SMT-1: High-Velocity Low-Amplitude Thrust Manipulation of Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar & SI Joints

Course Objectives:
1.  Describe the indications, precautions and contra-indications (relative and absolute) of high-velocity low-amplitude thrust manipulation.  Demonstrate pre-manipulative screening tests for cervical artery dysfunction (Vertebro-Basilar-Insufficiency) and upper cervical instability and understand their limitations.
2.  Improve the use of body and posture in application of high-velocity low-amplitude thrust, making them an integral part of technique delivery.
3.  Start combining leverages using multiple components in order to focus forces and build "mechanical barriers" at target motion segments.
4.  Develop the psychomotor skills necessary to appreciate the pre-manipulative barrier (end-feel) utilized in minimal leverage or momentum induced manipulative technique by concentrating on combining multiple leverages in order to minimize the overall amplitude and force required to achieve cavitation.
5.  Facilitate sound clinical reasoning processes behind the choice (or not) of high-velocity low-amplitude techniques and an appreciation of the current evidence base behind their application.
6.  Demystify the delivery of high-velocity low-amplitude thrust manipulation and develop an appreciation of its merits and limitations in everyday clinical practice.
7.  Utilize clinical reasoning skills in the selection of high-velocity low-amplitude thrust manipulation techniques for a variety of neuromusculoskeletal dysfunctions.
8.  Demonstrate safe, competent and proficient performance of HVLA thrust manipulation techniques, including pre-thrust positioning and actual thrust application of mid and lower cervical, thoracic, rib, lumbar and sacro-iliac regions.
9.  Describe and demonstrate HVLA thrust manipulation for the junctional zones:  upper cervical, cervicothoracic, thoracolumbar and lumbosacral regions.
10. Learn how to effectively diagnose and treat upper, mid, and lower cervical joint dysfunction, sacro-iliac joint dysfunction, lumbar spine facet syndromes, second and third rib syndromes, and cervicothoracic joint dysfunction.

Course Outline - Day 1 (Saturday, October 12th)
  7:45 a.m. --  Registration
  8:00 a.m. --  Indications, precautions, contraindications for use of HVLAT manipulation
  9:00 a.m. --  Cervical (2-7) rotatory HVLA thrust manipulation technique
10:00 a.m. --  BREAK
10:15 a.m. --  Cervicothoracic junction (C7-T3) HVLA thrust manipulation  technique
11:00 a.m. --  Evidence based diagnosis and management of cervicogenic  headaches
12:00 noon -- LUNCH (on your own)
  1:00 p.m. --   Upper cervical HVLA thrust manipulation of Atlanto-Axial (C21-2)   joint
   2:00 p.m. --  Evidence for use of HVLA thrust manipulation in acute and chronic   LBP
   3:00 p.m. --  BREAK
   3:15 p.m. --  Mid-lumbar (L2-4) HVLA thrust manipulation technique
   4:00 p.m. --  1st rib HVLA thrust manipulation technique
   4:30 p.m. --  2nd & 3rd rib HVLA thrust manipulation technique
   5:00 p.m. --  Conclusion of Day One

Course Outline - Day 2 (Sunday, October 13th)
   7:45 a.m. -- Sign-in
   8:00 a.m. -- Upper thoracic (T1-3) HVLA thrust manipulation technique
   9:00 a.m. -- Cervical (C2-7) lateral-flexion translatory HVLA thrust manipulation  technique
10:00 a.m. --  BREAK
10:15 a.m. --  Lumbo-sacral junction (L5/S1) HVLA thrust manipulation    techniques
11:00 a.m. --  Mid-thoracic (T4-9) HVLA thrust manipulation technique
12:00 noon -- LUNCH (on your own)
  1:00 p.m. --  Upper cervical HVLA thrust manipulation of Occipito-Atlantal
 (C0-1) joint
  2:00 p.m. --  Evidence based diagnosis of sacro-iliac dysfunction
  3:00 p.m. --  BREAK
  3:15 p.m. --  Sacro-iliac joint HVLA thrust manipulation technique
  4:00 p.m. -- Thoraco-lumbar junction (T11-L1) HVLA thrust manipulation technique
  4:30 p.m. -- Rib 4-8 HVLA thrust manipulation technique
  5:00 p.m. -- Conclusion of course & issue of certificates

Instructors provided by the Spinal Manipulation Institute - American Academy of Manipulative Therapy