Rhode Island Naturopathic Physician Continuing Education

• Classify functional anatomy and biomechanics of the shoulder - scapula complex
• Apply current strategies for the evaluation of patients with scapular disorders
• Perform innovative  scapular mobilization techniques for the patient with scapular dyskinesia
• Differentiate the relationship between scapular dyskinesia, soft tissue/muscle tightness, and shoulder pathology
• Integrate a systematic scapular muscle training program / protocol for patients with scapular dyskinesia

• Discuss the prevalence and etiology of temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD)
• Define the anatomy of the TMJ and surrounding facial structures.
• Recognize the three most common causes of temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) seen within the chiropractic practice.
• Outline various types of pain referral sources to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
• Evaluate the TMJ using physical examination procedures
• Compare and contrast TMJ synovitis and capsulitis
• Distinguish the difference between anterior disc displacements with and without reduction
• Describe standard imaging processes ordered for specific TMJ conditions
• Outline various conservative management options for temporomandibular disorders
• Construct a treatment plan for a typical patient with temporomandibular dysfunction
• Apply specific myofascial techniques for the muscles of mastication
• Define the co-management care of a dental professional with patients presenting temporomandibular joint dysfunction

• Discuss the state of the literature on common treatment options for adhesive capsulitis
• Apply an effective and streamlined exercise program in the management of subacromial impingement
• Recognize the value of radial nerve mobilization in patients with thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis
• Appraise the potential value of adding low-level laser therapy to other interventions for subacromial impingement
• Summarize the state of the literature regarding Kinesiotape for preventing sports injuries

Hour 1

• Determine appropriate protocols for patient progress.
• Discuss tools to reduce vertigo symptoms.
• Incorporate nutritional support for better brain function.
• Utilize brain therapy programs to improve cognition.
• Apply traction therapy to reduce intrathecal pressure.
• Introduce vision evaluation testing tools.

Hour 2

• Incorporate gaze stabilization exercises for oculomotor function. Evaluate balance and stability with a variety of tools.
• Demonstrate balance exercises to improve proprioception.
• Discuss cardio exercise to stimulate blood flow and neogenesis.
• Apply cervical strength protocols using graduated isometrics.

Hour 3

• Apply jaw exercises to reduce TMJ symptoms.
• Discuss post-exercise therapy recovery strategies.
• Demonstrate mobility exercises to improve joint function.
• Integrate therapeutic stretching protocols to improve agility.
• Illustrate self release techniques to enhance mobility.

• Present literature based dietary recommendations for Parkinson’s disease symptom management
• Discuss literature based exercise recommendations for Parkinson’s disease symptom management, with an emphasis on aerobic exercise
• Review the literature regarding acupuncture for Parkinson’s disease symptom management
• Discuss lifestyle modifications that can be helpful with Parkinson’s disease symptom management

Hour 1

• Discuss shoulder anatomy.
• Differentiate the causes of shoulder pain
• Assess joint mobility and muscle function.
• Apply manual manipulation to reduce shoulder dysfunction.
• Incorporate rehab techniques to restore strength and flexibility.

Hour 2

• Discuss scapulo-thoracic anatomy.
• Define the causes of scapulo-thoracic pain.
• Assess joint mobility and muscle function.
• Apply manual manipulation to reduce scapular dysfunction.
• Introduce rehab techniques to restore strength and mobility.

Hour 3

• Discuss gleno-humeral anatomy.
• Define the causes of gleno-humeral pain.
• Assess joint mobility and muscle function.
• Apply manual manipulation to reduce joint dysfunction.
• Introduce rehab techniques to restore strength and mobility.

Hour 1

• Discuss concussion causes and pathophysiology.
• Introduce return to play guidelines.
• Explore other return to lifestyle guidelines.
• Understand modifying factors for RTP.
• Examine concussion grading procedures.

Hour 2

• Review tools for concussion evaluation.
• Understand the health concerns of pediatric athletes.
• Incorporate strategies for pediatric patients.
• Apply pediatric RTP guidelines for football.

Hour 3

• Investigate medico-legal issues of RTP.
• Explore appropriate documentation standards.
• Read state concussion law development.
• Compare professional Position Papers.
• Discuss the role of Chiropractors.

