California Chiropractic Continuing Education

Hour 1

• Identify some common gait abnormalities seen in gait analysis and develop mental strategies in evaluating the 3 cardinal planes of motion and potential failures in the loading of these planes.
• Categorize the Fast and Slow phases of an imbalance asymmetrical gait and define rehabilitation strategies to remedy the gait pathology.
• Develop a conceptual overview of how step length and stride length change in a limping gait.
• Breakdown portions of the gait cycle into its component parts, including compensation patterns
• Conceptualize the gait changes oriented around a hallux (great toe) amputation and learn to predict gait compensations off of a fixed anatomic anomaly.
• Describe arm swing and how it plays out in gait, particularly asymmetrical, and develop some treatment concepts in addressing this asymmetry.

Hour 2

• Discuss the critical function of the deep neck flexors and transverse abdominus, and how they related to gait, especially the running athlete.
• Identify the 3 compartments of the thoracolumbar fascia and translate them into gait concepts and treatment concepts.
• Develop treatment concepts in addressing this asymmetry and define in-phase and out-of-phase arm and leg swing assimilation
• Discuss on a surface level the concepts of speed in gait, and how to adjust the speed of one's gait to break down gait components that might lead to better treatment directions.
• Describe central pattern generators and relate to arm swing on a neurologic level.
• Recognize some common gait abnormalities seen in gait analysis such as arm swing, step length, the cross over gait, and develop mental strategies in evaluating the 3 cardinal planes of motion and potential failures in the loading of these planes when it comes to these gait parameters.

• Present the etiology of blister and callus formation
• Review the gait cycle and the biomechanical events relevant to callus formation
• Review pronation and supination motions of the foot and how they relate to low and high gear push off
• Review the 3 rockers and how they can relate to callus formation
• Discuss the more common callus patterns in feet
• Describe the foot pathomechanics that lead to callus formation

• Describe the biomechanics of rotation of a thoracic ring at the levels T1-T7.
• Describe the biomechanics of the Cervical spine, Thoracic spine, ribs, clavicle and manubrium with elevation of the right or left shoulder.
• Describe the biomechanics of flexion and extension at the Costotransverse joint at T9.
• Describe the differences in motion of the mobile segments between T3 -T7 with side flexion occurring first in the Thoracic spine.

• Describe the physiology of breathing and how altered pH can affect the body.
• Describe two functions of the diaphragm.
• Identify limited chest expansion and Bradcliff angles and ski jumps
• Identify limited lateral costal breathing and how to facilitate normal lateral costal breathing

• Describe how altered breathing patterns can alter pH and how this can affect the body.
• Describe the autonomic nervous system and function.
• Name three physiological consequences of respiratory alkalosis.
• Describe suboptimal breathing patterns and their effect on the cervical spine and chronic pain.

• Name and describe the different types of sleep apnea.
• Describe the three levels of Apnea-hypopnea index AHI.
• List five symptoms of sleep apnea.
• List two treatments for sleep apnea.

Hour 1

• Define Ethics
• Review various ethical issues recently reported on
• Identify ethics as related to the whistleblower
• Discuss Ethical standards specific to laws in various states

Hour 2

• Discuss Ethical standards specific to laws in various states (cont’d)
• Summarize awareness related to anti-discrimination
• Classify various aspects of professional boundaries and sexual misconduct

• Simplify the progressive cause-effect relationship of disease from biochemical imbalances to physiological disturbances to cellular/organ degeneration to disease manifestation
• Identify the five primary underlying etiologies of virtually all chronic degenerative disease
• Analyze the most common antecedents and triggers that predispose your patients to disease
• Devise an evaluation algorithm that efficiently guides your testing recommendations
• Discover novel in-office testing procedures that cost-effectively demonstrate patients’ nutrient insufficiencies; unmanaged stress; toxic burden; and sleep “debt”
• Evaluate Heart Rate Variability test results to easily measure and demonstrate patients’ stress adaptability as well as their response to treatment modalities
• Discriminate the meaningful information gleaned from Bio-Impedance Analysis (BIA) testing for monitoring your patients’ health restoration progress
• Interpret evaluation results to efficiently identify which primary factors are contributing to your patients’ health challenges
• Prioritize treatment plans that address both short-term goals (symptomatic relief) and long-term goals (correction, stabilization and prevention)
• Distinguish which nutraceuticals best support patient needs based on history, exam, testing and symptomatology
• Communicate the functional medicine model of health and disease with your patients with greater clarity and ease

