Departments: Courses

Department of Technique and Analysis

		Hours	Units
TECH-080	Upper Cervical Systems	44	4
TECH-081	Instrument Assisted Systems	44	4
TECH-082	Chiropractic Biophysics	22	2
TECH-116	Palpation I (lab)	22	1
TECH-124	Palpation II (lab)	33	2
TECH-129	Motion Palpation	22	1
TECH-130	Diversified Technique I (with lab)	55	3
TECH-211	Gonstead A (with lab)	55	3.5
TECH-216	Biomechanics of the Spine	55	5
TECH-222	Gonstead B (with lab)	60	3.5
TECH-233	Toggle (with lab)	33	2
TECH-238	Diversified Technique II (with lab)	22	1
TECH-325	Integrated Drop-Table Techniques (with lab)	33	2
TECH-333	Diagnosis and Management of Spinal Disorders	55	5
TECH-336	Extremity Adjusting (with lab)	33	2
TECH-339	Extremity Soft tissue Management	33	3
TECH-432	Clinical Case Management	33	3
TECHNIQUE	ELECTIVES:
TECH-098	B.E.S.T.	33	2.5
TECH-180	NUCCA Advanced	33	3
TECH-181	Blair Advanced	33	2.5
TECH-182	Biophysics Advanced	33	2.5
TECH-183	Knee Chest Advanced	33	3
TECH-184	Advanced Orthogonal	33	2.5
TECH-185	Advanced Activator	33	2.5
TECH-186	Advanced SOT	33	2.5
Tech-187	Advanced Extremity	33	2.5
TECH-190	Gonstead Advance Technique Elective	33	2.5

TECH-080 Upper Cervical Systems (Offered every other term SP/FA ) 4 units, 44 hours

This course is an introduction to the use of various upper cervical techniques in chiropractic practice.

TECH-081 Instrument Assisted Systems (Offered very other term WI/SU) 4 Units, 44 hours

The course is an introduction to the use of various instrument assisted techniques in chiropractic practice. The students will be exposed to the science, philosophy and art of Activator Methods, SOT, Advanced Orthogonal.

TECH-082 Chiropractic Biophysics 2 Units, 22 Hours

Chiropractic Biophysics (CBP) is a full spine and pelvis corrective / rehabilitative procedures having a firm foundation in the sciences of mechanics and physics.  CBP Technique integrates Drop Table, Diversified, Toggle, Instrument-assisted Postural MIRROR IMAGE adjusting, MIRROR IMAGE Exercises and MIRROR IMAGE Traction to RESTORE NORMAL SPINAL MECHANICS.  Analytical procedures include visualization, postural analysis and x-ray analysis.

TECH-116 Palpation I 1 unit, 22 hours
In this course the student learns to identify bony landmarks, count vertebrae, and locate each vertebrae of the spine. The student also begins to develop awareness and skills in the areas of the doctor-patient relationship, communication, and ergonomics.

TECH-124 Palpation II(with lab) 2 units, 33 hours
This course is an introduction to the use of palpation, both static and motion, in obtaining a listing. Several named systems are introduced from the perspectives of techniques taught at Life West. Emphasis is placed on the upper cervical complex. Prerequisite: TECH-116

TECH-129 Motion Palpation 1 unit, 22 hours
This course is an introduction to end-play motion palpation as a system to analyze joint integrity. Major emphasis is on the spinal articulations. Extremity joint motion is also introduced. Prerequisites: TECH-123

TECH-130 Diversified Technique I (with lab) 3 units, 55 hours
This is a survey course of Diversified techniques, including moves for adjusting the following areas: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and pelvic.
Prerequisites: TECH-129, CPP-118

TECH-211 Gonstead A(with lab) (Offered every other term SP/FA) 3.5 units, 55 hours
This course represents the initial exposure to the Gonstead Technique. Specifically, the course will cover location, correction, and management of pelvic, sacral, coccyx and lumbar subluxations. All of the Gonstead system will be utilized including visualization, palpation, instrumentation, x-ray analysis, adjustive procedures, and patient management.
Prerequisite: TECH-130

TECH-216 Biomechanics of the Spine 5 units, 55 hours

This course focuses on the spine and how it works as a functional biomechanical unit. The individual joints of the spine are studied, as well as basic principles of biomechanics and kinesiology.

Prerequisite: CPP-118

TECH-222 Gonstead B (with lab) (Offered every other term WI/SU) 3.5 units, 60 hours

 This course is a continuation of Gonstead Technique with an emphasis on practical application of knee-chest table and cervical chair adjusting. The student chiropractor will learn to demonstrate competency in all aspects of the Gonstead procedure and analysis. Prerequisites: TECH-216

TECH-233 Toggle (with lab) 2 units, 33 hours
This course introduces the biomechanics, instrumentation, and x-ray analysis of the upper cervical region along with the Upper Cervical Specific Adjustment Technique (Toggle- Recoil). Palpation and leg check skills are further developed for the upper cervical region. The philosophical context of the specific atlas subluxation complex is explored. Prerequisites: TECH-129, TECH-216

TECH-238 Diversified II(with lab) 1 unit, 22 hours
This course develops hands-on skills in Full Spine General Diversified Techniques. Emphasis will be on actual patient adjusting, incorporating previously learned methods. Special attention will be given to the introduction of Diversified Cervical Chair moves and side posture lumbar and pelvic moves. Prerequisites: TECH-129, TECH-130

TECH-325 Integrated Drop-Table Techniques (with lab) 2 units, 33 hours
Several major methods utilizing specific drop table adjusting are explored, with emphasis on Thompson, Harrison Biophysics, Pierce-Stillwagon, Diversified, and others. Implications of the Derefield leg check are addressed. Prerequisite: TECH-130

TECH-333 Diagnosis and Management of Spinal Disorders (Offered every other term SP/FA) 5 units, 55 hours

This course will address the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of orthopedic spinal disorders. The course begins with the review of the clinical histology and pathophysiology of skin, muscle, connective tissue, and nerves. The orthopedic examination will be reviewed, and radiographic manifestations of soft tissue disorders will be discussed. The information from history, physical examination, and radiographic examinations will be integrated to arrive at a diagnosis. Treatment methods designed to rationally alter the involved pathophysiological process will be discussed.

