New York Naturopathic Physician Continuing Education

• List and define the components of the SINSS classification used for a lower quarter evaluation
• Recall two neurophysiological effects of joint mobilizations as applied to the lower quarter
• Cite two indications for performing grade 1-2 joint mobilizations for the lower quarter
• Identify two conditions that would warrant performing grad 3-4 joint mobilizations for the lower quarter
• Enumerate 5 contraindications for performing joint mobilizations as applied to the lower quarter
• State two specific diagnostic or impairment-based indications for performing a lateral to caudal hip joint mobilization.
• Explain the purpose for performing a posterior to anterior proximal tibiofibular glide
• Provide two common indications for performing a medial patella mobilization technique

• Discuss the history behind the discovery of and development of releasing somatic dysfunction via positional release techniques via the work of Lawrence Jones, DO, George Goodheart, DC and others
• Discuss the basic concepts of how the body responds to stress and trauma  according to Irvin Korr and how slackening the dysfunctional muscle and joint tissues works to restore normal function.
• Apply anatomy and kinesiology as a means of finding and unwinding somatic dysfunction.
• Include the learned techniques into your practice.
• Compare and contrast the rapid thrust vs. positional release modes of releasing subluxations or somatic dysfunction. 

• Summarize the muscle spindle, specifically, the anatomy and physiology of the spindle subcomponents and how it regulates function of skeletal muscle.
• Breakdown the neural reflex mechanisms of the muscle spindle and appreciate how these mechanisms operate in both somatic function and dysfunction.
• Explain the hypothesis of the “facilitated segment” aka somatic dysfunction, explained both in terms of neurology and by analogies so as to be clear to both the doctor and the patient
• Identify somatic dysfunction via locating tender points and learn the mechanism of slackening in order to relieve the tender point reactivity and restore normal function to the muscle and joint.
• Identify and correct tender point locations and positional releases.

• Define the basic principles of MRI imaging as it relates to the musculoskeletal system.
• Summarize current criteria utilized to identify Lumbar pathology and the appropriate lexicon utilized in neuroradiology to assist the Doctor of Chiropractic in interpreting studies ordered.
• Identify normal anatomy of the lumbar spine on MRI images.
• Differentiate gross pathology associated with the most common MRI presentations associated with general Chiropractic practice.
• Assess the necessity of MRI imaging for lumbar pathology, with an understanding of the pathophysiology of the degenerative process associated with lumbar spine aging

Hour 1:

• Describe the tensegrity model as it relates to biomechanics from a cellular to organism level.
• Define fascia, including anatomical lines and physical properties.
• Describe the Dural Fascial Kinetic Chain and its relationship to Adverse Mechanical Tension (AMT) on the spine and CNS.
• Describe the clinical relevance of biotensegrity, and how to apply these updated architectural and biomechanical principles to the delivery of chiropractic adjustments.

Hour 2:

• Explain the impact of chronic stress
• Recognize common signs and symptoms of sympatheticotonia during initial patient presentation.
• Outline the diagnostic process for sympatheticotonia, including both testing and interpretation.
• Summarize clinical considerations for the patient with sympatheticotonia.

Hour 3:

• Recognize and describe the common signs and symptoms of imbalance during initial patient presentation.
• Outline and demonstrate testing procedures for imbalance.
• Describe clinical interpretation of test results for imbalance.
• Make referral for imbalance when appropriate.

Hour 4:

• Describe statistical incidence and association with head and neck trauma
• Be able to recognize in clinical practice the common signs and symptoms of head and neck trauma
• Outline the diagnostic process for head and neck trauma, including both testing and interpretation.
• Summarize clinical considerations for the patient with head and neck trauma

• This contains all courses with the educational objectives listed for NeuroFascial Integration 201 - 203

Hour 1:

• Describe layered components of restrictions including updated osseous, muscular, and fascial relational anatomy.
• Describe how to palpate muscle tension versus fascial adhesion versus fascial tension lines.
• Differentiate between osseous restriction, muscular tension, and fascial restriction as they relate to spinal motion restriction.
• Use palpatory findings to select technique application for adjustments that last longer by addressing mechanical root cause and encourage parasympathetic dominance at rest.