• Describe the current epidemiologic trends in autoimmune incidence, morbidity and mortality.
• Associate the linkage between autoimmune disease prevalence and factors including the GI microbiota composition, food immune reactions, stealth infections, molecular mimicry, lack of early diverse antigen exposure, and other elements.
• Examine the available clinical laboratory testing related to autoimmune disease risk assessment, diagnosis, and clinical management, including qPCR molecular-based evaluation of the GI microbiota.
• Explain the difference between quantitative molecular testing (qPCR) versus next-generation sequencing of the GI microbiota in the support of clinical decision making.
• Appraise the available evidence-based integrative and complementary therapeutic interventions for autoimmune disorders.

• Provide an understanding of the clinical applications of biochemical/metabolic evaluations to determine a patient’s status of nutrients, toxicants and cell regulators, and functional gastrointestinal status.
• Explain the differences between various assessments of element status
• Evaluate specific nutrient deficiency states
• Determine weaknesses in digestive, assimilative and intestinal microbiological status
• Plan and monitor nutrient interventions to correct abnormalities found by the tests

Introduction

• Distinguish the anatomical structures involved in TMJ dysfunction, including the temporomandibular joint, mandible, and associated muscles and the different types of jaw movements and their biomechanical implications.
• Interpret the normal biomechanics of the temporomandibular joint during various jaw movements.
• Identify the key ligaments and soft tissues supporting the temporomandibular joint and the factors that can lead to abnormal biomechanics and dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint.
• Explain the role of muscle imbalances and joint misalignments in TMJ dysfunction.
• Differentiate the relationship between the temporomandibular joint and adjacent anatomical structures.

Examination

• Appraise the various assessment tools used in evaluating TMJ dysfunction, such as patient history, physical examination, and imaging studies.
• Arrange a comprehensive physical examination of the temporomandibular joint, including range of motion assessment, palpation, loading, stressing, and compressing.
• Demonstrate the ability to perform a comprehensive evaluation of TMJ dysfunction and posture, including assessing range of motion, muscle strength, joint stability, and postural alignment.
• Discriminate the indications of differential diagnoses for TMJ dysfunction.
• Analyze the findings from a TMJ dysfunction and posture assessment to formulate an accurate clinical diagnosis.

Mobilization and Adjusting

• Develop a holistic approach to managing TMJ dysfunction, considering both conservative and interventional treatment options.
• Apply specific chiropractic techniques and adjustments aimed at restoring normal joint alignment and function of the temporomandibular joint and about occlusal splints and their use in managing TMJ dysfunction.
• Propose a role of therapeutic exercises and stretching in improving jaw mobility and strengthening supporting muscles and the importance of patient education and lifestyle modifications in the management of TMJ dysfunction.
• Develop a treatment plan for patients with TMJ dysfunction and posture issues, incorporating therapeutic exercises, manual therapy techniques, postural re-education, and other appropriate interventions.
• Evaluate the efficacy of potential benefits and risks associated with various treatment modalities for TMJ dysfunction and posture problems, considering evidence-based practices and patient-specific factors

• Define and classify adverse events associated with manipulation and mobilization
• Review symptoms patients perceive as adverse
• Describe the incidence of severe adverse events among chiropractic recipients
• Outline adverse events in the pregnant and postpartum periods

• Differentiate various nutrition assessment techniques.
• Determine which body fat/composition technique is most appropriate for the individual.
• Calculate essential measurements for weight loss patients.

