.png)
Vertebral Spine Institute
Istituto Della Colonna Vertebrale
Specialization in American Chiropractic
Dr. Pablo Dias D.C. P.T
POSTGRADUATE COURSE CURRICULUM PROJECT
CHIROPRACTIC PROFESSIONAL CONVERSION PROGRAM
1. General Objective
To qualify healthcare professionals for the full, ethical, and evidence-based practice of Chiropractic, providing technical-scientific mastery in biological, clinical, and chiropractic sciences. The program aims to develop diagnostic, biomechanical, palpatory, and articular adjustment skills, integrating clinical reasoning into patient care across all stages of life.
2. Rationale
Chiropractic is a healthcare profession focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders of the neuromusculoskeletal system and the effects of these disorders on general health. Given the significant increase in spinal conditions and joint dysfunctions worldwide, there is a growing demand for highly qualified specialists.
This curriculum project is modeled after internationally recognized conversion frameworks (Category I(B) Conversion Programmes), ensuring comprehensive theoretical and practical support to transform prior healthcare expertise into excellence in clinical chiropractic practice.
3. Curriculum Structure and Syllabi by Cycle
CYCLE 1 (Total Hours: 740 hours)
1. Physiology (45h)
Objective: Understand the integrated functioning of organ systems with an emphasis on the nervous, muscular, and circulatory systems.
Rationale: Essential for understanding homeostasis and the body's physiological responses to neuromusculoskeletal interferences and chiropractic adjustments.
Syllabus: Neuro-muscular physiology; nerve conduction and synapses; articular and muscular physiology; homeostasis and autonomic control; physiological responses to joint manipulation.
2. Spinal Anatomy (45h)
Objective: Deepen topographical and structural anatomical knowledge of the spinal column, pelvis, and cranium.
Rationale: The spinal column is the primary focus of chiropractic practice; precise anatomical mastery ensures safety and clinical efficacy.
Syllabus: Osteology, arthrology, and myology of the spine (cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacrum, and coccyx); spinal and intervertebral neurovascular structures; craniocervical and pelvic anatomical relationships.
3. Immunology and Laboratory Diagnosis (30h)
Objective: Develop competence in understanding immunological processes and interpreting basic laboratory diagnostic tests.
Rationale: Identify inflammatory markers, autoimmune diseases, and metabolic alterations that affect patient health or present contraindications to treatment.
Syllabus: Immune system and inflammatory response; interpretation of blood counts, rheumatic, and metabolic markers; correlation of laboratory tests with systemic and musculoskeletal conditions.
4. Pathology I (60h)
Objective: Study general disease mechanisms, tissue pathologies, and early degenerative changes.
Rationale: Provide the foundation to differentiate functional alterations from structural pathological processes in the musculoskeletal system.
Syllabus: Cellular injury, repair, and adaptation; pathology of inflammation; general degenerative bone and joint diseases; soft tissue pathologies.
5. Radiology I (90h)
Objective: Introduce radiation physics, technical positioning, and radiographic interpretation of the spine.
Rationale: Radiology is a primary diagnostic and biomechanical/structural assessment tool in Chiropractic.
Syllabus: X-ray physics principles; radiation protection; radiographic positioning of the spine and pelvis; basic radiographic interpretation and biomechanical line drawing.
6. Neuromusculoskeletal Diagnosis I (30h)
Objective: Introduce clinical reasoning for evaluating neurological and muscular pain and dysfunction.
Rationale: Indispensable foundation for structuring chiropractic consultations and differentiating joint causes from neurogenic or myofascial issues.
Syllabus: Neuromusculoskeletal history taking; basic provocative testing; dermatome and myotome mapping; functional muscle assessment.
7. Chiropractic History (30h)
Objective: Comprehend the historical evolution, pioneers, and development of the profession worldwide.
Rationale: Contextualize the student within the chiropractic professional identity, honoring its legacy and modern healthcare integration.
Syllabus: Origins of Chiropractic (D.D. Palmer and B.J. Palmer); evolution of educational institutions and techniques; scientific consolidation and international regulation.
8. Principles & Philosophy of Chiropractic I (20h)
Objective: Present foundational philosophical concepts of Chiropractic, including Vertebral Subluxation and Innate Intelligence.
Rationale: Establish a holistic perspective and the unique paradigm of Chiropractic regarding the relationship between structure and function.
Syllabus: Concept of Chiropractic Subluxation; the triune of health; the principle of bodily self-regulation; the relationship between the nervous system and overall health.
9. Spinal Biomechanics (60h)
Objective: Analyze kinesiology, force vectors, and normal/abnormal spinal movement patterns.
