Validating Chiropractic:
Chiropractic and Exercise

Course Outline


1. Current models of joint dysfunction, nerve interference, disturbed autonomic function, back pain, abnormal restrictive barriers:
  1. Understand the neurology of the back, the causes of back pain, somatic referred pain & radicular pain.
  2. 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:
  1. Understand, document & quantify physical impairment, disability, pain intensity.
  2. Improve record keeping & documentation of patient responsiveness & eliminate disputes about the effectiveness & reimbursability of care.
  3. Quantify the need for supportive care.
  4. 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:
  1. Understand the current literature, be able to explain the studies demonstrating chiropractic is less expensive, yet more effective than medicine for the same diagnoses.
  2. 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:
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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:
  1. Stages of healing
  2. Goals of chiropractic care & management of each stage
  3. Effects of movement on scar tissue deposition
  4. Rehabilitation & restoration of function
  5. Passive care & active care
6. Beneficial effects of adjustments. Understand and be able to explain the:
  1. Effects on proprioception
  2. Effects on muscle tone & muscle balance
  3. Effects on gating mechanisms & pain relief
  4. Effects on athletic ability E. Restoration of normal biomechanical function
  5. Effects on discal & cartilage nutrition
  6. Effects on the autonomic nervous system
  7. Effects on connective tissue & acceleration of healing
7. Educating patients, attorneys, judges, jurors, medical doctors:
  1. Understand & explain acute & chronic conditions & the role of chiropractic care
  2. Be able to explain the benefits & goals of chiropractic care to patients, medical doctors, insurance companies
  3. Educate medical doctors & learn how to markedly increase patient referrals from them
  4. Increase patient compliance, referrals & improve outcomes