Spinal Manipulation Under Anesthesia Training for Chiropractors

This training caters to MDs, DOs, DMDs, DDS, NPs, RNs and other licensed healthcare professionals. The course is specifically designed for practitioners who have not been trained in spinal manipulation and want to add this nonpharmacologic pain management approach to their practice.

High-velocity low-amplitude (HVLA) spinal manipulation is an evidence-based, office-based manual therapy technique that applies a controlled, quick thrust to a specific dysfunctional joint. It is the primary osteopathic approach taught in this course for treating conditions such as sacroiliac dysfunction, lumbar facet syndromes, and disc-related pain that have not responded to conventional treatments.

The course covers treatment of sacroiliac joint dysfunction, palpable somatic dysfunction of the thoracic spine, range of motion loss, lumbar pain, sacrum-related pain, and lower back pain with or without leg pain. Pain sources addressed include muscle spasm and myofascial trigger points, joint lumbar facet degeneration and arthritis, and nerve-related radiculopathies and entrapment.

Yes, these are very safe procedures to perform with no real complications associated with proper training. The course teaches you to identify both relative and absolute contraindications, develop the psychomotor skills to minimize force and amplitude, and use sound clinical reasoning to determine when manipulation is or is not appropriate for each patient.

The Spinal Manipulation Therapies course is a 2-day, 16-hour program (8 hours per day). The format includes didactic instruction on clinical reasoning and evidence-based approaches combined with extensive hands-on practice to develop the technical skills required for safe and effective manipulation delivery.

A board-certified physician expert will teach this course, with other licensed healthcare professionals assisting where needed. The faculty provides direct supervision during hands-on practice to ensure you develop proper technique and biomechanics.

The course covers functional diagnostic testing including seated straight raise, supine straight leg raise, Kemp's Extension Test (rotate and lateral flux), deep tendon reflexes (patellar, Achilles), SI joint testing (Fortin finger test, FABER, SI compression), and muscle testing (hallux, eversion/inversion).

Absolutely. The course specifically covers pricing, packaging, and marketing strategies for incorporating spinal manipulation within your present practice. These procedures require no special equipment and can be performed in a standard office setting, making integration straightforward and cost-effective.

Chiropractors are among the primary practitioners of MUA procedures. Many states authorize DCs with appropriate MUA training and ASC credentialing to perform spinal manipulation under anesthesia. The chiropractic profession has a long history with MUA, and many state chiropractic boards have specific MUA credentialing pathways. Verify your state's requirements and begin the credentialing process with Empire's MUA certification documentation.

MUA is performed under conscious sedation or general anesthesia, which eliminates protective muscle guarding and pain-limited motion restriction. This allows you to achieve significantly greater ranges of motion and more effective mobilization of adhesions and fibrotic tissue than is possible when the patient is awake and bracing against manipulation. MUA is reserved for cases where office-based treatment has failed to achieve adequate improvement.

MUA procedures generate significantly more revenue than office-based adjustments. The MUA procedure fee, combined with ASC facility fees (which benefit your practice if you have facility ownership or partnership), creates per-procedure revenue substantially exceeding multiple office visits. Insurance coverage for appropriately documented MUA cases provides reliable reimbursement that supports a robust MUA practice program.

Chiropractic scope of practice regarding injection procedures varies significantly by state. A growing number of states authorize chiropractors to perform trigger point injections, joint injections, PRP treatments, and other injection-based therapies with proper training and certification. It's essential to verify your state chiropractic board's specific regulations before adding injection services. Empire's certification documents your hands-on training competency for credentialing purposes.

Interventional pain management techniques like trigger point injections, joint injections, and PRP therapy directly complement chiropractic adjustments by addressing soft tissue and joint inflammation, promoting healing, and providing pain relief that enhances the effectiveness of manual therapies. Functional medicine services expand your ability to address root causes of chronic conditions. Together, these integrated approaches deliver superior patient outcomes compared to any single modality alone.

Empire's course provides comprehensive hands-on training and certification in the specific procedures covered. Depending on your state's requirements, you may also need to complete additional hours of injection-related continuing education, obtain specific state certifications, or establish a practice protocol review with a medical director. Empire's team can help you understand the requirements in your specific state and practice context.