Cyriax manual therapy courses

This course consists of four modules covering all theoretical and practical aspects of clinical thinking, diagnosis and treatment strategies. It is intended for physicians and physiotherapists interested in the treatment of the musculoskeletal system.

After completion of these manual orthopedic medicine courses, which include basic and advanced training programs, the specialist will be able to:

Independently and safely examine patients and establish their accurate diagnosis.
Apply a multi-faceted clinical reasoning system.
Focus on the diagnosis and treatment of the musculoskeletal system. Once the diagnosis is obtained, the specialist can begin appropriate conservative treatment, taking into account the nature, severity, localization of the lesion and the patient’s personal expectations and condition, taking into account treatment options and interdisciplinary relationships.
Ensure close cooperation between doctors and physiotherapists in order to optimize the effectiveness of treatment.

Besides achieving a diagnosis a diagnosis, the specialist must be able to recognize red flags and, if necessary, change the treatment methodology and diagnosis. It is also important to promote and emphasize not only treatment, but also preventive rehabilitation, helping the patient return to daily activities as soon as possible.

Module A
Highlights in orthopaedic medicine - 2,5 days

Basic principles of modern orthopaedic medicine according Cyriax.
Rules of referred pain.
How to reach a valid diagnosis : inspection, history, relevant functional examination, palpation.
Clinical reasoning by using a standardized Cyriax assessment form.
General treatment strategy for soft tissue lesions: muscular, ligamentous, tendinosis / tendinopathy.
Elbow : inspection, history and basic functional examination.
Elbow : diagnosis and treatment procedures of tennis and golfer elbow.
Shoulder : inspection, history and basic functional examination.
Shoulder : diagnosis and treatment procedures of tendinitis, -osis (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, biceps,…).
Foot : inspection, history and basic functional examination.
Foot : diagnosis and treatment procedures of inversion and eversion traumata (sprained ankles : lig. talofibulare ant-post, lig. calcaneofibulare, lig. calcaneocuboideum, peronei, tibialis posterior).
Knee : inspection, history and basic functional examination.
Knee : diagnosis and treatment procedures of ligamentous lesions (MCL, LCL, coronary ligaments).
Wrist : inspection, history and basic functional examination.
Wrist : diagnosis and treatment procedure of a carpal subluxation (dorsal-palmar ; ligamentous lesion).

Module BC
Spine - 4 days

Lumbar spine:

Specific history taking.
General history.
Inspection : what is relevant ? Scoliosis or lateral deviation?
Basic functional examination : how to reach, in a valid and practical way, a diagnosis and differential diagnosis, respecting red flags.
Accessory examination.
What do we learn from the Straight Leg Raise test?
(ir)relevance of palpation and other diagnostic procedures.
Specific indications and contraindications of manipulative techniques ; techniques with and without traction component.
Specific indications and contraindications of mechanical traction techniques.
Specific indication and contraindications of self treatment exercises.
Creating a treatment strategy with incorporation of prophylactic and self treatment procedures.
Accessory SI pain provocation examination.
Clinical reasoning by using a standardized examination protocol incorporating links to McKenzie and other manual therapy approaches : how to reach a diagnosis and differential diagnosis ; is there any compatibility between different methods?
Non-mechanical disorders : discover the yellow and red flags – sign of the buttock.
Differential diagnosis with SI-joint and hip problems.
Indications for epidural local anaesthesia and nerve block.
Detailed analysis assessment form.
Lumbar : true false questions.
Lumbar : Quiz.
Lumbar : MCQ questions.

Cervical spine:

History, inspection, functional examination.
Pre-manipulative considerations.
Manipulation indications-contraindications / treatment techniques / therapeutic strategy.
Recapitulation functional examination + extra test for RA.
Differential diagnosis – scapular area.
More differential diagnosis incl. Facet joint – whiplash – adhesions.
Analysis assessment form.

Thoracic spine:

History.
Functional examination.
Manipulation techniques.
Muscular lesions.
General recapitulation of treatment techniques.

Module DE
Advanced extremities- 4 days

Module D : Extremities advanced 1

Shoulder:

Recapitulation examination procedures.
Interpretation capsular and non-capsular pattern / treatment techniques / bursitis.
Recapitulation treatment techniques contractile structures.
Further differential diagnosis – analysis assessment form – impingement tests.
True-false questions, Quiz, MCQ.

Elbow:

Recapitulation examination procedures.
Interpretation capsular and non-capsular pattern / treatment techniques / loose body manipulation.
Interpretation resisted tests / treatment techniques.
Recapitulation tennis- and golfer elbow techniques.
Further differential diagnosis.
True- false questions, Quiz, MCQ.
Recapitulation examination procedures.

Wrist:

Interpretation caspular pattern.
Recapitulation carpal subluxation techniques.
Further interpretation wrist, fingers, thumb / treatment techniques.
Pressure on nerves – carpal tunnel syndrome.
True-false questions, Quiz, MCQ.

Module E: Extremities advanced 2

Hip:

History, inspection, functional examination.
Interpretation capsular and non-capsular pattern / treatment techniques.
Interpretation resisted tests / treatment techniques.
Differential diagnosis bursitis.
Sign of the buttock.

Knee:

Recapitulation functional examination.
Articular lesions / treatment techniques / loose body manipulation.
Recapitulation ligamentous lesions / techniques.
Interpretation resisted tests / treatment techniques.
Further differential diagnosis – analysis assessment form.
True-false questions, Quiz, MCQ.

Foot :

Recapitulation functional examination.
Interpretation resisted tests / treatment techniques.
Recapitulation ligamentous techniques.
Further differential diagnosis / analysis assessment form.
True-false questions, Quiz, MCQ.

Module F
Recapitulation and exam course - 3 days

Depending on the number of candidates, the Cyriax orthopaedic medicine diploma course takes 2-3 days.

Overview of treatment methods for the upper and lower extremities and spine. Preparation for the theoretical and practical exam.
Theoretical examination: 70 questions, duration – 2 hours.
Practical examination: demonstration of 17 treatment methods.

To become a certified Cyriax manual therapy specialist, participation in all parts and passing the exam are mandatory.

Course location:

Kaunas

The exact address will be confirmed at least 2 months before the start of the course.

Course dates and prices:

Module A – 2025 11 07 – 2025 11 09 – 470 eur

Module BC – 2026 03 05 – 2026 03 08 – 700 eur

Module DE – 2026 04 30 – 2026 05 03 – 700 eur

Module F – date to be agreed with course participants – 470 eur

Lecturer

Steven De Coninck

Steven is working in private practice since 1989, where he focuses entirely on diagnosis and treatment of soft tissue lesions of the locomotor system.

In the meantime he has been teaching courses in modern orthopaedic medicine Cyriax in 39 countries.

Part of his passion is to write practical books, create new insights and publish numerous video clips on fascilitating examination and treatment procedures.

Inspiring therapists and guiding them towards more success and satisfaction in their daily practice is part of his mission.

Steven also offer a series of inspiring free downloads on www.cyriax.eu