Teaching Programs

Comprehensive evidence based teaching programs are offered that emphasise both safety and effectiveness in the delivery of High Velocity Low Amplitude (HVLA) thrust techniques. 

Teaching/Learning modules in Spinal Manipulation have been developed by the authors of the text 'Manipulation of the Spine, Thorax and Pelvis' and have been successfully taught in Universities and to licensed health care practitioners in Australia, New Zealand, North America, Asia and Europe. 

Three teaching/learning modules are currently offered.  These can be modified to suit the skill level of participants and outcomes desired by course organisers.  The modules broadly follow the outlines below: 

 

Spinal Manipulation - Foundations
Spinal Manipulation - Essentials
Spinal Manipulation - Masterclass

spinal manipulation module 1

Spinal Manipulation - Foundations

LEARNING OUTCOMES/OBJECTIVES

At the completion of the Module, participants should be able to:

  • Discuss current best evidence relating to the use of High Velocity Low Amplitude
    (HVLA) thrust techniques.
  • Describe risks and benefits of HVLA thrust techniques as applicable to each region of the spine.
  • Describe absolute and relative contraindications of HVLA thrust techniques.
  • Discuss evidence supporting the use and interpretation of clinical tests for vertebrobasilar insufficiency (VBI), cervical artery dysfunction and upper cervical spine instability.
  • Discuss the rationale for the use of HVLA thrust techniques.
  • Describe and demonstrate spinal positioning and locking in different regions of the spine necessary to ensure patient comfort, safety and the effective delivery of HVLA thrust techniques.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in the delivery of HVLA thrust techniques for cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacroiliac regions.
Day 1
Welcome and Introductions.
Introduction to HVLA thrust techniques:

• Cavitation
• Indications for the use of HVLA thrust techniques
• Complications/contraindications/red flags & safety
• Evidence Summary
• Clinical Decision Making
Principles of spinal locking using a coupled motion model.
Lumbar spine HVLA thrust techniques.
Lunch
Safety and cervical spine HVLA thrust techniques, cervical artery dissection and upper cervical spine instability.
Kinematics and coupling - cervical spine.
Spinal positioning and locking - cervical spine.
Cervical Spine HVLA thrust techniques.
Summary and Discussion.
Day 2
Review
of Day 1 cervical spine techniques.
Sacroiliac kinematics, pain provocation testing.
Sacroiliac HVLA thrust techniques.
Thoracic spine HVLA thrust techniques.
Lunch
When to use HVLA thrust techniques.
Review of Day 1 lumbar thrust techniques.
Review of cervical spine HVLA thrust techniques.
Summary and Discussion.

Useful pre-reading - Foundations

Gibbons P, Tehan P.  Manipulation of the Spine, Thorax and Pelvis. 4th Edition: Edinburgh: Elsevier, 2016.  ISBN: 978-0-7020-5921-6

spinal manipulation module 2

Spinal Manipulation - Essentials

LEARNING OUTCOMES/OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of the Module, participants should be able to:

  • Discuss current best evidence relating to the use of High Velocity Low Amplitude (HVLA) thrust techniques.
  • Describe risks and benefits of HVLA thrust techniques as applicable to each region of the spine.
  • Demonstrate enhanced proficiency in pre-thrust spinal positioning in the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacroiliac regions.
  • Demonstrate enhanced proficiency in the delivery of HVLA thrust techniques for cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacroiliac regions.
  • Describe and demonstrate the spinal positioning and locking used in upper cervical, cervicothoracic, and lumbosacral HVLA thrust techniques necessary to ensure patient comfort and safety.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in the delivery of HVLA thrust techniques for the upper cervical, cervicothoracic, and lumbosacral spine.
Day 1
Introduction and Opening Remarks.
Introduction to HVLA thrust techniques.
Principles of spinal locking using a coupled motion model.
Lumbar spine HVLA thrust techniques.
Safety and cervical spine HVLA techniques.
Kinematics and coupling - cervical spine.
Cervical spine HVLA upslope techniques.
Summary and Discussion.
Day 2
Review of safety and clinial decision making.
Cervicothoracic junction HVLA thrust techniques.
Lumbar spine HVLA thrust techniques - technique refinement.
Cervical spine HVLA upslope thrust techniques - technique refinement.
Cervical spine HVLA downslope thrust techniques.
HVLA thrust techniques and disc lesions.
Upper cervical spine HVLA thrust techniques.
Lumbosacral junction HVLA thrust technique.
Summary and Discussion.
Day 3
Sacroiliac joint HVLA thrust techniques.
Cervical spine HVLA upslope thrust techniques - technique refinement.
Thoracic spine HVLA thrust techniques.
Review of upper cervical spine techniques.
Review of cervicothoracic junction HVLA thrust techniques.
Lumbar spine HVLA thrust techniques - technique refinement.
Review of L5-S1 HVLA thrust technique.
Review of cervical spine HVLA downslope thrust techniques.
Summary and Discussion.

A 2 day "Essentials" Program can be conducted in conjunction with the 2 day "Foundations" program.

Useful pre-reading - Essentials

Gibbons P, Tehan P. Manipulation of the Spine, Thorax and Pelvis. 4th Edition. Edinburgh: Elsevier, 2016. ISBN: 978-0-7020-5921-6  


spinal manupulation module 3

Spinal Manipulation - Masterclass (1.5 Day Program)

Learning Outcomes/Objectives

Upon completion of the Module, participants should be able to:

  • Demonstrate a consolidation of existing knowledge and performance in pre-thrust spinal positioning for HVLA thrust techniques.
  • Demonstrate a consolidation of existing knowledge and performance in the use of HVLA thrust techniques for the spine, thorax and pelvis.
  • Describe and demonstrate the spinal positioning and locking used in thoracolumbar and rib HVLA thrust techniques.
  • Describe and demonstrate minimal leverage positioning and the use of momentum induced thrust techniques for the spine, thorax and pelvis.

This Module is tailored to meet the needs of participants in addressing frequently encountered problems with the safe and effective delivery of specific HVLA thrust techniques. All techniques will be taught with an emphasis on final minor adjustments, the use of momentum and minimal leverage positioning.

Day 1
Introduction and Opening Remarks.
Review of:

• Biomechanical principles
• Cervical artery dissection and upper cervical spine instability
Clinical decision making and evidence informed medicine related to the use of HVLA thrust techniques.
Identification of difficulties experienced in the application of HVLA thrust techniques by participants.
Cervical Spine: Down slope supine - cradle and chin hold.
Thoracolumbar Spine: T10-L2,Neutral and Flexion positioning.
Cervical Spine: Up slope sitting - front and side.
Rib Cage: Ribs 1 – 3 and Ribs 4 – 10.
Cervicothoracic Junction: Sidebending - Sitting.
Lumbar and Lumbosacral Spine: L1-5 Sitting, L5-S1 Neutral positioning.
Upper Cervical Spine.
Summary and Discussion.
Day 2 (half day)
Sacroiliac Technique and Sacrococcygeal Technique.
Cervical Spine: Up slope supine - chin and cradle holds.
Thoracic Spine: Supine Rotation Thrust.
Upper Cervical Spine.
Cervicothoracic Junction: Rotation - Prone.
Summary and Discussion.

A 1 day "Masterclass" program is also available.

Useful pre-reading - Masterclass

Gibbons P, Tehan P. Manipulation of the Spine, Thorax and Pelvis. 4th Edition. Edinburgh: Elsevier, 2016. ISBN: 978-0-7020-5921-6