The Basic Veterinary Chiropractic Training Programme of Supple Spine Institute focuses exclusively on companion animals (dogs and cats) and is open to veterinarians, animal physiotherapists, animal osteopaths and human chiropractors. The training is given in Dutch or English, depending on the nationality of the participants.

The training programme, which consists of theory and practical instruction given in five modules, fully focuses on the chiropractic treatment of dogs and cats. The modules are given in a specific order, with the theoretical parts of the first four modules increasingly building on each previous module. The manual techniques are taught according to specific body regions: cervical, thoracolumbar, sacrum/pelvis and extremities. If you are unable to follow a complete programme, you will be guaranteed a place in the next one.

The basic techniques are first explained in theory, and then taught in practice in small groups. The students’ proficiency in these techniques is tested during the practical exams. The fifth module is the integrated module. Here, all theory and techniques are brought together and repeated thoroughly, followed by the final exam.

The ultimate goal for each student will be their ability to diagnose and treat structural and functional problems of the spine in their patients. The emphasis of the training programme – in addition to practical training in small groups of a maximum of 3-5 students per animal and instructor – therefore lies on functional neurology.

Each module starts on Thursday morning and ends on Saturday afternoon, taking place at intervals of 4-6 weeks. Between the modules, students should study the course material, practise the techniques, write a case report, carry out specified reading assignments and submit homework assignments.

Requirements
The training programme is only accessible to qualified veterinarians, animal physiotherapists and (animal) osteopaths. As the quality of education varies from country to country, enrolments will be assessed individually as to whether the preparatory training is deemed sufficient.

Number of participants
Given the importance of practical skills, the number of places on the programme is limited. This ensures that everyone receives sufficient guidance and supervision, particularly in the practical lessons.

Interim tests and final exam
From the second module onwards, students will take a written and practical test on the theory and techniques learned in the previous module(s). An average score of 80% for all modules on both theory and practice is required to be able to participate in the final exam. The final exam also consists of a written and a practical part, where a minimum score of 80% is required for each part to pass.

Language
The programme is taught in Dutch or English, depending on the nationality of the participants.

The curriculum of Supple Spine Institute meets the requirements of international umbrella organisations, but focuses exclusively on companion animals. The entire course consists of 5 modules of 3 days each.

Theory and practice

The time spent on both theoretical and practical lessons is adapted to the level of each class. Because we prefer working with smaller groups, we often get through the material faster, allowing more time to develop spinal palpation skills for mobility, chiropractic correction of patients and more advanced techniques. Demonstrations are given several times.

The structure of the modules is as follows:

Module I – Cervical
Theory
General anatomy
Anatomy of the cervical region
Biomechanics of the cervical region
Pathology of the cervical region
Chiropractic: history and philosophy
The basics of chiropractic: terminology and listings
Basic principles of chiropractic corrections
Cervical techniques
Jaw joint and stomatognathic system
Case management
 
Practice
Topography
Palpation skills
Cervical chiropractic correction techniques

Module II – Thoracolumbar
Short theoretical and practical test on the previous module

Theory
Repetition of cervical techniques
Anatomy of the thoracolumbar region
Biomechanics of the thoracolumbar region
Pathology of the thoracolumbar region
Functional neurology
Cranial nerves
Thoracolumbar techniques
Collars and leashes
Case management

Practice
Topography
Palpation skills
Thoracolumbar chiropractic correction techniques

Module III – Sacrum/pelvis
span>Short theoretical and practical test on the previous modules
 
Theory
Repetition of thoracolumbar techniques
Anatomy of the sacrum/pelvis
Biomechanics of the sacrum/pelvis
Pathology of the sacrum/pelvis
Functional neurology
Plexus brachialis and lumbosacralis
Sacrum/pelvis techniques
Rehabilitation
 
Practice
Topography
Palpation skills
Chiropractic correction techniques for the sacrum/pelvis

Module IV – Extremities
Short theoretical and practical test on the previous modules
 
Theory
Repetition of techniques for the sacrum/pelvis
Anatomy of the extremities
Biomechanics of the extremities
Pathology of the extremities
Neurological research
Gait assessment
Rehabilitation
Extremities techniques
Case management
 
Practice
Topography
Gait assessment
Palpation skills
Chiropractic correction techniques for the extremities

Module V – Integrated module
Theory
Repetition of all techniques
Communication
Dog sports and competition
Dog nutrition
Case management: case presentation by students
 
Practice
All chiropractic correction techniques
Case management: working with chiropractic patients

Final exam (theory and practice)

To register for the Basic Veterinary Chiropractic Training Programme click here.