Spinal Manipulation

The Institute of Manual and Manipulative Therapy aims to be the premier provider of spinal manipulation courses and thrust joint manipulation education. Each of our spinal manipulation courses are taught by certified practitioners who are experts in their field, guiding each participant toward mastery that they can take into their own practices. 

We offer four thrust joint manipulation courses (including two on spinal manipulation) and includes a certification exam. Our thrust manipulation courses break down each technique to show proper form and method. When components of the movements are broken down and then brought together under the watchful guidance of a trained instructor, participants learn faster and retain more information because each movement has meaning. 

Why take spinal manipulation courses?

Taking spinal manipulation courses and/or getting certified in thrust joint manipulation helps you provide better care to your patients so they can enjoy better outcomes. Advertising your certification can help you set your practice apart from your competitors in an increasingly competitive market. 

Get TJM certified with Spinal Manipulation Courses from IMMT

When you complete the four thrust joint manipulation courses and pass the certification exam, you will earn certification in Thrust Joint Manipulation and can use the Cert. TJM designation. This certification designates you as a specialist in performing thrust joint manipulation for the entire human skeleton. 

Thrust Joint Manipulation Certification Course Curriculum

TJM Part 1: Thrust Joint Manipulation to the Spinal Column

The primary focus of this two-day spinal manipulation course is on developing the psychomotor skills needed to safely and effectively deliver thrust joint manipulation to the spinal column. 

This Part 1 course also includes a history of spinal manipulation, guidelines for the safe practice of TJM, and a review of evidence for spinal disorders. This spinal manipulation course includes 80% practical and 20% didactic training.

The TJM Part 1 Course includes: 

• 13 Spinal Manipulation Procedures from Occipito-atlantal to Sacroiliac Articulations
• Background of thrust joint manipulation 
• Guidelines for safe practice
• Basic review of evidence for spinal disorders

This course has been approved for 15 contact hours by all state boards where courses are held.

TJM Part 2: Thrust Joint Manipulation to the Spinal Column – Advanced

The two-day TJM Part 2 spinal manipulation course goes deeper into the process of delivering thrust joint manipulation to the vertebral column. In Part 2, you’ll be doing an in-depth review of the mechanisms to treating certain neuromusculoskeletal conditions both safely and effectively. 

The TJM Part 2 course includes:

• Review of TJM Part 1 Procedures and Didactic Material
• 22 Additional spinal manipulation procedures for entire spinal column including Sacrococcygeal Articulation
• Mechanisms of Benefit for TJM
• Safety/Efficacy of TJM for select neuromusculoskeletal conditions

This course has been approved for 15 contact hours by all state boards where courses are held.

TJM Part 3: Thrust Joint Manipulation to the TMJ, Anterior Rib, and Extremities

Part 3 of the spinal manipulation course series focuses on developing the skills to deliver thrust joint manipulation to all of the remaining diarthrodial and select synarthrodial joints. This will include techniques for working with the temporomandibular joint, anterior rib articulations, and the extremities.

The TJM Part 3 course includes:

• 31 Procedures to all remaining diarthrodial and select synarthrodial joints
• Background of non-spinal TJM
• Use guidelines for non-spinal TJM
• Efficacy of vertebral and non-spinal TJM for upper and lower quarter neuromusculoskeletal conditions

This course has been approved for 15 contact hours by all state boards where courses are held.

TJM Part 4: Certification in Thrust Joint Manipulation (Cert. TJM)

In the fourth part of the spinal manipulation courses, you’ll get certified in Thrust Joint Manipulation. This course focuses on the psychomotor and examination skills you’ll need to deliver spinal manipulation to all diarthrodial and select synarthrodial joints. After completing this course and passing the examination, you’ll be able to use the Cert. TJM as part of your professional title. 

Part 4 of the spinal manipulation course is two days of 50% review and 50% comprehensive testing. Testing will cover all practical and didactic portions of the prior TJM series. Testing on the mechanisms, safety, and efficacy of TJM for various neuromusculoskeletal conditions is also included.

The TJM Part 4 course includes:

• Review of All Techniques and Didactic Information
• Comprehensive Practical and Written Examination

Get TJM Certified in as little as 12 months 

We recommend completing a course every 3 months to allow for implementation of the techniques in clinical practice. If taken in succession, it is possible to finish your certification and achieve mastery of the material in as little as 12 months. 

Am I big/strong enough to do spinal manipulation? 

IMMT has successfully taught practitioners as small as 100 pounds to effectively use spinal manipulation. It does take a certain amount of strength + speed to achieve joint cavitation, the telltale “pop.” But the detailed instruction provided by IMMT provides smaller spinal manipulation practitioners the tools to overcome the disadvantages of a smaller body type. 

Do I have to take the courses in order? 

We recommend that you take the spinal manipulation courses in order. However, sometimes that’s not always feasible. In that case, you may take thrust manipulation courses 1, 2 and 3 in any order, but you must sign up for Part 1 to take the courses out of order. You must complete all three before taking course 4 for certification.

Courses

1. TJM Part 1: Thrust Joint Manipulation to the Spinal Column
2. TJM Part 2: Thrust Joint Manipulation to the Spinal Column – Advanced
3. TJM Part 3: Thrust Joint Manipulation to the TMJ, Anterior Rib, and Extremity
4. TJM Part 4: Certification in Thrust Joint Manipulation (Cert. TJM)

The first 3 courses can be taken in any order. Part 4 can only be taken after the successful completion of the other three courses.

Upcoming Courses