Clinical Care of the Chiropractic Patient: May 2026 **Registration will close Friday May 15 at noon CST** Saturday, May 16, 2026 Palmer College of Chiropractic, Davenport, Iowa: Room W210 Check in begins at 7:30 a.m. 8-10 a.m. Michael Van Natta, D.C., DAAPM Fundamental Steps Leading to Clinical Care in a Chiropractor’s Office Review essential physical exams that contribute to skilled, patient centered clinical care.
Discussion includes case application, clustering of exams and an evidence based approach to clinical care for the upper and lower extremity.
10 a.m.- 12 p.m. Kevin Percuoco, D.C., Cert.MDT From Survival to Flourishing: Habits That Matter in Aging Join Dr.
Percuoco for an evidence-informed discussion on aging that moves beyond survival toward long-term flourishing. This session will distinguish health span from life span, challenge common misconceptions about what truly drives longevity, and examine both nonmodifiable and modifiable factors that influence pain, physical health, and wellness as we age. Emphasis will be placed on practical, behavior-based habits—grounded in current research—that clinicians can apply personally and professionally to support healthier, more fulfilling aging trajectories.
12-1 p.m. Lunch provided by Palmer College Continuing Education 1-3 p.m. Kira Baca, D.C. The Thyroid–Spine–Systemic Connection: Clinical Relevance of Thyroid Function for the Practicing Chiropractor This presentation will explore the essential role of the thyroid gland in regulating metabolism, neuromusculoskeletal function, and overall systemic health, with a focus on practical relevance for chiropractors. Attendees will review core thyroid physiology, including hormone production and regulation, followed by an overview of common thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, autoimmune thyroid disease, and subclinical dysfunction. The talk will emphasize how thyroid imbalance can influence pain patterns, fatigue, weight changes, neuromuscular performance, connective tissue health, and patient response to chiropractic care. Diagnostic considerations will be discussed from an interdisciplinary perspective, including red flags, symptom clusters, basic laboratory markers, and appropriate referral pathways. The session will conclude with clinical pearls to help chiropractors integrate thyroid awareness into patient history-taking, differential diagnosis, and collaborative care, while remaining within evidence-based and scope-of-practice guidelines.
3-5 p.m. Emily Speer, D.C. Raising Immunologically Resilient Kids: Everyday Choices, Lifelong Immune Health In this course we will explore how early-life experiences shape a child’s immune system and long-term health. We will discuss immunological resilience and core lifestyle pillars that foster health and address practical strategies to support a healthy microbiome throughout childhood with a focus on integrating these principles into chiropractic care of pediatric patients.
5-7 p.m. Tanner Kleppe, D.C. Training as Rehabilitation: Bridging the Gap Between Therapy and the Weight Room Strength training is often viewed as something that happens after the rehabilitative process, rather than as a core component of the process itself. This lecture will explore how building a foundation around the principles of the strength and conditioning is not only safe for our patients but is also effective in improving the clinical care we provide. We will explore how to progress patients with meaningful exercise and load management and to use strength training as a clinical tool rather than just and add on for fitness. We will primarily focus on principles and practical strategies for application in getting patients back to doing the things that they enjoy and value.