We do not offer an amalgam of different methods and techniques, but we want to emphasize one system, which is thouroughly being studied in depth.
The logic and the simple systematics of Cyriax’s methods lead to a proper understanding of the diagnosis and the therapeutical approach of the lesions of the moving parts of the locomotor system.
His ‘orthopaedic medicine’ forms the ideal basic knowledge for every doctor or physical therapist who wants to undergo further training in this field.
We do not deny the value of other systems but, for didactical reasons, we do not want to integrate them in our education.
 Basic course |
| Advanced course |
| Examination |
| Education aids |
| Education system |
| Follow-up programme |
| Teacher training programme |
| Scientific projects |
In which orthopaedic medicine is brought up in an analytic way, joint after
joint, with emphasis on learning the techniques of diagnosis and therapy.
In 15 days, spread over max. 18 months following items are discussed:
General principles
• Referred pain
• Trauma to soft tissues: behaviour of the connective tissue
• Compression of nerve tissue
• Diagnosis: techniques of history taking and clinical examination
• Treatment* of the most frequent conditions
* doctors: injections,
infiltrations, manipulations
physiotherapists: deep transverse massage, mobilizations,
manipulations, traction, capsular stretching
Peripheral joints: anatomy, clinical examination, pathology, therapy
• Shoulder
• Elbow
• Wrist and thumb
• Buttock and hip
• Knee
• Leg, ankle and subtalar joint
Spinal column: anatomy, clinical examination, pathology, therapy
• Lumbar spine
• Cervical spine
• Thoracic spine
Recapitulations, discussions
Mock clinics
Patient sessions
There is a balance between theory and practice.
This course is sufficient to be able to work with this method in daily practice.
In which a synthesis is made of all subjects seen in the basic course, region after region, with emphasis on details and especially on the differential diagnostic aspect. In this course a link is made to other opinions and systems about which a discussion develops and ideas are exchanged.
This course is optional and addresses to those who want to gain more in-depth knowledge in orthopaedic medicine.
In 15 days, spread over max. 18 months, following items are discussed:
Peripheral joints: temporo-mandibular joint, shoulder girdle, upper limb,
sacroiliac joint, pelvic girdle, buttock, groin, lower limb
• Diagnosis
• Pathology
• Differential diagnosis
• Treatment
Spinal column: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, coccyx
• Diagnosis
• Pathology
• Differential diagnosis
• Treatment
Psychogenic pain
Recapitulations, discussions
Mock clinics
Patient sessions
Although we advise participants to take the entire course, because the Cyriax-work needs accuracy and the knowledge of the details, the basic and advanced course can be taken separately, with an examination at the end of each course.
After the basic course an examination is organized leading to the OMI ‘basic course’ certificate.
The examination consists of:
• A theoretical examination: multiple choice system (42 questions
covering the entire subject) or oral examination
• A practical examination: demonstration of examination and treatment techniques
on a colleague
After the advanced course an examination is organized leading to the OMI ‘advanced course’ certificate.
The examination is an ‘open book’ examination and consists of:
• A theoretical examination: multiple choice system (20 questions
covering the entire subject)
• An oral examination: 3 questions about clinical reasoning
• A practical examination: 5 questions about treatment strategy
A practical workbook is available for the basic as well as for the advanced course which follows the different lectures and offers a detailed description of each examination and treatment technique.
The subject is offered by means of theoretical lectures and practical demonstrations. All examination and treatment techniques are practised under supervision. The balance between theory and practice is about 40-60%.
Apart from the general principles (theoretical lectures) following subjects are discussed per joint:
• Applied anatomy (theoretical and/or practical)
• Clinical examination (theory and practice)
• Interpretation of the examination – clinical reasoning (theory)
• Treatment techniques (theory, demonstration and practice)
Regular recapitulation periods are offered: practical recapitulation of examination and treatment techniques – mock clinics – case histories – patient sessions.
In order to create full understanding and to obtain complete assimilation of the subject a great amount of time has to be spent on theoretical and practical study.
We therefore offer an optional follow-up programme containing:
• Intermodular programme
Between the different modules of a course small groups of participants can meet – possibly together with a certified colleague – to discuss and practice the subjects studied in the previous module(s) following a fixed programme.
• Supervised recapitulation programme
Recapitulation evenings or days can be organized under supervision of an OMI teacher and covering a certain part of the subject, including case studies, mock clinics, own experiences, patients, practical sessions.
• Self-study programme
A self-study programme is available for those who want a guided study plan. The programme contains comments on the lectures given on the course, quizes, questions and preparation to the next course.
• Reading committee
The OMI reading committee follows the most recent literature and any course participant may apply to become a member of this committee.
Where and when necessary colleagues, who have attended both the basic and advanced education and who have succeeded the OMI advanced examination, can be invited to attend a 100-hours teacher’s training programme. Information is available.
OMI participates in scientific projects. More details will follow.