Chiropractic Continuing Education Online Courses - Implementing Best Practices Posted on Sep 06, 2023

Chiropractic Continuing Education Online Courses: Translating Evidence Into Best Practices

Image of chiropractor on our chiropractic continuing education online courses pageCCEDseminars | Th Obvious Destination For Yoy Chiropractic Continuing Education Courses!Research consistently suggests that following guideline recommendations can improve the quality of care and clinical outcomes in chiropractic settings. However, translating such evidence into actionable strategies often poses a challenge. This post aims to provide insights on how chiropractors can make the best use of evidence-based guidelines, courtesy of experts in the field.

Table 1: Best Practice Recommendations for Musculoskeletal Care

RecommendationDescription
Ensure care is patient-centeredCare that accounts for individual preferences and incorporates shared decision-making
Screen for red flag conditionsIdentify possible serious pathology
Assess psychosocial factorsIncludes emotions, fears, social support, and recovery expectations
Use imaging selectivelyConsider when serious pathology is suspected, or there has been limited response to care
Undertake a physical examinationAssess mobility, strength, position and proprioception, and neurological function when applicable
Monitor patient progressEvaluate using validated outcome measures
Provide education/informationInform about condition and management options
Address physical activity/exerciseRecommend normal physical activity or other exercise when applicable
Use manual therapy only as an adjunctUse manual therapy with other treatments in the context of multimodal care
Offer high-quality non-surgical care prior to surgeryOffer conservative care prior to considering surgery
Try to keep patients at workEncourage continuation and/or early return to work

Recommendation No. 2: Undertake a Physical Examination

Accurate assessment and diagnosis of musculoskeletal problems can be challenging due to overlapping conditions with similar symptoms. This underscores the importance of physical examinations to assess key factors, including mobility, strength, and neurological function.

Recommendation No. 3: Use Manual Therapy as an Adjunct to Other Treatments

Contrary to being the sole intervention, manual therapy should be integrated into a multi-modal approach whenever possible. Exercise and self-management are crucial co-interventions that should be incorporated into the treatment plan.

Recommendation No. 4: Provide Education/Information

Education is an indispensable component of patient care. The evidence strongly supports incorporating educational components into all clinical encounters4, providing benefits such as reduced pain-related distress, increased patient awareness, and enhanced ability to cope.

Characteristics of Evidence-Based Health Education

  • Learning Process: Builds knowledge to enable voluntary health-related decisions.
  • Health-Focused: Views health as a dynamic, fluctuating timeline.
  • Multidimensional: Considers internal and external factors impacting health.
  • Person-centered: Adapts to individual health needs and experiences.
  • Partnership: Maintains a collaborative relationship between doctor and patient.

Practical Application: Implementing Recommendations

A checklist, either paper-based, electronic, or mental, can serve as a useful tool to implement best practice recommendations consistently. This not only promotes a strong doctor-patient relationship but also improves clinical outcomes.


CCEDseminars' Chiropractic Continuing Education Online Courses offer a comprehensive guide on these best practice recommendations, giving you the tools you need to elevate your practice. Stay tuned for more actionable insights and education opportunities to boost your chiropractic care quality. Click HERE for link to our Evidence Based Practice Programs.


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