Jim Rivard

PT, DMT, MOMT, OCS,
SCS, FAAOMPT

jimrivard@mtipt.com

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Credentials:

Physical Therapist
Doctor of Manual Therapy
Master of Orthopedic Manual Therapy
ABPTS Board Certified Sports Clinical Specialist
ABPTS Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy
Program Director: MTIPT Sports Residency
Team Physical Therapist: Seattle Seawolves Professional Rugby
Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists

pronouns: He | Him | His

locations: First Hill

year joined mti team: 1998

languages: English

offering telehealth? Yes

What Patients Think About Jim Rivard

"I feel Jim gave me my life back!!!"

Before I began working with Jim Rivard, I was unable to walk more than 400 yards without significant hip and pelvic pain. An MRI revealed severe lumbar spinal stenosis as well as two herniated discs. The orthopedic surgeon I saw told me there was no hope other than surgery. A year after weekly sessions with Jim as well as a home exercise program, I am walking 2 miles with no pain, and I’m able to work in my kitchen, standing for two hours. I feel Jim gave me my life back!!! Although I’ll never climb a mountain, I can go on easy hikes with my grandsons with NO pain. Jim is the best, knowledgeable and a problem solver. He didn’t give up on this 73 year old grandmother and I am so grateful!!!

- Laurie S

"I’ve only received excellent treatment"

Jim Rivard makes every other PT look like a clown. I’ve only received excellent treatment from him, and he truly is performing at a higher level than 99% of PTs working today.

- Katty B

"I have improved."

I have received both manual therapy and exercises to build strength at MTI. I find the knowledge and patience of the therapists I’ve worked with admirable. And I have improved.

- Ellen P

"My family highly recommends Jim Rivard and MTI!"

My family highly recommends Jim Rivard and MTI! Over a decade of getting physical therapy from Jim due to various health conditions, my family and I have received the most effective care and results from Jim’s responsive and expert therapy. A bonus is his wonderful sense of humor, spiced with kindness.

- A P Y

"I would recommend MTI for any physical therapy needs."

I’m currently working with Jim at MTI Physical Therapy for a WC injury. Not only is Jim incredible at listening and showing great empathy for me as a person (the pain and stress that comes with trying to heal/recover from an injury, dealing with workers comp and the aggravation there, having previously had a different physical therapist that was treating my injury as though it wasn’t real or serious, etc), he is kind, encouraging, and thorough in his treatment…Their therapists are incredibly talented and in sync with their patients, the premises are clean and open (no claustrophobia!), and they have many more tools and toys to help fix you up than my previous PT did. Welcoming, caring, talented and knowledgeable! Please consider utilizing their expertise if you’re in need of physical therapy…

- Toni M.

"Thanks for helping me achieve my goals!"

Jim Rivard is the best. This is a great organization. They know how to pinpoint what I need and then follow through. MTI is the best. Thanks for helping me achieve my goals!

- Carol B

About Jim Rivard

Jim Rivard is the founder and co-owner of MTI Physical Therapy. His journey began before graduating from physical therapy school in 1988, when he was introduced to a Norwegian approach emphasizing advanced manual therapy, tissue training for healing, and functional return to sport. Inspired by this innovative model, Jim pursued postgraduate training through the Ola Grimsby Institute, earning both a Master’s and Doctorate in Orthopedic Manual Therapy.

Board Certified in both Sports and Orthopedics, and a Fellow in Orthopedic Manual Therapy, Jim brings expertise in sports and post-surgical rehabilitation, spinal injuries, headaches, concussions, and motor vehicle-related injuries. He also holds a certificate in Chronic Pain Management from McGill University.

Driven by a passion for lifelong learning and clinical excellence, Jim established MTI as a teaching clinic for postgraduate training in sports, orthopedics, and manual therapy. He has served as a clinical mentor, instructor, examiner, and Chief Academic Officer for the Ola Grimsby Institute. Since 1992, he has taught over 250 courses across the U.S. and in more than 11 countries. He is co-author of three rehabilitative exercise textbooks and has published original research on rehabilitative exercise.

Jim has extensive clinical experience with professional athletes in baseball, basketball, and rugby. He serves on the medical team for the Seattle Seawolves professional rugby team, providing sideline care and treatment for concussion, neck, and back injuries. Regardless of your athletic level, Jim offers the same elite care he provides to the pros.

He also developed and now directs MTI Physical Therapy’s accredited Sports Residency Program, helping train a new generation of Board Certified specialists. This team actively supports local sporting events, including youth soccer, collegiate baseball, and semi-pro rugby. He is so confident in the skills of these graduates that he will even let them treat him!

Nationally, Jim has held leadership roles within the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists (AAOMPT), including President, Treasurer, Member-at-Large, and Chair of the DEI Committee. His contributions have earned the John McMillen Mennell Service Award from AAOMPT, the Clinical Excellence Award from the Physical Therapy Association of Washington, and the Hallvard Award for teaching from the Ola Grimsby Institute.

Jim shares a life rooted in healing and education with his wife, a master clinician and instructor in acupuncture and herbal medicine. Together, they enjoy traveling for teaching, conferences, and exploring art, history, and nature.

