CHIROPRACTIC TECHNIQUE

Institutional Policy on Technique
Chiropractic techniques and procedures are tools used in fulfilling the chiropractic objective of locating, analyzing and correcting vertebral subluxations.

Chiropractic techniques in the Sherman College program may be included in the “core” technique curriculum, if in the opinion of the faculty, they are useful in the location, analysis and correction of vertebral subluxations. The faculty will select techniques which will accommodate a majority of the student population, with considerations for size, strength and agility, as well as the stated chiropractic objective.

When technique packages contain procedures which are directed toward the location, analysis and correction of vertebral subluxations and also contain procedures directed toward other objectives, the faculty may select the appropriate procedures for inclusion in the program while omitting those procedures deemed inappropriate for inclusion.

The faculty may elect to present techniques and/or procedures which are incongruent with the technique objective of Sherman College if there is an overriding national objective dictating the necessity of inclusion in the program. In these instances, the material may be presented in a classroom setting for informational purposes and will not be included as approved procedures in the clinical setting.


TECH 511 – Palpation I – 48 hours
This 48-hour lecture/laboratory (18/30) course provides an introduction to the art and skill of palpation. Emphasis is placed on the development of palpatory examination skills for the identification hard tissue spinal structures (landmarks) with an introduction to motion palpation techniques. Students are introduced to vertebral misalignment listings utilized in chiropractic analysis, the normal spinal curvatures, normal regional spinal ranges of motion and the leg length examination through lecture and practical instruction in preparation for Palpation II. An overview of the spinal examination used in the Sherman College Health Center is also introduced.

TECH 520 – Spinal Biodynamics I – 60 hours
This 60-hour lecture course presents a study of the structural and functional anatomy of the spinal column and the individual vertebrae, considering similarities and differences between the various vertebrae from a chiropractic viewpoint. The course includes a detailed study of the classification of the joints of the spine, their respective articular surfaces and related ligaments as the required foundation for future courses in x-ray, palpation and adjusting technique. Spinal musculature, normal and abnormal postural conditions are considered. Spinal embryology and anomalies are introduced. Chiropractic technique fundamentals are considered in relation to typical and atypical vertebra, embryologic anomalies, articular orientation, ligamentous limits to motion, muscular attachments and nerve root positioning. X-ray analyses are considered in relation to segmental and regional structures of the spine, embryological anomalies, curves and curvatures, and articular orientation. Patient education is considered in relation to the functions of the spinal column as an organ including curves, nerve root and spinal cord structure and function, muscular attachments and subluxation theories. Students are required to demonstrate specific knowledge and understanding of the spine obtained through required research assignment. Prerequisites: Palpation I. Corequisite: Anatomy II.

TECH 522 – Toggle Recoil – 60 hours
This lecture/laboratory (20/40) course begins the physical conditioning necessary to develop the digital sensitization and muscle coordination required to palpate spinal structures and execute various adjustive thrusts. The course includes a review of atlas, axis and full spine listing systems. Prerequisite: Palpation I.

TECH 530 – Palpation II – 48 hours
This 48-hour lecture/laboratory (12/36) course further develops student skill in all aspects of the palpatory examination of spinal structures. The course builds on motion palpation skills learned in Palpation I and also focuses on muscle palpation as applied as a means of spinal assessment. Emphasis is placed on the identification of hard tissue structures as well as motion and muscle palpation methods. An understanding of various listing systems employed in chiropractic is reinforced through lecture and practical instruction. Complementary analytical procedures, such as spinal balance, are presented. Spinal exam procedures as performed in the Health Center are reviewed and evaluated. Prerequisite: Spinal Biodynamics I.

TECH 540 – Spinal Biodynamics II – 48 hours
This 48-hour lecture course is designed to further the student’s understanding of the spine as an organ. Concepts introduced in Spinal Biodynamics I are studied in greater depth. Much consideration is given to understanding the interactions between multiple biodynamic theories. Biomechanical factors relevant to the cause, effect and correction of the vertebral subluxation and its clinical presentation are discussed. Prerequisites: Anatomy III and Palpation II.

TECH 610 – Instrumentation and Upper Cervical Rationale – 60 hours
This 60-hour lecture/laboratory (36/24) course presents the techniques of performing, recording and interpreting thermographic instrumentation readings. Lecture and practical work are conducted in establishing and interpreting neurological interference patterns as well as correlation of other spinal examination findings to determine the presence of pattern. The course also details the philosophical and physiological rationales for a specific focus on upper cervical subluxation correction. Prerequisite: Spinal Biodynamics II.

TECH 630 – Upper Cervical Technique – 60 hours
This 60-hour lecture/laboratory (12/48) course covers knee-chest and side posture adjustment set-ups for the proper use of toggle recoil technique for upper cervical subluxation correction. Emphasis is placed on correct patient placement and doctor’s stance. The correlation of x-ray and spinal examination findings to increase certainty in the determination of upper cervical listings is also stressed. Prerequisite: Instrumentation and Upper Cervical Rationale.

