Overview

Knowledge Is Now is Partnering with MasseryPT, LLC to bring you this live Webinar! This event is a live event only and will not be recorded.

Date/Time: Monday, November 16, 2026 | 5:30pm – 8:00pm Central Standard Time

Course Description:

What causes reflux? Is it really such a big deal? Can it be related to my patients’ motor/postural deficits? The speakers addressed these questions during their highly acclaimed presentation at the 2024 APTA Combined Sections Meeting in Boston. They are bringing the same information and energy to a live webinar format.

The speakers explore the causes of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) from a biomechanical and medical perspective, establishing the connections between the gastrointestinal (GI) system, the diaphragm, postural stability, and the body’s physical response to reflux’s noxious stimulus. Pediatric clinical symptoms of GERD are presented and explained, such as atypical posturing, feeding difficulties, respiratory problems, chronic constipation, torticollis, balance impairments, toe-walking and long-term postural abnormalities. The speakers make a compelling argument that screening their patients’ internal organs for their role in health and mobility conditions should be routine for all pediatric therapists. Therapy interventions are suggested from the neonate to the young adult.

Following this course, participants will be able to:

Describe the anatomy/physiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease and its medical and physical causes and consequences.
Describe the impact of pressure in the abdominal and thoracic cavities on the five major roles of the diaphragm (breathing, reflux management, gastrointestinal motility, postural control, and venous return) and describe how the diaphragm functions as an integral part of the gastric junction.
Identify clinical symptoms of reflux in our patients from infancy to adulthood and describe secondary complications /consequences of untreated GERD.
Identify tools for PT clinical assessment of GERD and suggest clinical interventions to minimize its adverse effects on pediatric populations.

This course meets the requirement for Professional Development hours towards your ASHA renewal since it is approved by TSHA! You can count these hours towards ASHA renewal when you submit your Compliance Form.

Curriculum

1 Section
2 Lessons
Lifetime

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Course Curriculum
2
- 1.1
  01 – Handouts – Coming soon!Copy
- 1.2
  02 – Video Link – Coming soon!Copy

Instructor

Mary Massery & Margie Mizera

Margie Gutrich Mizera

Dr. Mizera received her B.S.in Physical Therapy from University of Illinois in 1978, and her DPT from Governors State University in 2019. She was Co-Director of a private pediatric practice for 27 years, and has worked in hospitals, schools and in Early Intervention (EI). She is currently working at La Rabida Children’s Hospital in Chicago. Margie has advanced training in NDT, manual therapy, and myofascial release. Her studies have centered around treatment of the infant/young child, emphasizing routines-based handling in the treatment of torticollis and reflux. Dr. Mizera is a member of the APTA Pediatric Task Force on Reflux, which is working to develop clinical practice guidelines.

Mary Massery

Dr. Massery has been a practicing physical therapist for 40+ years. Her doctoral research pioneered the concept of managing trunk pressures as a new way to visualize core stabilization. She has presented over 1,000 lectures and courses linking motor behaviors to breathing and postural mechanics in all 50 US states and in 18 countries. Dr. Massery has received the American Physical Therapy Association’s highest clinical award, The Florence Kendall Practice Award, for "outstanding and enduring contributions to the practice of physical therapy,” and she was named Outstanding Alumnus of the Year by each of her three universities. She continues to maintain a private practice in Chicago, specializing in breathing and postural dysfunction.