Prerequisite: DIAG-226, DIAG-239, DIAG-317

TECH-336 Extremity Adjusting (with lab) 2 units, 33 hours
This course covers various aspects of extremity adjusting with an emphasis on short lever adjusting and the Gonstead system of analysis. Supportive case management and follow- up procedures are included.
Prerequisites: TECH-222, DIAG-327

TECH-339 Extremity Soft tissue Management 3 units, 33 hours

This course is designed to further the student's understanding of the analysis, diagnosis, and treatment of soft tissue injuries of the extremities. Emphasis is placed on the student's understanding of the mechanism of injury and the patient's pathophysiological state upon presentation. This will assure specifically designed treatment and rehabilitation programs. Special attention is directed toward specific sports injuries.

Prerequisite: DIAG-327

TECH-432 Case Management Field Perspective 3 units, 33 hours

This course offers students the opportunity to synthesize information from the series of diagnosis courses offered throughout the curriculum and to develop their individual approach to case management. Students will present their chiropractic clinic cases to a panel of expert practitioners for analysis and discussion. Field doctors will present cases from their practices to provide a variety of perspectives and approaches on common conditions seen in the chiropractic office. Prerequisites:

DIAG-409, DIAG-416, ACS-335, DIAG 412, DIAG-426, DIAG-331

TECHNIQUE ELECTIVES

There are 8 technique electives available to students enrolled in sophomore, junior, and senior classes. Completion of one technique elective is a graduation requirement. The student may take 2 electives free of additional cost and other techniques may be taken as space permits. Electives are offered on a rotating schedule. Prerequisites: TECH-129, TECH-130 plus additional courses as noted.

TECH-098 B.E.S.T.  2.5 units, 33 hours
This course introduces the student to the Bio-Energetic Syncronization Technique. The student will learn a variety of tests to evaluate the patient's sensory system and soft tissue aimed at re-balancing the nervous system.

TECH-180 NUCCA Advanced (Offered every other term) 3 units, 33 hours

A hands-on class where students will learn all aspects

 of applying NUCCA in patient care. Xray, analysis, biomechanics, adjusting, headpiece, leg check, Anatometer, and patient care protocols will be covered. .

TECH-181 Blair Advanced  (Offered every other term) 2.5 units, 33 hours

This course will cover the theory of Asymmetry of the cervical spine, Atlas and Axis motion and misalignment.

TECH-182 Biophysics Advanced  2.5 units, 33 hours

This course integrates Drop Table, Diversified Toggle, Instrument Assisted Postural Mirror Image adjusting, exercises and traction to restore normal spinal mechanics.

TECH-183 Knee Chest Advanced (Offered every other term) 3 units, 33 hours
This course offers instruction on the application of the Knee Chest Upper
Cervical Specific adjustment in a clinical setting. This is an elective course which will cover the history, rationale, analysis and the correction utilized in the technique. Specific topics covered include thermography, biomechanical xray analysis, andKnee Chest Upper Cervical adjustment.

TECH-184 Advanced Orthogonal (Offered every other term) 2.5 units, 33 hours
A hands-on class where students will learn all aspects of applying Advanced Orthogonal Technique & Procedures in patient care. X-ray positioning, X-ray Analysis, Scanning palpation, Leg check, the Pierce maneuver, and Advanced Orthogonal table placement and adjusting procedures will be covered. In addition, post x-ray interpretation will be discussed.
Prerequisites: Tech 080-01 Upper Cervical Systems

TECH-185 Advanced Activator (Offered every other term) 2.5 units, 33 hours
This is a basic comprehensive introduction to the Activator Method of adjusting the full spine, using the handheld Activator instrument. The functional leg length analysis is covered in depth.
Prerequisites: Completion of all required technique courses through 9th quarter. CPP-234 Basic Activator, SOT and AO intro. course.

TECH-186 Advanced SOT 2.5 units, 33 hours
This course consists of the analysis and diagnosis of spinal musculoskeletal disorders according to the Sacro Occipital Technique; and will cover the categorization of subluxations and the specific correction.
Prerequisites: TECH-417

TECH-187 Advanced Extremity 2.5 units, 33 hours
This is an advanced and comprehensive elective. Students who wish to take this course should have a working knowledge of beginning extremity adjusting and have been practicing it in the Health Center. They will be required to review DVD and written assessment / adjusting information PRIOR to laboratory participation. There will be written and practical examinations. There will be research assignments (article collection) on selected topics to be shared with the class. A lab fee will be assessed for the taping section of the elective. A mid-term will be given at the end of each module for assessment of students’ knowledge of the material.
Prerequisites: Minimum of Clinic II, Diag-327, Tech-336 and Tech-339

TECH-190 Gonstead Advance Technique Elective (Offered every other term) 2.5 units, 33 hours
To establish a more advance perspective, knowledge, and understanding of the Gonstead Technique in a clinical setting. Emphasizing patient management, x-rays analysis, history & physical examination, special testing, cross disciplinary referrals, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and full spine Gonstead Adjustive Technique.
Prerequisites: Gonstead A, Gonstead B, Clinic 1A, and Clinic 1B