Rationale: Exact kinesiological understanding is vital to applying corrective forces (adjustments) accurately and safely.
Syllabus: Biomechanics of cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and pelvic segments; axes of motion; kinematics of subluxation; mechano-structural stress on articular surfaces.
10. Static & Dynamic Spinal Palpation I (30h)
Objective: Develop tactile sensitivity to identify anatomical landmarks, tissue asymmetries, and joint motion restrictions.
Rationale: Palpation is the primary manual diagnostic tool used by chiropractors to locate subluxations precisely.
Syllabus: Static tissue and bony palpation; Motion Palpation of the spine and pelvis; identification of normal and altered articular end-feel.
11. Chiropractic Skills I (180h)
Objective: Train thrust vectors, practitioner body mechanics, and fundamental adjustment techniques.
Rationale: Develop psychomotor control and body mechanics necessary to perform safe, high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) adjustments.
Syllabus: Practitioner body mechanics; vector generation and thrust mechanics; patient positioning; introduction to diversified manual techniques for the cervical, thoracic, and pelvic regions.
12. Supervised Clinical Practicum I (120h)
Objective: Initiate clinical practice experience through observation and assisted patient care under direct faculty supervision.
Rationale: Immediate integration of theory and laboratory training into real-world patient care settings.
Syllabus: Patient reception and intake; history taking; physical and palpatory examinations under supervision; initial clinical case discussions.
CYCLE 2 (Total Hours: 740 hours)
1. Radiology II (90h)
Objective: Advance radiographic interpretation of complex pathologies, congenital anomalies, and advanced imaging modalities (CT and MRI).
Rationale: Deepen diagnostic imaging skills to identify contraindications and serious red-flag conditions.
Syllabus: MRI and CT scan interpretation of the spine; identification of disc herniations, stenosis, instability, fractures, tumors, and infectious processes.
2. Neurology (45h)
Objective: Study clinical neuroanatomy and mechanisms of compressive and functional neuropathies.
Rationale: Provide diagnostic and management capabilities for radiculopathies, plexopathies, and peripheral nerve disorders.
Syllabus: Central and peripheral nervous pathways; myotatic reflexes; peripheral nerve entrapments and spinal radiculopathies; neuropathic pain.
3. Physical Diagnosis (30h)
Objective: Perform systemic physical examinations (cardiovascular, respiratory, and abdominal).
Rationale: Ensure the practitioner evaluates overall patient health and identifies non-musculoskeletal conditions requiring referral.
Syllabus: Auscultation, percussion, organic palpation, and inspection; vital signs assessment; clinical triage and interprofessional referral.
4. Neuromusculoskeletal Diagnosis II (30h)
Objective: Advance differential diagnosis in orthopedic and neurological presentations involving spine and extremities.
Rationale: Enable clinical decision-making in complex cases with overlapping symptoms.
Syllabus: Advanced special orthopedic tests; differential diagnosis between referred and radicular pain; differential assessment of the sacroiliac joint and hip.
5. Pathology II (120h)
Objective: Comprehend complex systemic, neurological, and orthopedic pathological conditions in detail.
Rationale: Identify clinical conditions requiring modification of chiropractic techniques or urgent medical referral.
Syllabus: Inflammatory spondyloarthropathies; spondylolisthesis; severe compressive neuropathies; skeletal neoplasms and infections.
6. Principles & Philosophy of Chiropractic II (20h)
Objective: Discuss contemporary applications of chiropractic philosophy aligned with evidence-informed healthcare models.
Rationale: Consolidate ethical standards and holistic clinical reasoning in advanced practice.
Syllabus: Modern paradigms of health and wellness in Chiropractic; neurophysiological models of subluxation; professional ethics and autonomy.
7. Static & Dynamic Spinal Palpation II (60h)
Objective: Refine motion palpation in complex functional scenarios and peripheral joints.
Rationale: Enhance palpatory accuracy and overall biomechanical evaluation of the axial and appendicular skeleton.
Syllabus: Advanced palpation of extremity joints (shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, ankle); palpatory assessment in functional and weight-bearing positions.
8. Chiropractic Skills II (120h)
Objective: Master advanced adjustment techniques, vector modifications, and extremity joint adjustments.
Rationale: Broaden therapeutic options for treating musculoskeletal conditions throughout the entire body.
Syllabus: Advanced spinal adjustments; drop-table techniques; extremity joint adjustments; technical adaptations for special populations.
9. Supervised Clinical Practicum II (225h)
Objective: Develop clinical autonomy in integrating examinations, diagnoses, and treatment plans.
Rationale: Consolidate clinical decision-making skills with direct faculty guidance.