Specialties

Sports Physical Therapy
Manual Therapy
Orthopedics
Tissue Repair Training (TRT)

Jim Rivard works with…

First Hill Team

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Education

Graduate Certificate in Chronic Pain Management. McGill University, Montreal, Canada (2019)
Doctorate of Manual Therapy, the Ola Grimsby Institute (2008)
Manual Therapy program – Part II, the Ola Grimsby Institute (1992-1993)
Masters of Orthopedic Manual Therapy – Part I, the Ola Grimsby Institute (1991)
Bachelor’s of Science in Physical Therapy , University of Puget Sound (1988)

Certifications / Additional Training

Owen's Recovery Certified Blood Flow Restriction Therapy Practitioner
Certification in Chronic Pain
Certified in Functional Movement Systems
Spinal Manipulation Endorsement

Publications

Rivard J, Unsleber U, Schomacher J, Erlenwein J, Petzke F, Falla D. Activation of the semispinalis cervicis and splenius capitis with cervical pulley exercises. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice 30 (2017) 56-63.
Rivard J, Grimsby O. Exercise Dosage and Design for Cervical Rehabilitation. Manuelle therapie (German). 17:14-18, 2013.
Rivard J, Olson S, Hobusch R. Dynamic isometric exercise in cervical spine rehabilitation. Scientific Physical Therapy 9(2): 1-15, 1999. [non peer review]
Rivard J, Power B, Hinson B, Olson S. The efficacy of spinal manipulation: A literature review. Scientific Physical Therapy 7(3):1-12, 1997. [non peer review]
Rivard J. Treatment for lateral collateral ankle ligament sprain: Final exam question part II manual therapy. Scientific Physical Therapy 5(1):1-11, 1994. [non peer review]

Research

Eccentric work as related to percentages of one isometric maximum. Pilot study completed August of 1993.
Poster Presentation Repetitions versus percentage of a one isometric maximum [1 IM] for eccentric shoulder external rotation. International Federation of Orthopedic Manipulative Therapists, 6th International Conference, Lillehammer, Norway, April 21-26, 1996.

Co-Authorship

Science, Theory and Clinical Application in Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy: Applied Science and Theory (Volume 1, 2008).
Science, Theory and Clinical Application in Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy: Scientific Therapeutic Exercise Progressions: The Neck and Upper Extremity (Volume 2: 2008).
Science, Theory and Clinical Application in Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy: Scientific Therapeutic Exercise Progressions: The Back and Lower Extremity (Volume 3: 2009).
Author and developer for the Manual Therapy Exercise Kit: www.VHIkits.com, an exercise program for physical therapists to produce exercise documents and home exercise programs.

Invited Guest Speaker

APTA Combined Section Meeting. Boston, Massachusetts
American Physical Therapy Association State chapter conferences: Alaskan, California, Florida, Idaho, Louisianan and Washington.
World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT) Congress. Cape Town, South Africa
International Federation of Orthopedic Manipulative Therapists (IFOMPT), Lillehammer, Norway.
3rd World Congress of the International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine. Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Exposanità. International Health Care Exposition. Bologna, Italy
University invitations: Grand Valley State University, University of Kansas, and University of Puget Sound.
American Academy of Physical Therapy Annual Conference (AAPT)
de Symposium Sportletsels. (Symposium on Sports Medicine) Antwerp, Belgium.
Ola Grimsby Institute Annual Competency Forum
The American Academy of Physical Therapy 30th Anniversary Conference.
Global Physiotherapy Congress. Atlanta, GA
North American Institute of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy (NAIOMPT) Portland, Oregon
The 5th Annual Mid-American Sports Medicine Conference: The Institute for Preventative Sports Medicine. Dearborn, Michigan

Credentials

PT - Physical Therapist
DPT - Doctor of Manual Therapy
MOMT - Master of Orthopedic Manual Therapy
SCS - ABPTS Board Certified Sports Clinical Specialist
OCS - ABPTS Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy
Program Director: MTIPT Sports Residency
Team Physical Therapist: Seattle Seawolves Professional Rugby
FAAOMPT - Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists

Professional Affiliations

Member (2019): American Academy of Physical Therapy (AAPT)
Member (2016): International Association for the Study of Pain
Fellow (1995): American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists (AAOMPT)
Member (1988): Physical Therapy Association of Washington (PTWA)
Member (1988): American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
- Orthopedic Section

Instructorship

Program Director/Faculty/Clinical Mentor: MTI Physical Therapy Sports Residency Program (2019 to Present)
Board of Instructors for The Ola Grimsby Institute (1992-present)
Clinical mentor for orthopedic residency and manual therapy fellowship programs

Appointments/Positions

President: AAOMPT (2014 – 2017)
OGI: Chief Academic Officer (CAO) (2013-2017)
AAOMPT Executive: Member at Large (2012-2014)
AAOMPT Executive: Treasurer (1995-2001)
The Ola Grimsby Institute: Vice President (2001-2012)
The Ola Grimsby Institute: Board of Directors (1998-present)
The Ola Grimsby Institute: Board of Examiners (1994-2005)
The Ola Grimsby Institute: Board of Instructors (1992-present)

Awards

2020 Generation Achievement Award. The Ola Grimsby Institute
2019 John McMillan Mennell Service Award from the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists
2019 Best of Bellevue: Physical Therapy. Bellevue Awards Program
2016 Award for Clinical Excellence for the Physical Therapy Association of Washington
2011 Ola Grimsby Institute Instructor Award
The 1995 “Hallvard” from the Ola Grimsby Institute. Given for excellence- in teaching, sharing of knowledge, skills and self- to facilitate and motivate others as both teachers and students.

Favorites

Physical Therapy Interests: Sports Concussion, Sports Manual Therapy, Acute Sport Injuries, Whiplash, Spine, Lower Extremities, Biomechanical Analysis and Teaching.
Sport: Basketball, Baseball, Tennis, Rugby
Northwest Recreation Spot: Lake Washington
Northwest Band: Soundgarden