Hour 2:

• Describe the difference between static misalignments and dynamic spinal restrictions (joints incapable of full range of motion).
• Differentiate with palpation both static and dynamic spinal restrictions.
• Describe neurological information gathered from palpation, including dysesthesia, hyperesthesia, reactive erythema, temperature differentials, and other signs.
• Palpate the patient with chronic pain, trauma history, and/or sympatheticotonia without triggering sympathetic bracing.

Hour 3:

• Describe the Oxford Grading Scale for manual muscle testing.
• Describe interpretation of manual muscle testing findings, including differentials for clinical significance of findings other than normal.
• Demonstrate manual muscle testing of major postural muscles.
• Apply manual muscle testing as pre- and post-clinical intervention measures during adjustment visits and to track change during review examination.

Hour 4:

• Describe the relevance of clinical history as it relates to chronic stress and trauma.
• List specific questions to assess for sympatheticotonia.
• List specific questions to assess for indications of head and neck trauma
• Determine appropriate individualized examination procedures based on history answers.

Hour 1:

• List the relevant indications to assess using cross-crawl patterning.
• Describe testing procedures to determine specific cross-crawl pattern issues
• Describe testing procedures to assess for signs of sympatheticotonia.
• Describe testing procedures to assess for signs of imbalance.

Hour 2:

• Perform seated functional range of motion testing with segmental and curve analysis.
• Perform standing functional range of motion testing with segmental and curve analysis.
• Describe fascial considerations to modify common orthopedic tests (including straight leg raise, supine apparent arm length inequality, bilateral prone knee flexion, and soto hall).
• List the orthopedic exam procedures specifically relevant to Fascial Kinetic Chain tension.

Hour 3:

• Describe clinical considerations in terms of safety of providing care (knowing when to adjust and when NOT to adjust).
• Define what is “primary” (including considerations of “cause” as well as “least stressful point of access” to determine what to adjust or otherwise apply therapeutic input).
• Recognize patterns of and describe gestalt clinical interpretation for sympatheticotonia.
• Recognize patterns of and describe gestalt clinical interpretation for adverse mechanical tension in the Fascial Kinetic Chain
• Describe patterns of peripheral nerve interference found through synthesis of clinical history and exam procedures.

Hour 4:

• Summarize the concept of an initial Therapeutic Trial of care, including reasoning behind it and how to complete this extension of initial assessment in order to customize patient care.
• Describe considerations for technique selection (including where to start, how intensely to adjust, and how to adjust).
• Explain reasoning behind initial frequency of care, and how/when/why to modify this frequency.
• Describe the considerations for projecting response to care and prognosis.
• Summarize guidelines for patient home care recommendations, including considerations for movement and rest, ergonomics, nutrition, and referrals when appropriate.

• Demonstrate skills to properly perform a patient interview
• Properly record a chief complaint
• Perform a neurological examination of the head and neck
• Perform a mental status examination

• This course contains all content from Neurological Exam 101 through 107. Please see educational objectives for those courses

• Cite anatomy and function of the cranial nerves
• Examine the twelve cranial nerves during a clinical examination
• Discuss disorders of cranial nerves

• Perform and chart a neurological examination of the voluntary motor system and the somatic sensory system
• Apply results of the examination findings in the differential diagnosis of patients
• Describe the three neuron pathway involved with sensorineural innervation
• Discuss multimodal sensations

• Perform an appropriate examination of the reflexes, including deep tendon, superficial, visceral and pathological reflexes
• Describe the anatomy associated with reflexes
• Properly grade and record reflexes
• Interpret the Results of Reflex Testing

• Perform an examination of the systems involved with Movement and Coordination
• Discuss cerebellar anatomy
• Differentially Diagnose by applying clinical signs of cerebellar dysfunction
• Recognize cerebellar syndromes by their anatomical areas
• Apply specific principles of examination to improve the Chiropractic Spinal Examination
• Describe specific procedures of the spinal examination

• Perform a clinical assessment of pain and function
• Explain the psychophysiological profile of pain patients
• Discuss the treatment of pain

• Maintain proper records of neurological examination in the SOAP format
• Write narrative reports reflecting the neurological examination
• Apply an outline of fundamental procedures in performing a complete chiropractic neurological examination

• Identify the neurological aspects of manipulation
• Review the basics of cellular physiology as it relates to manipulation
• Discuss action potentials and synapses
• Evolve an understanding of receptors
• Describe nociception and effects of manipulation

