and hip dysfunction during orthopedic manual therapy evaluations. Through five key sections, participants will learn to recognize non-musculoskeletal indicators from the patient history, understand overlapping pain referral patterns, perform and interpret a comprehensive lumbopelvic hip exam, and apply evidence-based screening and special tests to accurately identify the origin of pain. Clinicians will leave this webinar better equipped to refine their musculoskeletal diagnoses, streamline treatment planning, and improve patient outcomes.

Webinar Schedule

Saturday

December 6, 2025

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM ET

Live Webinar via Zoom

Approved for 3 CEU hours in most states. Check state approval below.

Instructor: Michelle Bachelor

$119.00 incl. Tax

Saturday

March 7, 2026

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM ET

Live Webinar via Zoom

Approved for 3 CEU hours in most states. Check state approval below.

Instructor: Michelle Bachelor

$119.00 incl. Tax

Saturday

December 5, 2026

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM ET

Live Webinar via Zoom

Approved for 3 CEU hours in most states. Check state approval below.

Instructor: Michelle Bachelor

$119.00 incl. Tax

At the completion of this seminar, the participant will be able to:

  • Confidently palpate and correctly differentiate each of the muscles covered in class in the upper extremity, trunk and lower extremity
  • Independently demonstrate how 10 muscle dysfunctions relate to common symptom patterns found within the body
  • Correctly and independently state and locate the origin and insertion of each of the muscles covered in the class
  • Describe at least 5 functional synergist patterns
  • Independently state at least 3 possible drivers of a dysfunction based on clinical presentations

At the completion of this webinar, registrants will be able to:

  • Clearly state 3 challenges of differential diagnosis of this body area due to the overlapping of signs and symptoms.
  • Clearly state 3 systemic signs and symptoms, and be aware of visceral referral that can mimic musculoskeletal LBP, SIJ, and hip pain
  • Clearly describe 3 ways how muscle testing and neurological screening during the lumbopelvic hip exam can help with differential diagnosis
  • Clearly describe 3 spinal nerve vs peripheral nerve dysfunction through differential muscle testing
  • Clearly describe 3 appropriate screening and special tests that can be used for the lumbar spine, hip and SIJ
  • Clearly describe 3 ways that the results of lumbopelvic exam and clinical testing are used to help rule out/rule in lumbar, SIJ or hip dysfunction

Section 1 – Recognizing Systemic and Visceral symptoms (Non-musculoskeletal indicators) learned from Subjective/History (20 minutes)
Section 2 – Pain Sources that Refer to Low back, SIJ and Hips (20 minutes)
Section 3 – Performing and Interpreting the Lumbopelvic Hip Orthopedic Examination (60 minutes)
Section 4 – Using Evidence-based Screening and Special Testing to help Rule In/Rule Out lumbar, SIJ and Hip as origin of pain (60 minutes)
Section 5 – Putting it all together with understanding examination results and clinical pearls (20 minutes)

Will I receive any course materials?

Yes, you will receive a PDF version of the course lecture slides/manual upon registration

Does this count for live CEUs?

These courses count for live CEUs in most states (the same live credit as our in-person courses), as you have real-time interaction with the instructor and your classmates. Check official state approvals under the State CEU Approvals dropdown below, and check with your licensing board for their stance on live webinar courses.

When will I receive my certificate?

You will receive a certificate of completion within 3 business days after the course, usually the Monday after (may fall to spam).

This webinar is approved for 3 hours in the following states for PTs and PTAs: AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MO, MT, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NV, NC, ND, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WY

If you do not see your state listed above, please contact info@glseminars.com for clarification.

Webinar Instructors

Michelle Bachelor

PT, DPT, CIMT, CMPT, FDN-CS

Michelle received her Bachelor’s of Health Science as well as her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Grand Valley State University. She is also credentialed through Great Lakes Seminars and the North American Institute of Orthopedic Manual Therapy (NAIOMT), earning both her CIMT and CMPT certifications in manual therapy. Michelle’s approach to physical therapy is holistic with an emphasis on spinal and peripheral joint mobilization, muscle energy technique, myofascial release, functional dry needling, and therapeutic exercise. In her spare time, you’ll find her enjoying the outdoors on the water, on the ski trails, mountain biking, disc golfing, hunting, and traveling with her husband.

michelle bachelor headshot

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