Virginia Chiropractic Continuing Education

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.

• This contains all courses with the educational objectives listed from Management of Common Conditions 216 through Management of Common Conditions 221

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 Autonomic nervous System
• Describe Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction specifically associated with neuromusculoskeletal injury
• Identify the role of the Vagus Nerve in Controlling the Inflammatory cascade with neuromusculoskeletal injury

Hour 2

• Include physical examination procedures specific to autonomic nervous system and vagus nerve dysfunction
• Perform neurological exam procedures specific to autonomic nervous system and vagus nerve dysfunction
• Perform chiropractic exam procedures specific to autonomic nervous system and vagus nerve dysfunction

Hour 3

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

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.

• Discuss the specific pattern of fibrosis development around and within the plantar myofascia of the foot.
• Discern the effects of the fibrosis and adhesions on the plantar fascia, associated soft tissues and the functional biomechanics of the region.
• Understand the rules of treatment specific to Plantar Fasciitis of the Foot.
• Apply modalities and manual methods to treat fibrosis and adhesions in the soft tissue structures around and within the foot and ankle joint as well as associated contracted muscle tissue.
• Rehabilitate weak and atrophied muscles using stretching, exercise and modalities.

• Justify examination of the cervico-thoracic spinal regions for dysfunction in lateral epicondylalgia patients
• Explain and identify posterolateral rotary instability (PLRI) of the elbow
• Optimize clinical assessment and diagnosis for the long head of biceps complex
• Explore the potential pathological commonalities amongst adhesive capsulitis, metabolic syndrome and low-grade inflammation
• Discuss current neuroanatomical and biochemical theories as they pertain to shoulder pain and its clinical management

• Assess the effectiveness of three nonsurgical interventions on symptoms, physical function, and physical activity in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis.
• Compare the effectiveness of a structured, comprehensive conservative treatment program with a focus on self-management and improved walking ability (including lumbar manipulation, exercise and education) to a self-directed program in patients with neurogenic claudication due to lumbar spinal stenosis.
• Summarize the 2013 North American Spine Society (NASS) clinical guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis.
• Examine the literature pertaining to the diagnostic accuracy of available tests for lumbar spinal stenosis.
• Analyze the effectiveness of the 6-week Boot Camp Program for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

• Demonstrate an understanding of the epidemiology of fibromyalgia, its impact on patient health, and the clinical controversy surrounding the syndrome.
• Evaluate available treatment options and design a treatment plan for the patient with fibromyalgia.
• Evaluate the available evidence regarding chiropractic manipulation, and complementary and alternative medicine for fibromyalgia.
• Justify the role of patient self-care in the treatment of fibromyalgia.

Hour 1

• Define and apply viscerosomatic reflexes and influences.
• Define and apply somatoviscera reflexes and influences.
• Define and apply psychosomatic reflexes and influences.
• Apply autonomic reflexes to clinical conditions including somatic dysfunction.

Hour 2

• Identify the general nature of pain and its mechanisms including the physiology and psychology of pain.
• Describe the effect of somatic dysfunction on the autonomic nervous system and apply this knowledge to the use of manipulative therapy
• State the definition, location, and identification of Chapman’s points on the body.
• Express Chapman’s points in relation to the major organ systems of the body.

Hour 3

• Illustrate Chapman’s points of the cardiovascular system.
• Illustrate Chapman’s points of the respiratory system.
• Describe management of Chapman’s reflexes in a common clinical scenario.
• Critically appraise, and utilize relevant scientific literature and information to assess and improve patient care practices; and, contribute to the ongoing scholarly development of the chiropractic profession

• Provide an overview of the complex regional anatomy of the shoulder girdle and how this allows the scapula to act as a both a dynamic and static stabilizer to the upper limb.
• Explore the normal biomechanics and the etiology, epidemiology and pathological occurrences which can disrupt the normal function and lead to scapula dyskinesis.
• Summarize the typical scapular dyskinesis clinical assessment which is most likely to identify the source of the pathology and guide the treatment.
• Demonstrate common extremity and shoulder manipulations that may help the patient with scapular dyskinesis.

