Introduction

Manipulation of the Cervical spine carries greater risk than other areas of the spine. Therefore, ISMT has developed a standalone module for this region. Participants can be confident that all safety and technique issues are fully addressed.

The two day course of 15 contact hours covers 15 different high velocity, low amplitude (HLVA) spinal manipulative techniques from C0-T3. There is a 30% theory component with a heavy emphasis on safety and risk management and 70% practical instruction. A low teacher to participant ratio ensures you get one on one practical instruction.

To supplement learning, a full colour manual with instructions and pictures demonstrating all techniques will be supplied. In addition, participants get full access to the members area which has all techniques presented in a video library for future learning and reference. Other members features include a forum and email access to instructors. For a full list of benefits available to members, see our accreditation benefits page.

Course Outline 

Prerequisites

In order to attend the ISMT Cervical spine module you must be licensed to perform spinal manipulation or be a current student of a profession that is allowed to perform spinal manipulation. In most countries you must be either a Medical practitioner, Chiropractor, Physiotherapist / Physical Therapist or Osteopath. It is your responsibility to check with your relevant governing bodies to see if spinal manipulation is within your scope of practice.

Once you have registered for the Cervical spine course, you will be e-mailed pre-reading material. The material will be tested on the morning of the first day of the seminar. This is to ensure that we can maximise one on one interaction developing your skills and not spend valuable time lecturing on the theory throughout the seminar. You must achieve a pass in all sections. If any sections are failed you may still continue with the seminar however you must complete an assignment on the relevant failed section before you will gain accreditation for the course.

What you will learn.

1.  Indications, precautions and contra-indications (relative and absolute) of high-velocity, low amplitude (HVLA) thrust manipulation of the cervical spine. Demonstrate pre-manipulative screening tests of the cervical artery and understand its limitations.

2. APA clinical guidelines for cervical spine manipulations and its application to clinical decision making.

3. Risk factors for stroke following spinal manipulation.

4. The ability to describe manipulation and its effects both on the mechanics and neurophysiology of the body.

5. An intricate knowledge of the anatomy of the Cervical spine and structures.

6. Legal implications of spinal manipulation to the cervical spine.

7. Possible responses to manipulation of the cervical spine and what to do in the case of an emergency.

8. Knowledge on technique selection and how to use the mechanics of the spine to target and develop pretension in a spinal motion unit.

9. How to develop the psychomotor skills needed to deliver a HVLA thrust manipulation.

10. Sound clinical reasoning and the ability to demonstrate safe, competent and efficient performance of a HVLA thrust manipulation including VBI testing, positioning and development of tension using biomechanical principles in the cervical spine.

11. The current literature pertaining to cervical spine manipulation.

Want to print out the above information?

The link below will open a pdf in a new browser window for your convenience. 

Cervical Spine - Course Information (pdf)