Module 6. Thoracic Rehabilitation & Case Management

This course provides an integrated education for the Doctor of Chiropractic in the Art and Science of Chiropractic with an emphasis on postural and spinal distortions of the thoracic spine. Normal values for the sagittal plane of the thoracic kyphosis will be detailed from the literature and age-related changes of the thoracic spine are reviewed. The relationship of the thoracic spine to the lumbar and cervical regions will be discussed. A major emphasis is placed on understanding the role of thoracic spine disorders and subluxations to patient health and disease conditions.  Examination and documentation procedures will be reviewed mainly for thoracic vertebral subluxation complexes, but lumbar and cervical subluxation complexes will be reviewed too. Chiropractic adjustive and rehabilitative treatment techniques for thoracic, lumbar, and cervical subluxations will be detailed.  A survey of research material will be reviewed supporting the utilization and efficacy of Chiropractic Biophysics technique treatment methods across a spectrum of patient conditions. 

Learning Objectives:

• Review models for chiropractic assessment, intervention, and outcomes for thoracic spine alignment and rehabilitation.
• Recognize subluxation/displacement models and normal distributions for the thoracic spine.
• Describe categories of sagittal thoracic spine rehabilitative traction and methods of coronal thoraco-lumbar traction.
• Define a patient specific, evidence based CBP Rehabilitative Programs of care terms of frequency and duration of care from the available scientific literature.
• Review of rehabilitation procedures using specific exercises for functional and structural improvements of the thoracic spine.
• Understanding proper outcome assessments to be used to support treatment protocols and prognosis for patient care plans.