Chiropractor Training

Lesson 1 • History and Philosophy of Chiropractic

Traces chiropractic origins from D.D. Palmer to modern evidence-based practice. Establishes the philosophical framework guiding clinical decision-making.

Lesson 2 • Neurophysiology of Pain and Healing

Covers nociception, central sensitization, and tissue repair mechanisms. Grounds clinical reasoning in the physiological basis of patient symptoms.

Lesson 3 • Biomechanics and Spinal Kinematics

Explains motion segment mechanics, load distribution, and coupled spinal movements. Connects biomechanical principles to understanding subluxation and dysfunction.

Lesson 4 • Professional and Ethical Standards

Defines scope of practice, informed consent, and professional conduct requirements. Prepares students to meet regulatory and ethical obligations from day one.

Lesson 1 • Postural and Gait Analysis

Trains visual and instrumented assessment of static posture and dynamic gait. Findings integrate with history data to form a complete functional picture.

Lesson 2 • Structured Patient Interview Techniques

Teaches open and closed questioning strategies for comprehensive history collection. Accurate histories reduce diagnostic error and improve patient rapport.

Lesson 3 • Red Flag Screening and Triage

Identifies serious pathology indicators requiring immediate referral or imaging. Protects patient safety by distinguishing chiropractic-appropriate from contraindicated cases.

Lesson 4 • Clinical Documentation and Record Keeping

Establishes standards for SOAP notes, progress records, and legal documentation. Accurate records support continuity of care and professional accountability.

Lesson 1 • Cervical Spine Orthopedic Tests

Covers Spurling, distraction, and vascular screening tests for the cervical region. Findings guide safe manipulation decisions and referral thresholds.

Lesson 2 • Neurological Examination Skills

Assesses deep tendon reflexes, dermatomal sensation, and myotomal strength. Localizes nerve root involvement to guide spinal level targeting.

Lesson 3 • Extremity Joint Assessment

Applies orthopedic testing to shoulder, hip, knee, and ankle joints. Identifies peripheral joint dysfunction that may coexist with or mimic spinal conditions.

Lesson 4 • Principles of Clinical Testing

Explains sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios for clinical test selection. Builds the statistical reasoning needed to interpret test results accurately.

Lesson 1 • Spinal Radiograph Interpretation

Teaches systematic reading of cervical, thoracic, and lumbar radiographs. Identifies alignment, disc space, and bony pathology relevant to chiropractic care.

Lesson 2 • Imaging Modality Selection

Compares plain radiography, MRI, CT, and ultrasound for musculoskeletal conditions. Guides evidence-based imaging decisions that minimize unnecessary radiation exposure.

Lesson 3 • Pathological Findings on Imaging

Identifies fractures, tumors, infections, and degenerative changes on imaging studies. Distinguishes contraindicated from treatable conditions before initiating care.

Lesson 4 • Imaging Report Communication

Trains students to read radiologist reports and communicate findings to patients clearly. Bridges technical imaging language and patient-centered explanation.

Lesson 1 • Thoracic Spine Adjustment Techniques

Covers prone, supine, and seated thoracic manipulation procedures. Addresses rib articulation adjustments and their role in thoracic mobility restoration.

Lesson 2 • Cervical Spine Adjustment Techniques

Teaches diversified and toggle-recoil adjustments for the cervical spine. Emphasizes pre-adjustment screening and precise contact point placement for safety.

Lesson 3 • Principles of Spinal Manipulation

Explains cavitation, joint gapping, and neurophysiological effects of manipulation. Establishes the theoretical basis for technique selection and expected outcomes.

Lesson 4 • Lumbar and Pelvic Adjustment Techniques

Teaches side-posture lumbar roll, sacroiliac adjustment, and lumbar flexion-distraction. Develops force control and patient stabilization for the lower spinal region.

Lesson 1 • Shoulder and Elbow Joint Adjusting

Covers glenohumeral, acromioclavicular, and elbow manipulation procedures. Addresses common upper extremity conditions encountered in chiropractic practice.

Lesson 2 • Hip, Knee, and Ankle Adjusting

Teaches manipulation and mobilization of major lower extremity joints. Integrates lower limb treatment with lumbar and pelvic care for whole-body outcomes.

Lesson 3 • Myofascial Release Techniques

Applies sustained pressure and stretching to release fascial restrictions. Reduces muscle guarding that limits joint mobility and adjustment effectiveness.

Lesson 4 • Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization

Uses specialized tools to detect and treat fibrotic soft tissue adhesions. Accelerates recovery in chronic musculoskeletal conditions resistant to manual therapy alone.

Lesson 1 • Stretching and Flexibility Programs

Applies static, dynamic, and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching methods. Restores joint range of motion and reduces muscular tension limiting adjustment outcomes.

Lesson 2 • Therapeutic Modalities as Adjuncts

Reviews ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and cold laser as adjunct therapies. Guides evidence-based modality selection to enhance rehabilitation outcomes.

Lesson 3 • Principles of Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation

Covers tissue healing phases, exercise dosing, and progression criteria. Aligns rehabilitation planning with the biological timeline of injury recovery.

Lesson 4 • Strengthening and Functional Movement

Prescribes resistance training and functional movement patterns for musculoskeletal recovery. Builds the strength and coordination needed for sustained pain-free function.

Lesson 1 • Co-management and Interprofessional Referral

Establishes protocols for co-managing patients with physicians, physical therapists, and specialists. Builds collaborative networks that improve complex patient outcomes.

Lesson 2 • Outcome Measurement and Progress Review

Applies validated outcome tools to track patient progress objectively. Enables data-driven decisions about continuing, modifying, or discharging care.

Lesson 3 • Complex and Chronic Case Management

Addresses biopsychosocial factors, comorbidities, and treatment-resistant presentations. Equips students to manage patients who do not follow standard recovery trajectories.

Lesson 4 • Differential Diagnosis Construction

Builds ranked differential diagnosis lists from history, examination, and imaging data. Trains systematic hypothesis testing to reach accurate working diagnoses.