Polyvagal Theory, Stress, and MSK Pain
Polyvagal Theory, Stress, and MSK Pain
This course includes
The instructors
Overview
Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain does not exist in isolation from the nervous system. Stress, perceived safety, and autonomic regulation play a significant role in how pain is experienced, modulated, and sustained. This introductory course explores Polyvagal Theory as a framework for understanding how the autonomic nervous system (ANS) responds to stress and how these responses may influence MSK pain, movement, and engagement in care.
Rather than presenting Polyvagal Theory as a treatment approach, this course offers clinicians a foundational lens to expand clinical reasoning and patient communication. Participants are introduced to key concepts such as autonomic states, neuroception, and safety, with practical discussion on how these ideas may fit within a biopsychosocial model of care.
This course is designed to spark curiosity and build understanding, not to provide comprehensive protocols or advanced nervous system interventions.
This course is part of a larger series. You can find all of the courses in this series by going here.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
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Describe foundational concepts of Polyvagal Theory relevant to MSK care
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Recognize how stress and autonomic nervous system states may influence pain and function
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Differentiate between states of safety, mobilization, and shutdown in a clinical context
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Reflect on how nervous system regulation may impact patient engagement and response to care
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Identify opportunities to integrate a nervous system–informed perspective within professional scope of practice
Audience
This course is intended for healthcare professionals working with individuals experiencing pain or functional limitations, including:
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Physiotherapists / Physical Therapists
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Occupational Therapists
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Chiropractors and manual therapists
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Athletic therapists and exercise professionals
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Clinicians seeking a deeper understanding of stress, pain, and nervous system interactions
It is particularly well suited for clinicians who are:
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New to Polyvagal Theory
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Interested in broadening their biopsychosocial clinical reasoning
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Looking for an accessible entry point into nervous system–informed care
Participant Feedback
Participants describe this course as engaging, informative, and a strong introduction to a complex topic:
“A terrific amount of information… very knowledgeable folks sharing. Good information to have in your toolbox.”
“It was a nice introduction that increased my understanding. I wish to learn more in order to include it into my practice.”
“Very good and practical.”
“Excellent! I enjoyed the hands-on breath/relaxation piece—such an interesting topic.”
Several participants noted that the course sparked interest in deeper learning, highlighting its role as a foundational introduction rather than an exhaustive exploration of Polyvagal Theory.
The instructors
BHSc (PT)
Carolyn is the co-owner of Reframe Rehab, a teaching company engaged in breaking down the barriers internationally between pelvic health, orthopaedics and pain science. Carolyn has practiced in orthopaedics and pelvic health for the past 37 years. She is a McKenzie Credentialled physiotherapist (1999), certified in acupuncture (2002), and obtained a certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in 2017.
Carolyn received the YWCA Women of Distinction award (2004) and the distinguished Education Award from the OPA (2015). Carolyn was recently awarded the Medal of Distinction from the Canadian Physiotherapy Association in 2021 for her work in pelvic health and pain science.
Carolyn has been heavily involved in post-graduate pelvic health education, research in lumbopelvic pain, speaking at numerous international conferences and writing books and chapters for the past twenty years in pelvic health, orthopaedics and pain science.
MPT, C-IAYT
Marlysa is a physiotherapist and yoga therapist with over 15 years of experience working with people suffering with chronic pain conditions. She is an Assistant Professor in Yoga Therapy and Integrative Health Sciences at Maryland University of Integrative Health and holds an adjunct position at Emory University, where she teaches the integration of yoga and mindfulness into physical therapy practice in the DPT program. She is also the author of Understanding Yoga Therapy: Applied Philosophy and Science for Well-being and co-editor of Yoga and Science in Pain Care: Treating the Person in Pain as well as several peer-reviewed articles.
Marlysa has been involved in the professionalization of the field of yoga therapy through the educational standards committee of IAYT, which helped to define the competencies for the field, and in characterizing the yoga therapy workforce through research. Her research interests focus on defining the framework and explanatory model for yoga therapy based on philosophical and neurophysiological perspectives.
Material included in this course
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Course Materials
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Welcome
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Introduction
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Automatic Activations
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Automatic Activations Summary
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Clinical Applications
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Clinical Applications Summary
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Demonstration
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Questions
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What's Next?
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Feedback
How can I get this course for free?
Embodia Membership gives you access to a wide range of evidence-based courses, clinical tools, and resources all in one place. As a member, this course (and many others) is included at no additional cost, helping you save time and money while staying up-to-date in your practice.
If you’re not yet a member, non-members can still access the course for a one-time fee. Joining Embodia unlocks this course plus hundreds of hours of additional education and clinical resources, making membership the most convenient and cost-effective way to continue learning.
You can learn more about membership options available on the Embodia membership pricing page.
Is a certificate of completion included with this course?
Once you have completed the course, a certificate of completion (including learning hours and course information) will be generated. You can download this certificate at any time. To learn more about course certificates on Embodia please visit this guide.
This can be used for continuing education credits, depending on your professional college or association. If this course has been approved for CEUs in specific jurisdictions, it will be noted on the course page and CEU information may be added to your course certificate. Please read this guide for more information.