• Enumerate five physical / clinical examination findings associated with lumbar spinal stenosis
• List 3 essential components of a rehabilitation program for patients with lumbar spinal stenosis
• Recall four flexion-based exercises that are part of a rehabilitation program for a patient with lumbar spinal stenosis
• Identify three common soft tissue mobility impairments associated with lumbar spinal stenosis
• Cite two common joint mobility impairments associated with lumbar spinal stenosis
• Provide two evidence-based exercises that elicit high EMG activity of the transverse abdominis
• Enumerate three evidence-based exercises that elicit high EMG levels of the gluteus medius

• Relate the effects of posture on compression of the cervical cord and nerve roots and use this knowledge to develop decompression exercises for their cervical stenosis patients.
• Decompress the cervical spine utilizing the Cervico 2000 ambulatory traction device.
• Implement a strategy of upper extremity peripheral nerve stimulation to relieve symptoms of cervical spinal stenosis.
• Develop and institute a comprehensive cervical spinal stenosis rehabilitation protocol as a potential alternative to surgery. 

• Relate the effects of spinal stenosis in the development of intermittent claudication.
• Utilize a treadmill and a stopwatch, to quantify both the effects of stenosis on functional ability of patients and the effectiveness of treatment of spinal stenosis.
• Apply TENs over acupuncture points known to increase nerve blood supply and how to reverse the pathophysiology of lumbar spinal stenosis.
• Utilize dynamic imaging techniques, to gain a full appreciation of the changes in compression of the neural elements in different postures and spinal positions.

• Summarize the available literature and assess the effect of aerobic exercise on the number of headache days, duration and pain intensity in patients with migraine headache.
• Explore the efficacy of manual acupuncture and quantify the true placebo response in the prophylaxis of episodic migraine without aura.
• Outline the existing evidence and theories pertaining to the evolutive nature of migraine headaches for most patients.
• Assess the impact of spinal manipulation on pain and disability associated with migraine headache.
• Critically review the prevalence and patient-related factors associated with the use of manual therapy for treatment of chronic recurrent headaches.

• Investigate whether manipulations of the ankle joint complex increase the force production and muscle activation of the hip abductors on the affected limb in individuals with a history of ankle sprain
• Summarize the latest evidence pertaining to the diagnosis and treatment of insertional Achilles tendinopathy
• Outline the association between ankle dorsiflexion and dynamic knee valgus
• Discuss the state of the evidence pertaining to the clinical effects of joint mobilization on grades I and II ankle sprains
• Describe how manual therapy can help alleviate symptoms of Cuboid Syndrome in spite of the presence of active bony pathology

• Compare the effectiveness of multiple interventions for patellofemoral pain.
• Assess the literature on the effects of spinal or local joint manipulation or mobilization for patellofemoral pain syndrome.
• Evaluate the efficacy of knee strengthening with or without hip strengthening for improving strength and decreasing pain in patients with patellofemoral pain.
• Summarize the factors that contribute to the development of patellofemoral pain.
• Investigate the influence of exerted state running on lower extremity kinematics during the stance phase in runners with patellofemoral pain.

• Describe relevant anatomy, and the structural components of femoroacetabular impingement
• Explain factors associated with development of femoroacetabular impingement
• Discuss integration of manual therapies along with rehabilitation and lifestyle modification
• Outline what a successful treatment plan may look like for the non-surgical management of femoroacetabular impingement
• Analyze what factors my influence and necessitate modifications for treatment plans in individuals with femoroacetbular impingement syndrome

• This contains all courses with the educational objectives listed from Management of Common Conditions 244 through Management of Common Conditions 247

• Discuss up to date research on the etiology of PatelloFemoral Pain Syndrome
• Differentiate the diagnosis of patellofemoral pain syndrome from other painful diagnosis of the knee
• Discuss what interventions are effective in managing patellofemoral pain syndrome
• Integrate manual techniques with rehabilitative techniques for optimal outcomes in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome
• Summarize optimal treatment strategies and plans for the treatment of patellofemoral pain syndrome