CCSP® – Certified Chiropractic Sports Practitioner®

Dr. Manison is one of only a couple Certified Chiropractic Sports Practitioners® in the Columbia / Ellicott City / Howard County, Maryland area. The designate “CCSP®” signifies successful completion of 120 hours of sports-specific training, followed by a comprehensive examination.

The CCSP® designate is granted by the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians® (ACBSP®). This organization was created to ensure a standard of care, as well as requisite background knowledge and technique, for treatment of sports- related injuries. Importantly, the ACBSP® is accredited by the National Organization for Competency Assurance (NOCA), which ensures quality and legitimacy of certifications in a wide variety of professions. NOCA approval is well-respected in the healthcare field, and thus, Dr. Manison proudly displays the CCSP® title in his signature.

What competencies does the CCSP® designate ensure? In short, the program includes 10 classes that cover material in the following specialty areas:

• Knee and Lower Extremity Injuries
• Team Physiology and Common Athletic Spinal Conditions
• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Rehabilitation
• Special Considerations and Sports Radiology
• Upper Extremity Injuries
• Practical Application of Case Studies
• Emergency Procedures
• Extremity Injuries – Hands-on Assessment and Treatment
• Sports Injury Taping

After completion of these classes, a chiropractor may sit for the standardized CCSP® exam, offered only twice per year. A passing score indicates advanced training in sports medicine for chiropractors.

With all of his other high-level certifications, why did Dr. Manison decide to pursue the CCSP®? Quite simply, he saw a need for acute assessment and management of injuries incurred by athletes he treats, not only at certain sporting events, but also in his practice. The CCSP® is expertly equipped to triage on-field injuries and determine appropriate treatment—whether emergency medical attention or sideline rehabilitation and return-to-play.

Looking ahead, the CCSP® is a stepping-stone in Dr. Manison’s ultimate goal to become a Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians® (DACBSP®). Currently, there are just about 180 DACBSP®s in the entire chiropractic field! In addition to all of the CCSP® training, the Diplomate program includes 200 more hours of training in advanced assessments and protocols for sports-related injuries. Competency is measured by a written examination, 100 hours of working at sporting events, a practical (hands-on) examination, as well as publication of a medically-indexed article.

Achieving a Diplomate, while working full-time in his office, is certainly a tall order, but judging by his success in the CCSP® program, Dr. Manison is up to the task!