• Further elucidate the neurological aspects of manipulation
• Discuss nociceptive input to the spinal cord
• Review mechanoreceptors and their fibers
• Identify the relationship of mechanoreceptors with endorphin/enkephalin
• Analyze the history of referred pain patterns

• Explore current understanding of pain concepts, physiology and theories behind neuropathic pain
• Discuss in detail the relevant neurological anatomy and functional neurology
• Describe the anatomy and physiology of relevant components of human nervous system as it relates to pain receptors and neural integration
• Describe the anatomy and physiology of relevant components of human nervous system as it relates to neural plasticity, articular neurology, and mechanisms of pain

• Explore current understanding of pain concepts, physiology and theories behind neuropathic pain and allodynia
• Discuss the importance of the neurological implications of a nerve injury
• Describe mechanisms of neural plasticity
• Describe the anatomy and physiology of relevant components of human nervous system as it relates to neural plasticity, articular neurology, and mechanisms of pain

• Contrast historical versus neuroanatomical theories of acupuncture
• Describe the 4 basic mechanisms of acupuncture analgesia.
• Identify and utilize the local, segmental and central effects of acupuncture for neuropathy pain control
• Combine nutraceutical substances that may enhance the effectiveness of acupuncture
• Prepare a comprehensive acupuncture point prescription for maximum analgesic effects in patients suffering from neuropathy 
• Contrast real versus placebo acupuncture and discuss the pitfalls in placebo controlled trials
• Utilized knowledge of the effects of acupuncture on GABA, Glutamate & 5HTP to maximize acupuncture analgesia in neuropathy patients
• Utilize basic pharmacognosy to support and enhance the neurotransmitter effects of acupuncture
• Apply sensory stimulation techniques to promote Neurotrophic factors in nerve repair and regeneration
• Apply the basic science of acupuncture as a bridge to non-invasive neuromodulation in neuropathy patients

• Relate the effects of voltage gated sodium and calcium channels to the development of neuropathy
• Draw the pathways specific of TRPs, NaV 1.8 and CaV 3.2 ion channels in the nervous system
• Understand the application of selective NaV 1.8 and CaV 3.2 channel blockers in patients with neuropathy
• Discuss basic science research that links ion channels with the signs and symptoms of neuropathy
• Utilize the neurobiology of the Rubber Hand phenomena to treat patients with peripheral neuropathy.
• Discuss various ion channels and their roles in neuron hyper-excitability related to neuropathy
• Utilize natural substances that modulate ions channels related to neuropathy
• Differentiate the roles of Protein Kinase C and Aldose Reductase  in neuropathy
• Identify potential signaling pathways that are targets of neuromodulation through natural substances
• Prepare a comprehensive natural-substance management strategy for patients with neuropathy

• Discuss how insulin signaling abnormalities can directly and indirectly contribute to neuropathy
• Utilize natural substances that modulate insulin signaling pathways
• Differentiate the roles of Endocannabinoid receptors in pain processing versus recreation “High”
• Create a strategy to modulation Endocannabinoids receptors with legal natural substances for pain relief
• Understand the role of Nerve Growth Factors (NGF) in the development of symptoms of neuropathy and also the role of NGF promoting natural substances which may stimulate repair and regeneration.

• Utilize natural substances as neurotransmitter based treatments for neuropathy.
• Identify GABA modulating substances and their effects on GABA metabolism and GABA receptors
• Utilize natural substances that modulate Glutamate metabolism and receptors
• Differentiate the roles of GABA, Glutamate and Glycine receptors in pain processing
• Create a strategy to modulation neurotransmitter receptors using natural substances for pain relief

• Compared and contrast usual transcutaneous nerve stimulation techniques (TENs) with techniques of non-invasive neuromodulation using High Voltage Pulsed Galvanic stimulation
• Identify the anatomical location of electrode placement for central and peripheral non-invasive neuromodulation techniques
• Differentiate various forms of peripheral versus central non-invasive neuromodulation techniques
• Discuss the theory of application and be able to apply techniques of non-invasive neuromodulation in practice.
• Create a strategy for neuromodulation of the patient suffering from neuropathy
• Identify appropriate choices of non-invasive neuromodulation techniques for a patient suffering from neuropathy.
• Breakdown risk versus benefits of neuromodulation and be able to discuss them with the patient suffering from neuropathy
• Appraise a neuropathy patient and construct a comprehensive neuropathy treatment plan which includes non-invasive neuromodulation techniques
• Breakdown and discuss the investigational nature of non-invasive neuromodulation techniques and understand the importance of obtaining written informed consent before proceeding with non-invasive neuromodulation in neuropathy patients
• Comprehend the basic electronics of non-invasive neuromodulation techniques.

