Mastering MSK Manipulation: The Spine

Tensegrity Engine and Axis of Intelligence

Evidence. Experience. Mechanism.

A Manipulation Course Like No Other

Limited to 12 Participants | Applied Theory and Hands-On Practical Workshop

Introductory Price £200 - 7 Hours CPD

Overview

The Spine is the foundation upon which the neuromusculoskeletal system is based both as the conduit to coordinate motor and sensory signals to every region of the body, while providing the biomechanical adaptations for efficient locomotion. This course provides the evidence, reasoning and technical skills to master treatment of all regions of the spine.

Join Chris Drakes for an intensive, high-level workshop designed to fundamentally transform your understanding of The Spine and how to treat it using Musculoskeletal (MSK) Manipulation. Previous  Fundamentals course feedback satisfaction level was 95.6% (Sept 26), for the Pelvis 99.6% (Oct 26)  - take a look at feedback comments below.

Unlike standard, formulaic technique courses, Mastering MSK Manipulation bridges the gap between evolutionary biology, physiological mechanisms, and clinical intuition. Treatment of the spine is central to the work of any manual therapist.

You will move past simply performing an isolated spinal manipulation to understanding the mechanism of the spine and treating the structure holistically. The content is completely new, based on the forthcoming Mastering MSK Manipulation book series, with concepts not presented anywhere else.

To guarantee maximum hands-on coaching, direct supervision, and personalized feedback, this course is limited to 12 participants.

While the depth of the course is comprehensive, the explanations are delivered with clarity. 
The Science of Newton, the Simplicity of Bruce Lee - The JKD of HVT.

What You Will Learn

• The Evolution of The Spine - Understand how and why the spine evolved from early beginnings, making us the most efficient land-living locomotors and giving us our unique form of consciousness. These adaptations came with  compromises made through exaptation giving the spine the vulnerabilities we have today.
• The Mechanism of The Spine - Understand how the updates to Fryette's laws of spinal coupling integrates into the energy return mechanisms of gait and how the spine is essential to efficient locomotion.
• Evidence to Clinical Reality - Learn where the risks actually lie from manipulative and manual therapy treatment, which techniques are safest, understand the efficacy of HVT and which other regions need to be addressed. Apply the demographic risks to safe patient management.
• Clinical Reasoning - Key history-taking indicators and physical examination findings for the regions of the spine.
• Treatment -  Understand a structured, logical treatment system for the spinal regions. Learn safer comfortable methods of manipulating the cervical spine, classical cervical tugs, Sutherland's deep cervical fascia technique, upper rib lifts, short and longer lever thoracic rib manipulations, lumbar roll for the thoracics and ribs, how to integrate short lever pull and push techniques with long lever lumbar roll, prone lumbar techniques and standing vertical adjustment.  

At the end of the course you will have:

• A streamlined diagnostic and clinical reasoning framework.
• A logical, step-by-step treatment routine.
• A wide range of short and long lever lumbar roll techniques that work up into the lower TSP
• Easy to learn, comfortable techniques for TSP and rib manipulation including rib 1.
• Safe cervical HVT variations, including OA manipulation, and techniques for patients not wanting or appropriate for HVT. 
• Technique variations for treating patients with acute lumbar disc herniation.

Important Course Information

• Format: Highly practical and hands-on. Participants will act as models for one another to gain immediate tactile experience applying and receiving thrust techniques.
• Class Size: Limited to 12 attendees to ensure dedicated 1-on-1 guidance
• Prerequisites: Simple enough for students and deep enough qualified practitioners (Osteopaths, Physiotherapists, Chiropractors) looking to refine their knowledge of treating the spine.

About Your Tutor

Chris Drakes

Former Deputy Clinic Director, Senior Clinic Tutor (19 years), Advanced Technique Tutor, and Senior Final Clinical Competency Examiner at the College of Osteopaths.

With nearly two decades of clinical and academic leadership at the College of Osteopaths, Chris Drakes brings an unparalleled level of expertise in clinical education, technique evaluation, and practitioner assessment. Known for deconstructing complex biomechanical physics into intuitive, highly practical execution, Chris focuses on refining practitioner technique so you can deliver superior outcomes with minimal physical strain on your own body.

⚠️ Space is Limited

Due to the 12-participant cap to preserve a high tutor-to-student ratio, places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Reserve your place below to secure your spot.

Feedback From Previous Courses

Practical was amazing - Fintan McGee

Chris - You are amazing! Your teaching style, techniques and knowledge are so valuable. I really enjoyed the course and will be back for more! Thank you - Laura

Great content, delivered in an easy to understand/utilise the information in practical context. Hands on also great - no fuss approach to the manipulation setups/techniques which I really liked. Made HVTs less scary. - Ann Trybowska

Really friendly fun atmosphere, Chris makes you feel very comfortable and I love the fact he is real about HVT outcomes - Gemma Ware

Chris has a way of simplifying everything which makes you feel at ease and helps to boost confidence - Lucy

The theory was really insightful - Stephen Bumstead

Course gave me confidence as a practitioner - Anon

Location

The Britton School of Performing Arts, Oakfield Business Corner, Works Road, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 1FB

Onsite Parking - 28 Minute Train from Kings Cross