Workshops
CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS – MANUAL THERAPY
C0–C1–C2 Manipulation: Effectiveness, Safety, and Interpretation of Post-treatment Responses
Instructor: Mirosław Kapica, Msc
Workshop Description
This workshop presents a contemporary evidence-based approach to manipulation of the upper cervical spine (C0–C1–C2), integrating current knowledge in clinical anatomy, neurophysiology, patient safety, and the interpretation of therapeutic outcomes. The aim is to familiarize participants with patient selection criteria, indications and contraindications for upper cervical manipulation, and to develop practical skills in diagnostic assessment and manual treatment techniques.
Theoretical Session
The following topics will be covered:
● Clinical anatomy of the upper cervical joints:
- atlanto-occipital joint (C0–C1),
- atlanto-axial joint (C1–C2);
● Neuroanatomical foundations and proposed mechanisms of action of cervical spinal
manipulation;
● Critical analysis of common misconceptions regarding manipulation, including the questions:
Does manipulation "realign the atlas" or "put vertebrae back into place"?
● Current scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness of manipulation of the C0–C1 and
C1–C2 segments;
● Safety considerations, with particular emphasis on red flags and appropriate patient selection;
● Post-treatment responses: characteristics and clinical significance;
● Interpretation of clinical outcomes following upper cervical manipulation.
Practical Session
Participants will gain hands-on experience with diagnostic procedures and selected manipulation techniques. The practical program includes:
● Pre-manipulative clinical assessment, including:
- evaluation of C1–C2 rotation,
- assessment of flexion–extension mobility at the C0–C1 joint,
- manual assessment of cervical spine mobility according to the Karel Lewit concept;
● Targeted manipulation of the C2 segment;
● Global cervical spine manipulation;
● Assessment of changes in postural symmetry using a stabilometric platform before and after manipulation.
Practical sessions will be conducted in pairs, allowing each participant to practice the demonstrated procedures under the instructor's supervision. Additionally, after demonstration of the technique, each participant will have the opportunity to perform a manipulation on the instructor.
CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS – MODERN TECHNOLOGIES IN MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS
Occlusion as a Sensor of the Postural System: Digital Occlusal Load Analysis in Adaptive Multimodal Stabilization (AMS) Therapy
Instructors: Marcin Ścieżkowski, Andrzej Ścieżkowski
Workshop Description
This workshop focuses on the application of digital occlusal analysis to evaluate the relationship between the stomatognathic system and postural control within the framework of the Adaptive Multimodal Stabilization (AMS) concept. The objective is to demonstrate the use of objective measurement tools in functional assessment and in monitoring therapeutic outcomes.
Theoretical Session
The following topics will be discussed:
● The role of functional occlusion in the regulation of muscle tone and postural control;
● Principles of the T-Scan Novus system and its clinical applications;
● Interpretation of digital occlusal analysis parameters, including:
- distribution of occlusal forces,
- occlusal contact timing,
- occlusal load asymmetry;
● The influence of body position, muscle activity, and short functional interventions on occlusal
recordings;
● The role of digital occlusal analysis in treatment planning and outcome monitoring;
● The use of mandibular motion analysis (Zebris) and stabilometry as complementary functional
assessment tools for the stomatognathic-postural system.
Practical Session
During the practical session, participants will become familiar with the T-Scan Novus system and perform digital occlusal analyses. The practical program includes:
● Performing and interpreting occlusal examinations using the T-Scan Novus system;
● Evaluation of changes in occlusal parameters in different body positions;
● Analysis of the effects of short functional interventions on occlusal force distribution;
● Demonstration of mandibular movement analysis using the Zebris system;
● Demonstration of stabilometric platform assessment to evaluate changes in postural control
and their relationship with occlusal parameters.
Practical sessions will be conducted in small groups, enabling participants to perform examinations independently, interpret the collected data, and discuss their clinical relevance in the diagnostic and therapeutic process.
This interdisciplinary workshop is intended for physiotherapists, physicians, and dentists interested in integrating objective functional assessment methods into clinical practice.