Diversified Manipulative Skills – Why are they still the most popular?

“Diversified” manipulative techniques are still the most commonly practised clinical procedures employed by chiropractors worldwide. The diversified approach is regarded as representing the core of chiropractic as it represents the totality of chiropractic diagnostic and therapeutic procedures which are underpinned by basic science, biomechanical principles and clinical evidence. This lecture will explore the role of diversified manipulative techniques and procedures in modern chiropractic practice and the rationale that supports this comprehensive, yet flexible approach to clinical practice. This lecture will also investigate the strengths and weaknesses of the “diversified model” including comment on the merit of both diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. In summary this presentation will expand on the view that diversified principles provide an opportunity for practitioners to engage in evidence based practice and patient focused care.

This workshop will cover a “diversified “approach to chiropractic manipulative psychomotor skills and intervention based upon current evidence and rationale supported by the neuro-biomechanical model. The programme will concentrate on psychomotor skill performance and finesse related to a number of common diversified skills used by the practitioner. The workshop will stress the importance of postural efficiency, weight distribution, leverage, patient stability and regional specificity and illustrate how certain manipulative skills may overload the practitioner. Common performance errors will be highlighted during the hands on section of the workshop and instruction will be provided to recognise and avoid these erroneous movement patterns. The importance of patient safety and consideration of potential risks will also be highlighted.