Cervical spine risk assessment and consent for manual therapists

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About the course
This course will address practitioners’ concerns about treating the neck in the context of evaluating risk and receiving consent with a focus on vascular pathologies.

There has been much recent debate about the association between manual therapy and adverse events relating to stroke and cervical artery dysfunction. This one-day masterclass draws content from recent evidence and provides tools to practitioners to enhance clinical reasoning in triaging their patients and making informed decisions with their patients about whether manual treatment is appropriate. Presentations and case-based practical work will enable participants to evaluate their current knowledge, identify their learning needs and provide current knowledge and skills-based training to enhance practice. Relevant theory, epidemiology, pathophysiology and clinical research will be used to give participants up to date knowledge and will be applied in the context of clinical reasoning. Appropriate choice of manual therapy interventions will be discussed. The course is relevant to both those who use manipulation and those who do not.

Consent related matters in this area will be reviewed theoretically and practically as well as delegates having the opportunity to practise relevant clinical methods.

The course will focus on giving delegates practical experience and skills that they can apply in their clinical work. It is relevant for all practitioners who see people with neck and head pain.

Learning outcomes

• Understand the pathophysiology and epidemiology of cervical artery dysfunction
• Clarify the relationship between manual therapy technique and risk when evaluating and treating the neck
• Identify risk factors for cervical artery dysfunction
• Gain experience of clinical reasoning and shared clinical decision making with patients
• Enhance and apply clinical methods in the examination of neck and head pain presentations

About the course leaders
Roger Kerry
Associate Professor/Director of Postgraduate Education, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Nottingham
Roger is an experienced physiotherapist and academic with longstanding research and education interests in haemodynamics and manual therapy. He has published widely on clinical reasoning and risk related to cervical artery dysfunction. Roger is a member of the International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapist working group for the International Framework for Examination of the Cervical Region for potential of Cervical Arterial Dysfunction prior to Orthopaedic Manual Therapy Intervention 2007-2017.

Steven Vogel
Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research), The University College of Osteopathy. Editor-in-Chief, The International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine
Most of Steven’s working time is spent on research and education at the University College of Osteopathy. He held a clinical post as an osteopath in an NHS primary care setting for many years. His recent research has focused on reassurance, communication and consent, and safety in manual therapy. He was the lead researcher in the largest UK study investigating patient and osteopath’s experience of risk management and adverse events and consent. Steven has published widely and been involved in the development of NICE’s clinical guidelines for low back pain and sciatica.