The human microscopic anatomy of cells and tissues is introduced with emphasis on connective, muscle and nerve tissues and their relationship with the human body function in health and disease. The histological and developmental structure of the human body is presented with a focus on the respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems. Particular emphasis is placed on the functional relationships between structures, along with the clinical significance of these structures to a practising chiropractor.
Basic biomechanical principles and properties of the spine; the mechanical concepts of basic body mechanics; and advanced topics involving moment calculation are presented, with emphasis on their application to spinal manipulative therapy. The biomechanics of the joints of the upper limb, and cervical and thoracic spine are examined to explain how pathologies develop. Due to the preponderance of low back pain, detailed attention is given to the functional anatomy and pathomechanics of the lumbar spine and the concept of lumbar spine stability. Treatment, rehabilitative exercise and prevention strategies are discussed.
Gross human anatomy is explored, with the focus on the back and lower limb regions. Particular emphasis is placed on the relationships between the structure and function of the neuromuscular and skeletal systems including the spine, from infancy through childhood, puberty, adolescence, adulthood and old age, and the clinical significance of these structures to the practising chiropractor.
Gross human anatomy is explored, with the focus on the head, neck and upper limb regions. Particular emphasis is placed on the relationships between the structure and function of the neuromuscular and skeletal systems, from infancy through childhood, puberty, adolescence, adulthood and old age, and the clinical significance of these structures to the practicing chiropractor.
History taking and physical examination techniques for the vital signs, head and neck, sinuses, nose and mouth, ear and hearing, eye and vision, skin, hair and nails are introduced. The general principles of clinical diagnosis are explored.
Clinical diagnosis of disorders of the musculoskeletal system, focusing on the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine and pelvis, including their effects on the nervous system is explored. Emphasis is placed on the importance of history taking and physical examination of the spine (including observation, ranges of motion, orthopaedic tests, neurological examination, soft tissue palpation, joint and bony palpation). Informed consent, contraindications to manipulation and the importance of back education are discussed.
A comprehensive introduction to the structure and function of CMCC’s clinical teaching environment, the theory and application of evidence-informed clinical practice and exposure to the skills required to effectively retrieve, critically appraise, and apply current health care information and literature are provided. Integration of skills and knowledge learned in other areas of the program, including interviewing, informed consent, and clinical examination skills is facilitated. Clinical skills and knowledge are reinforced through observation in the clinic and experiences in the Simulation Laboratory, HPD, OSCE and Grand Rounds.
The historical and modern principles of chiropractic patient centred care; relevant topics pertaining to philosophy, theories, education, legislation, diversity, leadership and business; and a foundation of the chiropractic paradigm are presented and explored. Reflection on all of this is encouraged as students develop their professional identity.
The examination procedures from simple observation to postural analysis are introduced with emphasis on the skills necessary to locate all points of surface anatomy pertinent to a chiropractic examination including joint challenge and analysis, motion palpation and joint pain provocation are developed. Eleven of the most commonly used high velocity, low amplitude (HVLA) adjustive procedures, soft tissue and osseous non-thrusting procedures are introduced.
The concepts surrounding the prescription of active therapeutics as part of a comprehensive chiropractic treatment plan; the indications and contraindications for therapeutic exercise, and concepts of exercise progression and monitoring; and the contemporary use of exercise for the rehabilitation and functional restoration of the musculoskeletal system, and for enhancing clinical outcomes are introduced. The prescription of strengthening, stretching, proprioceptive and aerobic exercise is examined with application within a treatment plan. These concepts are applied in a two-hour laboratory component using the lumbar spine as an example for hands-on application.
A comprehensive introduction to normal radiographic anatomy of the axial and appendicular skeleton is provided with investigation of common skeletal variants and congenital anomalies. Scoliosis and spondylolytic spondylolisthesis, an introduction to the appearance of normal anatomy as seen on advanced imaging studies, and an extensive overview of skeletal trauma are presented. Practical application and imaging interpretation are fundamental for all topics; clinical presentation and patient management decisions are incorporated.
The fundamentals of radiography, including radiation physics and the safe production of quality images, are introduced to facilitate understanding of how radiographs are produced. Fundamental principles of ionizing radiation and patient exposure are addressed.
The metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins is introduced with emphasis on biological control mechanisms and the application of these principles in chiropractic practice.
Knowledge and skills for critically appraising research methodology and the scientific literature are developed. The application of these critical appraisal skills is explored relative to treatment, diagnosis, prognosis, and causation where different strategies are considered and an evidence informed understanding of patient care is presented.