TECH 632 – Full Spine I (D)– 48 hours
This is a 48-hour lecture/lab (12/36) course in Diversified technique including history of the technique, analysis protocols and application, x-ray and palpation considerations. Students will develop skills in the specific application of Diversified technique relative to adjusting procedures utilized in the Health Center. Prerequisite: Spinal Biodynamics II.

TECH 640 – Full Spine II (T/P) – 48 hours
This is a 48-hour lecture/laboratory (12/36) course in the Thompson and Pierce techniques including the history of the techniques, analysis protocols and application, x-ray and palpation considerations. Students will develop skills in the specific application of Thompson and Pierce techniques relative to the adjusting procedures utilized in the Health Center. Prerequisite: Spinal Biodynamics II.

TECH 642 – Full Spine III (G)– 48 hours
This is a 48-hour lecture/lab (12/36) course in Gonstead technique including history of the technique, analysis protocols and application, x-ray and palpation considerations. Students will develop skills in the specific application of Gonstead technique relative to adjusting procedures utilized in the Health Center. Prerequisite: Spinal Biodynamics II.

TECH 644 – Spinal Examination Review – 24 hours
This 24-hour hands-on laboratory course focuses on developing the student’s skills in performing effective and efficient spinal examinations through review and practice. The emphasis is placed on improving the student’s examination precision, consistency and confidence. The course reviews all aspects of the spinal examination with additional emphasis on ranges of motion, posture and gait considerations. The student will learn to accurately and efficiently record spinal examination and other patient information utilizing Health Center forms. Prerequisite: Instrumentation and Upper Cervical Rationale.

TECH 710 – Extra Spinal Technique – 36 hours
A 36-hour hour lecture/demonstration (12/24) course focuses on the assessment and adjustment protocols for upper and lower extremities with emphasis on knowledge and skills required for chiropractic proficiency examinations. Prerequisite: Pre Clinic.

TECH 720 – Alternative Adjusting Technique – 48 hours
This lecture/demonstration (36/12) course for senior students offers exposure to a variety of chiropractic techniques and procedures. The course is intended to provide the student with an overview of different schools of thought and approaches concerning analytical and adjustive procedures not utilized in the college system. Prerequisite: Student Clinic.

TECH 722 – Applied Techniques – 24 hours
This 24-hour lecture/laboratory (12/12) course provides the student with directed review and practice in toggle recoil, palpation upper cervical and full spine technique. Listing systems, technique theory, toggle recoil and adjustment setups are reviewed. The course looks at special applications of x-ray and technique not utilized on a day-to-day basis in a typical practice setting. Topics include modifications for patients with physical disabilities or debilitating illness, patient examination expectations with the physically challenged or critically ill and how that may affect the choice of technique. In addition, the course explores the differing theoretical concepts of various chiropractic techniques, risk management and a review of referral and co-management options. Prerequisite: Student Clinic.

TECH 810 – Atlas Orthogonal Technique – 60 hours elective
This is a 60-hour lecture/lab (36/24) course in Atlas Orthogonal chiropractic technique including history of the technique, analysis protocols, x-ray analysis, palpation procedure, patient placement using the orthogonal table and adjustment application using the orthogonal instrument. Students will develop skills in the specific application of Atlas Orthogonal technique relative to adjusting procedures utilized in the Health Center. Prerequisites: Clinic I.

TECH 812 – Gonstead Technique – 36 hours elective
This 36-hour lecture/laboratory (12/24) course provides students with more advanced study and application of Gonstead chiropractic technique. Students continue hands-on study and practice with x-ray analysis, instrumentation, palpation, table selection, patient positioning and adjustment set-ups. Students will develop skills in the specific application of Gonstead technique relative to adjusting procedures utilized in the Health Center. Prerequisite: Clinic I.

TECH 814 – Percussion Instrument Techniques – 36 hours elective
This 36-hour elective lecture/laboratory (22/14) course introduces Activator Methods™ technique in the context of vertebral subluxation analysis and correction. Activator protocols will be integrated into the Sherman College system of pattern analysis and instruction will be presented in the use of the Activator instrument to provide the application of force necessary for the correction of vertebral subluxations. This introductory course is designed to supplement the student’s general knowledge of percussive instrument procedures and does not provide the advanced skills development necessary for the inclusion of care and/or management of patients in the Health Center or Activator certification. Prerequisite: Clinic I.

TECH 816 - Pediatric Adjusting Technique - 48 hours elective
This lecture/laboratory course (12/36) provides students with additional knowledge and skills for the analysis and correction of vertebral subluxations in children. This class includes specific adjusting procedures, examination techniques, history considerations, patient education, office set-up and philosophical applications. The laboratory portion of the course provides the student with hands-on practice in palpation, examination techniques and adjusting procedures. Prerequisite: Clinic I.

TECH 818 - Blair Analysis and Adjusting Technique - 36 hours elective
This 36-hour elective lecture/laboratory (8/28) course provides a basic understanding of the Blair primary adjusting concepts of occipito-atlanto-axial subluxation. Protracto and stereo x-ray views are incorporated. Blair x-ray analysis is utilized to determination specific Blair adjusting procedures. Students review the analysis for the presence of the neurological component of the vertebral subluxation and will utilize modified Prill examinations. Prerequisites: Blair X-Ray Analysis and Clinic III.