Wow, what a journey the last 10 months have been! Firstly, I would like to thank you so much for making this course possible for South African Chiropractors. I have been eyeing it out for a few years and am so grateful that you were able to make it possible for us. I am so looking forward to meeting you both at the hands-on seminar in January. I live
in Cape Town and will be driving up to JHB and making a road trip there. I will be travelling with my 3 kids (I am still breastfeeding 2 of them).

It was more challenging than I expected to keep up with the weekly lectures, however I re-watched the videos multiple times, practiced extensively on my own children, met up with colleagues and implemented a lot into practice.

Content:
The course content was exceptionally rich and detailed. I especially enjoyed the modules on cranial movement and its impact on the nervous system. This has completely transformed my understanding and confidence in assessing and supporting paediatric patients. I also appreciated the practical demonstrations throughout the course, which made it easy to integrate the information into real-life applications.

Presentation:
The lectures were clear and well-paced. I found the visual demonstrations particularly helpful in understanding the hands-on components. Even when life got busy (especially during my pregnancy!), the online format and recorded sessions allowed me to re-watch and absorb the material at my own pace.

Value:
The value of this course has been immense. It has deepened both my theoretical and practical understanding, and I already see the positive impact of these techniques in my own family (I have been adjusting my kids using SOT and see amazing results) as well as in practice. The modules I had completed and implemented before starting maternity leave
meant I was finally able to “help” those really difficult cases that had more complex subluxation patterns. The knowledge gained has made me even more passionate about paediatric chiropractic care.

Implementation:
I implemented the assessment and adjusting protocols almost immediately into practice as I learned them. I also used what I’ve learned on my newborn while on maternity leave, and it’s been incredible to witness how effective these techniques are when applied correctly. For example, using the fruit jar and CSF techniques helped clear my son’s congestion when he had a cold at two weeks old — such a powerful confirmation of the method’s effectiveness. Also, since he has been having his nervous system checked since birth using the SOT protocol (we had an uncomplicated straight forward home birth as did my other 2 kids) he has been the most content baby, not even fussing at the 6-week mark. I’m very excited to bring the entire skill set into my practice when I return in the new year.

Suggestions:
At the moment- there are no suggestions that come to mind. Between the comment section, Facebook group and Dr sharing meetings we had ample room to have any questions answered. I look forward to the in-person seminar as it would be great to have the feedback as to whether I am doing some of the practical things correctly.

Overall, this course has been a truly transformative experience. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and passion so generously — I look forward to continuing to learn and grow within this community for many years to come.

The SOT Pediatric Certificate Program has provided me with what I see as the missing link in the foundational Chiropractic course work. 1. Assessment of the neonate and child that is Chiropractic specific. 2. Neurological integration in the Chiropractic practice that is more than a pain and mechanical centered approach yet remaining in the scope of manual therapy. 3. How to confidently be able to communicate with my patients and multidisciplinary colleagues in an evidence-based way, opening up improved communication and understanding of why we do what we do as Chiropractors. Our South African medical and general community is especially in need of improved understanding of the potential benefits of Chiropractic.

I have learnt that where there is confidence and knowledge, there are also improved outcomes. Where there is intention there are improved outcomes. This course has truly transformed my approach to Chiropractic care and brought light to many of my unanswered questions.

I have recently been referred an 18-month-old with an abnormal crawling pattern, overactive sympathetic NS, poor emotional regulation, abnormal head shape and delayed milestone of walking. He does not want to bend the knees to go into a squat position. Even though he is weight bearing, his mother actually sent me a photo of the inverted swing test prior to our initial consultation where he had quite a severe right lateral occipital flexion and thoracic flexion pattern. I could now explain to the mom what she was actually testing and could interpret the test with confidence, all the while considering that he is over 9 months of age. After assessing him, treating him 4 times in two weeks and referring him back to the Occupational Therapist, he was able to crawl on all fours. Although there is not perfect coordination yet, and a lot of work is still needed, I feel that I could provide the best possible care using the SOT pediatric paradigm. I have never had such a severe case, and yet such great results with delayed and non-functional milestones. The best is yet to come.

I would absolutely recommend this course to any Chiropractor who has a special interest in Paediatrics. If you want your clinical outcomes improved, a proper systematic approach to diagnosis and to widen your scope of Chiropractic care – this course is for you!

Just a huge thank you, for the pioneering work that Dr. Martin and Dr. Nancy have done in our profession and for creating such a seamless course for Chiropractors to glean from – worldwide.