Hour 1

• Describe techniques and principles of examination for peripheral joints
• Identify important surface anatomy of the shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand
• Identify normal range of motion of the joints of the upper extremity
• Describe how to perform an examination of the upper extremity
• Recognize common musculoskeletal abnormalities 

Hour 2

• Outline special maneuvers for the evaluation of carpal tunnel syndrome
• Outline special maneuvers for the evaluation of shoulder impingement syndrome
• Identify important landmarks necessary for the exam of lower extremities
• Describe the physical examination technique for the lower extremities
• Interpret normal findings, including range of motion of the hip, knee and ankle
• Recognize some common abnormal findings through physical examination
• Describe some special maneuvers for examination of the hip, knee and ankle

Hour 3

• Outline special maneuvers for the evaluation of knee instability.
• Outline special maneuvers for the evaluation of an inversion ankle sprain
• Distinguish the differences between anterior interosseous membrane syndrome and tibial stress fracture.
• Design a treatment plan for acute patients with myofascial dysfunction for the upper and lower extremities.

Hour 1

• Describe pathophysiology as it relates to concussions. 
• Discuss the diagnosis and prognosis of concussions.
• Review concussion red flags and dangers of manipulation.
• Understand the health concerns of pediatric athletes.
• Explore diagnostic tests to evaluate concussion status.

Hour 2

• Demonstrate non-thrust treatment techniques.
• Introduce the half-somersault maneuver for vertigo relief.
• Address cranial nerve lesions with manipulation techniques.
• Explore sleep strategies for concussed patients.
• Incorporate nutritional support for better brain function.
• Discuss cardio exercise to stimulate blood flow to the brain.

Hour 3

• Apply mobility exercises to improve musculoskeletal function.
• Integrate PreActive StretchingSM protocols to improve agility.
• Explain return to lifestyle guidelines.
• Understand modifying factors for RTP.
• Compare professional Position Papers.
• Discuss the role of Chiropractors and concussions.

• Update the findings of the Neck Pain Task Force (NPTF) and examine the effectiveness of interventions for the management of headache in patients with neck pain
• Assess the effectiveness of conservative interventions for cervicogenic headache
• Examine the extent to which changes in specific cervical spine impairments contribute to the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of treatment for chronic tension-type headache
• Evaluate existing evidence regarding the reliability and diagnostic accuracy of physical examination tests used for diagnosing cervicogenic headache (CGH)
• Outline the clinical relevance of the cervical myodural bridge

• Recall the clinical definition of adhesive capsulitis, based on shoulder range of motion measurements.
• List 5 risk factors for adhesive capsulitis.
• Enumerate the 4 pathophysiological stages of adhesive capsulitis.
• List and define the 3 sub-components of the tissue-response classification system for adhesive capsulitis.
• Provide 2 clinical findings for each of the 3 sub-components of the tissue-response classification system for adhesive capsulitis.
• State 3 treatment guidelines for each of the 3 sub-components of the tissue-response classification system for adhesive capsulitis.
• Summarize the grades of evidence for common physical therapy interventions (i.e. therapeutic exercise, joint mobilizations, modalities and patient education) for adhesive capsulitis

• Discuss the specific pattern of contracted and weak muscles found with Pelvic Crossed Syndrome.
• Discern the effects on the spine and pelvis from the spastic and weak muscle pattern.
• Apply modalities and manual methods to treat weak and contracted muscles.
• Rehabilitate weak and atrophied muscles using stretching and exercise.
• Determine spinal and pelvic effects of the abnormal muscular patterns found with Pelvic Crossed Syndrome and apply treatment protocol.

Hour 1

• Discuss a functional overview of the Cerebellar dysfunction
• Describe Cerebellar Dysfunction specifically associated with neuromusculoskeletal injury
• Identify the role of the Cerebellum in balance disorders associated with neuromusculoskeletal injuries

Hour 2

• Include physical examination procedures specific to the cerebellar system
• Perform neurological exam procedures specific to the cerebellar system
• Perform chiropractic exam procedures specific to the cerebellar system

Hour 3

• Describe therapeutic Protocols for musculoskeletal injuries with concomitant signs associated with dysfunction of the cerebellum
• Discuss structural chiropractic treatment protocols of musculoskeletal injuries with concomitant signs associated with dysfunction of the cerebellum
• Present phytonutrient protocols for musculoskeletal injuries with concomitant signs associated with dysfunction of the cerebellum