• Discuss stimulation parameters for using High Voltage Galvanic stimulation for neuromodulation
• Identify optimal ranges for pulse-width, milli-AMPs, phase and other parameters of electrical stimulation
• Differentiate and choose optimal types of electrical stimulation (TENS vs. HVG) for clinician applications
• Draw out the neuro-anatomical pathways of vagal nerve stimulation and use this information to guide appropriate use of vagal nerve stimulation in clinical practice
• Discuss the investigational nature of tVNS, potential risk-benefits, with patients and construct a treatment plan using tVNS with a properly informed and consenting patient.

• Understand the differences and similarities between TENs, low voltage and high voltage galvanic and be able to use this knowledge to select the most appropriate type to stimulation for use in ts-DC applications
• Apply precautions, other safety considerations and informed consent when administering high voltage galvanic stimulation for non-invasive spinal cord stimulation.
• Craft evidence-based treatment strategies using ts-DC stimulation for pain control and modulation of both ascending sensory and descending motor pathways based on recently published literature on central nervous systems effects of direct current stimulation.
• Be able to select optimal electrode placement for ts-DC based on clinical presentation of the patient
• Understand the basic technique for non-invasive Stellate Ganglion transcutaneous stimulation and its possible application for sympathetic maintained pain.

• Discuss the history of GVS and the historic use of GVS as diagnostic procedure.
• Identify the effects of GVS on the nervous system and use this information to construct an effective clinical protocol for his/her patient
• Apply GVS as an adjunct procedure to assist in balance rehabilitation.
• Understand and apply GVS as part of a comprehensive strategy for the treatment of neuropathic pain syndromes.
• Create a treatment protocol in terms of electrode placement, intensity, duration and precautions for the use of GVS in clinical practice.

• Communicate the risks, potential benefits and the investigational nature of tDC with a potential patient for the purpose of securing a written informed consent prior to treatment
• Understand the similarities and differences between low voltage direct current and high voltage pulsed galvanic and how to apply knowledge of their polarity specific effects in clinical neuromodulation
• Identify brain targets for neuromodulation and construct a therapeutic electrode montage, treatment protocol in terms of intensity, duration, frequency and dose of tDC 
• Explain the theory of tDC as it relates to pain modulation based on contemporaneous scientific literature
• Apply tDC  as an adjunct procedure to assist in intractable pain relief

• Compared and contrast galvanic vestibular stimulation and Tone Burst Vestibular Stimulation in the treatment of the balance impaired patient.
• Apply the polarity specific effects of the anode and cathode on the vestibular system for amelioration of common balance impairments.
• Identify the anatomical location of electrode placement for Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation.
• Create a treatment strategy using Tone Bursts based on physiological pairing of semicircular canals.
• Apply Specific Tone Protocols based on Saccule versus Utricle dysfunction in balance impaired patients.

• Recognize Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in your chiropractic patients
• Summarize the prevalence in your patient population
• Identify the type of patient that presents with TBI
• Explain why a chiropractor needs to differential diagnose TBI patients
• Compile correlations of TBI inciting factors with your patient presentations
• Demonstrate the pathology that occurs with TBI
• Classify the grades of TBI and discriminate what can be treated conservatively
• Identify the incidence of injuries that commonly cause TBI
• Evaluate the probability of TBI in your patient
• Describe the many different types of evaluations, in the field, in the office and upon referral
• Implement in-office Screening Tools and apply diagnostic criteria
• Identify the risk of post-concussive syndrome
• Detect patients with “Brain Cognitive Reserve”
• Identify Second Impact Syndrome
• Assess the value of MRI
• Identify Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy
• Integrate the current concepts of conservative treatment
• Design Cognitive Rehab
• Provide appropriate patient advice, treatment or referral options