• Design an effective nutrition treatment program for carpal tunnel syndrome
• Develop a nutritional treatment program for Multiple Sclerosis
• Investigate the role of nutrition and supplements in regards to the treatment of headaches
• Understand how nutrition and nutrition supplements can influence dementia
• Identify appropriate diet and supplement agents in the treatment of dementia

• Review the signs and symptoms of neuroinflammation and the processes that drive neurodegeneration.
• Identify the neurological signs and symptoms of long COVID and apply research-based protocols.
• Utilize dietary improvements and selected supplements to reduce neuroinflammation.
• Treatment protocols on testing to identify gut barrier and gut-brain axis imbalances.
• Recognize that neuroplasticity plays a fluctuating but essential role in health and trauma.
• Understand the effect of bacterial toxins originating in the gut on the gut-brain axis as a key to neurological disorders pathogenesis.
• Assess intestinal and blood-brain barrier dysfunction for better managing chronic neurological disorders.
• Understand new functional nutritional strategies for longevity.
• Incorporate leading-edge protocols for extending healthspan and longevity.
• Clarify the effects of intermittent fasting on immunity and longevity.
• Recognize that neuroplasticity plays a fluctuating but essential role in health and trauma.
• Integrate optimal lifestyle adaptations in diet, exercise, and supplement protocols to enhance neuroplasticity and improve quality of life.

• Understand basic concepts of health
• Identify the health spectrum
• Investigate the various facts associated with aging
• Investigate the various theories of aging

• List the major divisions and subcomponents of the neurological examination. 
• List, contrast and compare the neurological signs associated with “release phenomenon” and “deficit phenomena”.
• Contrast and compare the effects of neurological lesions on the neurological examination of the central nervous system versus the peripheral nervous system.
• Recite the implications of neurological examination findings on disorders involving various components of the central and peripheral nervous system.
• Draw the anatomy of the lower motor neuron in its relation to the spinal cord, nerve root, spinal nerve, and the neuro-myal junction.
• Describe the physical positioning of the patient during aspects of the neurological examination.
• List the subjects to question when in taking a good patient history.
• Describe and perform aspects of the neurological examination of the Cranial Nerves of the patient.
• Draw the neurologic pathways associated with the eye light reflexes.  Include reference to cells of the retina, the optic nerve, the optic chiasm, the optic tract, the Pretectal nucleus, and the Edinger Westphal nucleus.
• Describe and perform aspects of the neurological examination of the Motor Systems of the patient.
• Describe and perform aspects of the neurological examination of the Sensory Systems of the patient.
• Recite findings related to neurological “drift” performed during the neurological examination.
• Describe and perform aspects of the neurological examination of the Reflex Systems of the patient.
• Illustrate components of the muscle stretch reflex including the role of the Alpha motor neuron, Gama motor neuron, and large sensory fibers in relation to the muscle fibers and spinal cord.
• Discuss the common shorthand used for grading muscle stretch reflex responses and discuss the results of the neurological examination associated with each grade.
• Perform and discuss three versions of the extensor plantar response (extensor toe sign, Babinski sign).
• Describe and perform aspects of the neurological examination of movement of the patient.

• Appraise the latest research in terms of the incidence of ACL tears and re-tears.
• Identify the factors associated with higher ACL tear and re-tear rates based on gender and age.
• Describe the importance of “Prehabilitation” programs and their significance on outcomes.
• Analyze the reasons why non-contact knee injuries are the bulk of the problem while listing the biomechanical reasons why non-contact injuries are more prevalent.
• Discuss the objectives of early Phase 1 and Phase 2  rehabilitation protocols while outlining the criteria to be achieved for satisfactory transition from one phase to the next 
• List the objectives of Phase 3 of the rehabilitation protocol and be able to identify potential common faulty movement patterns and compensatory strategies.
• Assess, identify, and address potential limitations in mobility and stability of key core and lower extremity body regions to normalize faulty movement patterns and compensatory strategies.
• List the objectives for phase 4 of the rehabilitation protocol and provide examples of the higher-level movement patterns and compound strengthening exercises incorporated into the program.
• Identify the four common motor performance/neuromuscular imbalances associated with jumping and landing resulting in increased risk
• Describe the identifiable and modifiable risk factors associated with knee injuries and understand how to correct them via exercise and training.
• Recognize the criteria associated with the Return to Sports phase of the rehabilitation program
• Be aware of the complications and adverse events after ACL reconstruction
• Appraise the latest research in terms of common and uncommon complications/adverse events.
• Identify risk factors for the various complications.
• Describe the evaluation and assessment elements needed to identify the various complications
• Based on the evaluation/assessment data, identify and address intervention strategies for each of the complications/adverse events

• Identify exercise physiology concepts related to core conditioning
• Determine the anatomy related to the core and its function in core strength
• Design and implement a core conditioning program
• Summarize the role of psychological motivation in core conditioning
• Examine the various movements associated with core conditioning

