This module is taught in three parts. The first part is delivered online with a 6 hour (broken down into sections) introduction to regional anatomy and pathology.

The second part is delivered live online each week via Learn Anatomy Online. This goes in-depth into the anatomy of the region and looks at the anatomical layers: Bones & Joints, Ligaments and passive structures, muscles and tendons, nerves and blood supply. This knowledge is essential to understand how injuries can occur to the area.

The third part is delivered face to face at one of our training schools. In this session you will put together all of the information from the online delivery and we will show you how to complete a thorough case history for the region, clinical testing for the region and early stage exercise/ manual therapy concentrating on pain relief, restoring range of motion and increasing muscular strength/endurance (performance and return to function/sport is covered in later modules) using the underpinning knowledge from the tissue healing module to understand tissue healing times.

The module usually takes 8-12 weeks to complete.

• Structure of the Spine

• Anatomy of all ligaments, bursa, muscles, connective tissue, nerves and blood supply to the Spine

• Active, Passive, Active Resisted, and Clinical testing for the spine

• Manual therapy techniques for the Spine

• Exercise intervention of the Spine - muscular endurance, strength, proprioception and functional tasks

• All elements integrate the case history, pain science and tissue healing information and activities covered in phase 1

• Active & Passive Range of movement testing, Active Resisted (Strength) testing

• Clinical tests (Including the sensitivity and specificity): Slump, Straight Leg Raise, Kemps test, SIJ Distraction/compression, Form/force closure testing, Gilletts, Forward bend

• Please note: This course does allow you to diagnose Musculoskeletal conditions - the intention is to make sure you can provide a thorough assessment so you may refer onwards to a healthcare practitioner

• Learn pathology of the Spine region including; Scheurmanns, Disc herniation, Cauda Equina Syndrome, Spinal stenosis, Spondylolithesis, Spinal tumours, Pars Defects, Ankylosing spondylitis, Referred pain from the viscera,

• Conduct a physical assessment for a case history with a Spine injury

• Learn soft tissue therapy and joint mobilisation techniques for the Spine including: Prone, supine and sidelying techniques, Neuromuscular technique (NMT), Soft Tissue Release technique (STR), Joint mobilisation techniques, Soft Tissue Massage (STM)

• Learn how to structure and plan an early stage exercise plan for someone recovering from an injury

• Learn how to incorporate elements of pain science into your injury management

3 Parts -

• Part a) Pre-course Anatomy Worksheet

• Part b) Injury Poster Presentation

• Part c) Video - i) Clinical Assessment, ii) Manual Therapy, iii) Exercise demonstration

If you are completing the full diploma course you will also be expected to reflect on the content of this module throughout your 200 hours of clinical practice and how you have used the skills/communication from today with real life clients

Detailed breakdown of assessments