Syllabus: Formulation of chiropractic care plans; execution of adjustments and re-examinations; progress note documentation and case tracking.
CYCLE 3 (Total Hours: 725 hours)
1. Clinical Nutrition (45h)
Objective: Study nutritional influences on musculoskeletal health, inflammatory pathways, and tissue healing.
Rationale: Offer integrative lifestyle guidance to optimize chiropractic outcomes.
Syllabus: Anti-inflammatory nutrition; bone and cartilage nutritional support; metabolic syndrome and spinal health; nutritional guidance in chiropractic care.
2. Paediatrics (45h)
Objective: Understand neuromusculoskeletal development from infancy through adolescence and apply gentle adapted techniques.
Rationale: Pediatric biomechanics and skeletal maturity differ significantly from adults, requiring gentle, specialized evaluation and low-force techniques.
Syllabus: Pediatric motor development and skeletal growth; pediatric neurological and orthopedic evaluation; gentle low-force techniques and adaptations for infants and children.
3. Geriatrics (30h)
Objective: Adapt evaluation and adjustment techniques for older adults, considering physiological aging.
Rationale: Ensure safety in geriatric care, preventing fractures and accounting for osteopenia, osteoporosis, and severe degenerative changes.
Syllabus: Physiology of musculoskeletal aging; osteoporosis evaluation and fall risk assessment; gentle low-force, instrumental, and mobilization techniques for seniors.
4. Principles & Philosophy of Chiropractic III (20h)
Objective: Synthesize philosophical and clinical concepts into holistic patient management and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Rationale: Prepare practitioners to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams with clarity on the chiropractor's role.
Syllabus: Chiropractic within integrative healthcare models; health promotion and wellness; scope of practice and interprofessional collaboration.
5. Chiropractic Skills III (60h)
Objective: Refine technical proficiency in specialized techniques (e.g., instrument-assisted adjustments, flexion-distraction).
Rationale: Expand clinical tools for managing patients with contraindications to traditional manual adjustments.
Syllabus: Flexion-Distraction technique (Cox Table); instrument-assisted adjusting techniques; tailoring adjusting methods to patient clinical profiles.
6. Supervised Clinical Practicum III (500h)
Objective: Intensive and autonomous clinical practice managing a diverse patient workload.
Rationale: Provide the necessary clinical volume to ensure practitioner confidence, fluidity, and competency for professional practice.
Syllabus: Management of complex clinical cases; caring for special populations (pregnant patients, seniors, athletes, children); clinical leadership; discharge planning and preventive maintenance programs
7. Research (25h)
Objective: Develop competence in critical appraisal of scientific literature and conducting clinical research/case reports.
Rationale: Ensure clinical practice is grounded in up-to-date scientific evidence.
Syllabus: Evidence-Based Practice (EBP); clinical case report writing; searching scientific databases; critical evaluation of clinical trials.
4. Summary Table of Clock Hours
Specialization Program in Clinical Chiropractic is a program offered in a blended manner with online classes of theoretical content and face-to-face for practical content, with curricular clinical internship. Teaching projects can be carried out in programs divided into modules, face-to-face courses with part in the country of origin and also with modules in Brazil.
Optional Disciplines/Courses:
1.Clinical Skills
2.Seminary One Chiropractic: Fundamentals of Chiropractic
3.Chiropractic Philosophy
4.Chiropractic Techniques of the Spine
5.Chiropractic Techniques of Extremities
6.Chiropractic Roentnology
7.Clinical Organograms
8.Chiropractic in Special Populations (elderly, children, and pregnant women)
9.Seminar of Specific Techniques (The student may choose at least 3 seminars of specific techniques)
10.Clinical Internship in Chiropractic I
11.Clinical Internship in Chiropractic II
12.Theoretical Test I
13.Practical Test I
For more information, please contact us: +55 51 99890-8930 or +39 338 466 3611, phone or whatsapp.
International Classes
Dr. Pablo Dias D.C. P.T
.png)
Dr. Pablo Dias, was the first Chiropractor in Brazil to bring together the two titles recognized in the country, having graduated from Feevale University, the first University in Chiropractic in Latin America, with 5 years of training, recognized by the WFC (World Federation in Chiropractic) and also titled specialist by the Federal Council of Physiotherapy. Graduated with a bachelor's degree in Physiotherapy (five years of studies), he was titled a specialist in Traumato-orthopedics by COFFITO, has several postgraduate courses, such as Sports Physiotherapy, Orthopedics, Acupuncture among others. He is currently a researcher in the area of inflammatory markers in spinal decompression, studying for a master's degree at UFCSPA, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre. He has several training courses in Chiropractic, with clinical experience of more than 20 years.