• Discuss the histological features of Scoliosis
• Discern Structural vs. Functional Scoliosis and their primary causes
• Coordinate treatment protocols to cervical, thoracic and lumbopelvic spine, rib cage and scapula for Scoliosis curvature
• Utilize modalities and soft tissue treatment methods to address functional changes resulting in a Scoliosis curvature
• Advise the Scoliosis patient in effective methods of stretching and exercise

• Discuss the specific pattern of contracted and weak muscles found with Shoulder Crossed Syndrome.
• Discern the effects on the spine, upper extremity and pelvis from the spastic and weak muscle pattern.
• Apply modalities and manual methods to treat weak and contracted muscles.
• Rehabilitate weak and atrophied muscles using stretching and exercise.
• Determine spinal, extraspinal and pelvic effects of the abnormal muscular patterns found with Shoulder Crossed Syndrome and apply treatment protocol.

• Discuss the specific pattern of fibrosis development around and within the glenohumeral joint found with Adhesive Capsulitis.
• Discern the effects of the fibrosis and adhesions on the glenohumeral joint and associated soft tissues.
• Understand the rules of treatment specific to Adhesive Capsulitis.
• Apply modalities and manual methods to treat fibrosis and adhesions in the soft tissue structures around and within the glenohumeral joint as well as associated contracted muscle tissue.
• Rehabilitate weak and atrophied muscles using stretching, exercise and modalities.

• Describe the relationship among SLAP tears, posterior shoulder tightness and scapula dyskinesis  
• Explain how to perform the modified dynamic labral shear test and summarize the clinical usefulness of this test
• Cite the clinical prediction rule (CPR) for favorable outcome in patients undergoing conservative management for SLAP lesions
• Paraphrase the efficacy of conservative treatment for patients with SLAP disorders.
• List one indication for performing an anterior to posterior mobilization of the humerus on the glenoid (posterior shoulder mobilization) 
• Identify one appropriate intervention (specific manual technique or exercise) for phase I, phase II and phase III   SLAP rehabilitation program.

• Describe the relationship among shoulder micro-instability, scapula dyskinesis and hyperlaxity  
• Explain how to perform the surprise test and summarize the clinical usefulness of this test
• Paraphrase the efficacy of conservative treatment for patients with atraumatic shoulder instability.
• Contrast the difference between a capsule reconstruction/ shift and a capsular repair.
• Cite 2 major precautions, and corresponding time frames following an anterior capsule reconstruction or repair (during the first 12 weeks)
• Identify one appropriate intervention (exercise) for phase I, phase II and phase III   post- rehabilitation program following capsular shift / reconstruction or repair

• Compare active cervical range of motion in patients with neck pain to those with whiplash or no neck pain
• Critically appraise and synthesize recommendations of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for the management of common conditions related to traffic collisions
• Investigated the possibility of posttraumatic cervical artery dissections (including those involving the vertebral artery) in patients who have sustained a whiplash injury in a motor vehicle collision
• Update findings from the Neck Pain Task Force regarding the effectiveness of manual therapies, passive physical modalities, and acupuncture for the management of whiplash and neck pain
• Determine which treatments or combinations of treatments are most effective for the management of neck pain- (NAD) and whiplash-associated disorders (WAD)

• Discuss the specific pattern of fibrosis development around and within the iliotibial band found with Iliotibial Band Syndrome at the Hip.
• Discern the effects of the fibrosis and adhesions on the iliotibial band, associated soft tissues and the functional biomechanics of the region.
• Understand the rules of treatment specific to Iliotibial Band Syndrome at the Hip.
• Apply modalities and manual methods to treat fibrosis and adhesions in the soft tissue structures around and within the iliofemoral joint as well as associated contracted muscle tissue.
• Rehabilitate weak and atrophied muscles using stretching, exercise and modalities.

• List the conditions commonly treated with medical marijuana.
• List the basic physiological mechanism that result from medical marijuana
• Explain the different cannabinol receptors known in human tissues
• Explain the benefits of cannabidiol vs. tetrahydrocannabinols
• List the specific physiological benefits for conditions commonly treated with medical marijuana
• Recognize the side effects and potential dangers of medical marijuana

• 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