Chiropathy Course

Lesson 1 • Introduction to the Subluxation Complex

Defines the vertebral subluxation complex and its five-component model. Bridges basic science to clinical reasoning used throughout the course.

Lesson 2 • History and Philosophy of Chiropractic

Traces chiropractic origins from D.D. Palmer to modern evidence-based practice. Grounds students in the profession's core principles before clinical content begins.

Lesson 3 • Musculoskeletal Physiology

Reviews muscle fiber types, joint physiology, and connective tissue properties. Prepares students to understand tissue responses to chiropractic intervention.

Lesson 4 • Neuroanatomy for Chiropractors

Examines the central and peripheral nervous systems with emphasis on spinal nerve roots. Connects neural pathways to the clinical concept of vertebral subluxation.

Lesson 1 • Palpation Skills and Motion Analysis

Develops static and motion palpation skills for identifying joint restriction and tissue changes. Palpation findings are integrated with other examination data for diagnosis.

Lesson 2 • Clinical Reasoning and Differential Diagnosis

Applies hypothetico-deductive reasoning to synthesize examination findings into a working diagnosis. Students practice ruling out contraindications before proceeding to care.

Lesson 3 • Comprehensive Patient History

Teaches structured intake interviewing, chief complaint analysis, and red-flag screening. Accurate history-taking is the first step in safe clinical decision-making.

Lesson 4 • Orthopedic and Neurological Testing

Introduces validated orthopedic and neurological tests for spinal and extremity conditions. Students learn to select, perform, and interpret tests within a clinical context.

Lesson 5 • Diagnostic Imaging Interpretation

Covers plain-film radiograph analysis, MRI basics, and imaging report interpretation. Students learn when to order imaging and how findings alter clinical decisions.

Lesson 1 • Cervical Biomechanics and Listing Systems

Reviews coupled motion patterns of the cervical spine and introduces listing nomenclature. Accurate listings are prerequisite to selecting the correct adjustment vector.

Lesson 2 • Cervical Mobilization and Soft Tissue

Covers low-velocity cervical mobilization and adjunctive soft tissue methods. Provides alternatives when high-velocity thrust is contraindicated.

Lesson 3 • Gonstead Cervical Technique

Applies Gonstead analysis and adjustment protocol to the cervical spine. Students integrate X-ray analysis with palpation findings to select precise contact and vector.

Lesson 4 • Diversified Cervical Adjustments

Teaches the Diversified high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust for each cervical segment. Emphasis on contact specificity, line of drive, and controlled force delivery.

Lesson 1 • Lumbar Adjustment Techniques

Covers side-posture, prone, and flexion-distraction lumbar adjustments. Students develop body mechanics and patient communication skills for lumbar care.

Lesson 2 • Instrument-Assisted Spinal Adjusting

Introduces activator and impulse instrument techniques for the full spine. Provides a low-force option applicable to patients with osteoporosis or acute pain.

Lesson 3 • Thoracic Biomechanics and Listings

Examines thoracic coupled motion, rib articulations, and listing conventions. Accurate thoracic analysis is essential before applying adjustment forces in this region.

Lesson 4 • Sacropelvic Analysis and Adjustment

Addresses sacroiliac joint mechanics, pelvic listings, and adjustment techniques. Pelvic balance is foundational to lumbar and lower extremity outcomes.

Lesson 5 • Lumbar Biomechanics and Listings

Reviews lumbar facet orientation, disc mechanics, and listing systems for the lumbar spine. Correct listing identification prevents adverse outcomes during lumbar adjustment.

Lesson 1 • Lower Extremity Anatomy and Assessment

Covers hip, knee, ankle, and foot anatomy with functional movement screening. Lower extremity dysfunction directly affects pelvic and lumbar mechanics.

Lesson 2 • Lower Extremity Adjustment Techniques

Applies adjustment and mobilization techniques to the hip, knee, ankle, and foot. Students integrate lower extremity care with pelvic and lumbar treatment plans.

Lesson 3 • Extremity Rehabilitation Integration

Combines chiropractic adjustment with targeted rehabilitation exercises for extremity joints. Students design integrated care plans that address joint function and muscle balance.

Lesson 4 • Upper Extremity Adjustment Techniques

Teaches adjustment and mobilization of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand joints. Students apply appropriate force and vector for each joint's unique anatomy.

Lesson 1 • Traction and Decompression Therapy

Covers mechanical traction, intersegmental traction, and spinal decompression protocols. Students learn patient selection criteria and contraindications for decompression care.

Lesson 2 • Electrotherapy Modalities

Covers therapeutic ultrasound, interferential current, and TENS applications. Students match modality parameters to tissue depth, pain type, and healing phase.

Lesson 3 • Soft Tissue Therapy Techniques

Introduces trigger point therapy, myofascial release, and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization. Soft tissue work prepares muscles and fascia for more effective spinal adjustment.

Lesson 4 • Photobiomodulation and Emerging Modalities

Introduces low-level laser therapy and other emerging physical modalities with current evidence. Students critically evaluate new technologies before integrating them into practice.

Lesson 1 • Cervical and Thoracic Rehabilitation

Addresses deep cervical flexor training, scapular stabilization, and thoracic mobility exercises. Cervicothoracic rehabilitation reduces recurrence and improves postural alignment.

Lesson 2 • Patient Education and Home Exercise Programs

Teaches methods for designing, demonstrating, and monitoring home exercise programs. Patient adherence to home programs is critical for long-term chiropractic outcomes.

Lesson 3 • Lower Extremity and Gait Rehabilitation

Designs hip, knee, and ankle strengthening programs linked to gait correction. Lower extremity rehabilitation supports pelvic balance and lumbar outcomes.

Lesson 4 • Core Stabilization Training

Covers lumbar stabilization theory and progressive core exercise protocols. Core stability is foundational to preventing recurrence of spinal complaints.

Lesson 1 • Clinical Documentation and Record-Keeping

Covers SOAP note structure, progress notes, and regulatory documentation requirements. Accurate records protect practitioners legally and support continuity of care.

Lesson 2 • Interprofessional Collaboration and Referral

Develops skills for co-managing patients with medical, allied health, and specialist providers. Effective referral networks expand patient outcomes beyond chiropractic scope.

Lesson 3 • Practice Setup and Business Fundamentals

Covers clinic layout, equipment selection, staffing, and basic financial management. Sound business foundations allow practitioners to focus on patient care.

Lesson 4 • Evidence-Based Practice and Research Literacy

Teaches critical appraisal of chiropractic research and integration of evidence into clinical decisions. Research literacy ensures practice evolves with the best available evidence.

Lesson 5 • Risk Management and Patient Safety

Identifies adverse event risks, contraindication screening, and incident reporting protocols. Proactive risk management reduces harm and supports a culture of safety.