• Explain the relationship between posture and subluxations
• Describe different types of posture
• Explain the benefits of locating subluxations in different postures
• Explain the difference between the concept of the hologram and posture
• Disucss the differences between Empirical Healthcare and Mechanistic Healthcare
• Define the three Cs - challenge, check and correct

• Summarize the concept of a subluxation as recognized by other Doctors of Chiropractic.
• List and discuss the various definitions of the term subluxation.
• Outline the basic premise of the effects of aging, subluxation and the adjustment.
• List and discuss terms used by other health professions for a similar clinical syndrome.
• Define pain, nociception and antalgia.
• Draw the basic nociceptive pathway to consciousness.
• Describe and differentiate antalgic scoliosis.
• List and discuss the various definitions of spinal adjustment, manipulation, and mobilization.
• List the deep paraspinal muscles responsible for subluxation maintenance.
• Compare and contrast paraspinal muscle response to the acute abdomen.
• List and discuss therapies used by other health professions for similar clinical syndromes.
• Describe and summarize the Maintland manipulation classifications.
• Itemize scientific evidence regarding physiologic studies regarding subluxations.
• Explain how and why documentation of a subluxation is so important for Medicare patients in chiropractic practice.
• Define requirements for chiropractic services to be covered by Medicare.
• List and discuss how a subluxation may be properly documented in the medical record for Medicare patients.

• Discuss a common origin of lumbar disc pain
• Describe the orientation of lumbar facet joints
• Identify the effect of lordosis on the position of the nucleus pulposis
• Establish how injuries of the annulus fibrosus can cause nerve root changes
• Identify the dynamic stenosis of the lumbar spine

• Identify the general anatomy of the knee joint
• Develop an intimate knowledge of the anatomy of the menisci and ligaments of the knee using gross dissection and cross-sectional imaging
• Understand the functional anatomy of the menisci of the knee and define the type and grade of meniscal tears
• Establish the conditions discoid lateral meniscus and meniscal cyst and understand the spectrum of treatment available
• Identify what type treatment is available for meniscal injuries and when it would be prudent to reevaluate a post-op patient with new knee pain

• Identify and classify injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament
• Diagnose and develop treatment for injuries to the posterior cruciate ligament
• Diagnose and develop treatment for injuries to the medial collateral ligament
• Diagnose and develop treatment for injuries to the lateral collateral ligament
• Describe and classify ostochondritis dissecans of the knee

• Differentiate ossification from calcification
• Identify the categories of ossification
• Differentiate myositis ossificans progressiva from myositis ossificans traumatica
• Discuss imaging utilization with regards to ossification
• Review common and uncommon entities predisposed to ossification or calcification

• Recognize and identify important key factors for interpreting plain film x-rays of the spine and pelvis
• Recognize important medical/legal issues regarding interpreting plain films of the spine and pelvis and be able to apply appropriate radiographic documentation requirements when charting x-ray findings in the medical record
• Identify, analyze and interpret normal and abnormal anatomical osseous structures, common congenital and acquired pathologies, common normal radiographic variants and soft tissue calcifications/structures of the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, lumbosacral spine and pelvis

Hour 1

• Select the appropriate imaging modality for suspected foreign bodies
• Identify foreign bodies on radiographs
• Identify foreign bodies CT
• Identify foreign bodies MRI
• Identify foreign bodies Ultrasound

Hour 2

• List various indications for radiographic evaluation in relationship to specific clinical scenarios
• List various limitations for radiographic evaluation in relationship to specific clinical scenarios
• Identify fracture patterns on radiographic imaging
• Identify radiographic abnormalities within the soft tissues

 Hour 3

• List various indications for MRI and CT imaging evaluation in relationship to specific clinical scenarios
• List various limitations for MRI and CT imaging evaluation in relationship to specific clinical scenarios
• Identify osseous landmarks on MRI and CT imaging
• Identify abnormalities within the bones and soft tissues on MRI and CT imaging

 Hour 4

• List various indications for ultrasound imaging evaluation in relationship to specific clinical scenarios
• List various limitations for ultrasound imaging evaluation in relationship to specific clinical scenarios
• Identify osseous landmarks on ultrasound imaging
• Identify abnormalities within the bones and soft tissues on ultrasound imaging