Course Outline

1. Current models of joint dysfunction, nerve interference, disturbed autonomic function, back pain, abnormal restrictive barriers:

A. Understand the neurology of the back, the causes of back pain, somatic referred pain & radicular pain.
B. Understand the current concepts of nerve interference: altered afferent & motor patterns, proprioception, kinesthetic perception, fine motor tuning, & joint stability.

2. The use of valid, reliable and responsive outcome measures to document appropriateness and efficacy of chiropractic care:

A. Understand, document & quantify physical impairment, disability, pain intensity.
B. Improve record keeping & documentation of patient responsiveness & eliminate disputes about the effectiveness & reimbursability of care.
C. Quantify the need for supportive care.
D. Learn to use the Mercy Guidelines to substantiate your treatment plan & document the need for prolonged care in complicated cases.

3. The latest research by health economists on cost-effectiveness:

A. Understand the current literature, be able to explain the studies demonstrating chiropractic is less expensive, yet more effective than medicine for the same diagnoses.
B. Document the cost-effectiveness of chiropractic in terms of workers compensation studies, reduction of disability, chronicity & time loss from work.

4. The latest scientific evidence on chiropractic effectiveness, restoration of function, pain relief, and patient satisfaction:

A. Understand the new paradigms of health care research
& be able to explain why restoration of function must occur at the
same time as pain relief .<br>
B. Understand the limitations of the medical diagnostic model. Be
able to explain the goals of health care as restoration of function
& general health & the evidence that strongly supports the chiropractic
wellness model. <br>
C. Be able to explain how chiropractic may improve athletic ability,
increase optimal performance & reduce the likelihood of reinjury.

5. Tissue injury, repair and the role of Chiropractic care. Understand the:

A. Stages of healing
B. Goals of chiropractic care & management of each stage
C. Effects of movement on scar tissue deposition
D. Rehabilitation & restoration of function
E. Passive care & active care

6. Beneficial effects of adjustments. Understand and be able to explain the:

A. Effects on proprioception
B. Effects on muscle tone & muscle balance
C. Effects on gating mechanisms & pain relief
D. Effects on athletic ability E. Restoration of normal biomechanical function
F. Effects on discal & cartilage nutrition
G. Effects on the autonomic nervous system
H. Effects on connective tissue & acceleration of healing

7. Educating patients, attorneys, judges, jurors, medical doctors:

A. Understand & explain acute & chronic conditions & the role of chiropractic care
B. Be able to explain the benefits & goals of chiropractic care to patients, medical doctors, insurance companies
C. Educate medical doctors & learn how to markedly increase patient referrals from them
D. Increase patient compliance, referrals & improve outcomes