CPD seminar series

Applied Kinesiology and Functional Neurology: Seminar Series

These seminars provide a “next step” for animal chiropractors who want to greatly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their treatments. Using muscle testing as a functional neurologic tool, new diagnostic and therapeutic techniques are taught that correct the deeper underlying cause of our patient’s health problems. Emphasis will be on neurology based diagnosis and treatment.

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Applied Kinesiology seminar

Seminar focus

What these seminars cover

These seminars provide a “next step” for animal chiropractors who want to greatly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their treatments. Using muscle testing as a functional neurologic tool, new diagnostic and therapeutic techniques are taught that correct the deeper underlying cause of our patient’s health problems. Emphasis will be on neurology based diagnosis and treatment.

  • Students will not only learn valuable, readily accessible therapies but also the neuro-anatomy and neuro-physiology that support our chiropractic methods. Workshops throughout the day prepare the learner for application of these new techniques when they return to.

Meet the instructor

Portrait of Dr. Carl J. DeStefano

Dr. Carl J. DeStefano

Dr. Carl J. DeStefano graduated from the National College of Chiropractic in 1984. He is certified in Animal Chiropractic from the Options for Animals Veterinary Chiropractic Center and the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association. He has also completed all the educational requirements for the Diplomat program sponsored by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association. Dr. DeStefano is board certified in Chiropractic Neurology through the American Chiropractic Neurology Board. He is a fellow of the American College of Functional Neurology. In 2007 he completed the Advanced Veterinary Spinal Manipulation program in Veterinary Chiropractic Neurology offered by the Healing Oasis Wellness Center.

Dr. DeStefano is the founder of the Health Pioneers Institute of Veterinary Chiropractic, which began classes in Animal Chiropractic certification in 2017.

An international speaker, Dr. DeStefano teaches post-certification classes to veterinarians and chiropractors in the specialized area of Applied Kinesiology and Neurology.

Applied Kinesiology and Functional Neurology: Seminar Series modules

Applied Kinesiology

Applied Kinesiology I

Introduction to Applied Kinesiology material includes an overview of Applied Kinesiology and its use as a functional neurologic testing procedure. Proper muscle testing technique is taught as a “window” to central nervous system function. Muscle spindle cell and golgi tendon organ techniques are taught as an introduction to vertebral challenge. Vertebral and extremity challenge allows the doctor to test for the presence of subluxations as well as determining the proper line of correction. Pelvic subluxation as defined in the basic certification course, is greatly expanded to define three types of pelvic categories. Methods for their diagnosis and correction are taught. Injury recall technique is a method to erase the neurological memory of past injuries which often interfere with normal healing, allowing subluxations to return.

Dates
April 19–21, 2027 (Mon–Wed)
Fee
To be announced
Registration

Applied Kinesiology

Applied Kinesiology II

AK 2 expands on the concepts taught in AK 1 by using muscle testing to diagnose muscle paresis or weakness. The diagnosis and treatment of cranial faults and their relationship to dural connected structures, particularly the pelvis is taught. TMJ anatomy and function are explained with methods for diagnosis and correction. Hand modes, as a means of differentially diagnosing differing structural, chemical, acupuncture and nutritional problems are taught as an important diagnostic approach. Hiatal hernia and ilio-caecal valve problems cause symptoms commonly misdiagnosed in clinical practice. A protocol for their detection and correction is included in the course.

Dates
April 22–23, 2027 (Thu–Fri)
Fee
To be announced
Registration

Applied Neurology

The Neurology of Movement

The “Neurology of Movement” teaches the peripheral and central mechanisms that can go wrong when receptor input disrupts normal gating mechanisms, causing muscle weakness and joint instability.

Dates
April 24–25, 2027 (Sat–Sun)
Fee
To be announced
Registration

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