Orthopedic Acupuncture: Neck & Upper Back Pain

Course Description:

This hands-on workshop will introduce fundamental assessment skills needed to perform a thorough history and physical examination for neck and upper back injuries. Attendees can expect to enhance their understanding of clinical anatomy, static and dynamic inspection/observation, movement assessment (active, passive, resisted, and passive accessory), orthopedic tests, palpation skills, and orthopedic/trigger point acupuncture needling technique for common injuries.

Learning Objectives:

• How to a perform a thorough history
• Enhance palpation skills
• Assess range of motion
• How to utilize muscle length and strength assessment
• Develop neurological examination skills
• Gain proficiency with orthopedic tests
• Consolidate effective treatment strategies
• Educate patients on preventative techniques and self care

DAY 1

9:00-9:30 Introduction, orthopedic and trigger point acupuncture essentials

9:30-10:30 Clinical anatomy of the cervical spine and shoulder girdle

10:30-12:30 Inspection and range of motion assessment of the cervical spine (active, passive, and resisted)

12:30-2:00 Lunch

2:00-3:30 Muscle assessment, palpation, and trigger point needling demonstration (scapular region)

3:30-5:30 Supervised practice: assessment, palpation, and needling technique for trigger/ashi points of the scapular region

DAY 2

9:00-12:30 Orthopedic tests - demonstration and supervised practice

12:30-2:00 Lunch

2:00-3:30 Muscle assessment, palpation, and trigger/ashi acupuncture needling demonstration (cervical region)

3:30-5:30 Supervised practice: assessment, palpation, and needling technique for trigger/ashi points of the cervical region

DAY 3

9:00-11:00 Differentiating common patterns, identifying thoracic outlet syndrome and shoulder pathologies

11:00-12:30 Needling technique review and clinically applied strategies

12:30-2:00 Lunch

2:00-3:00 Case demonstration(s) with group discussion

3:00-4:00 Preventative strategies and self-care

4:00-5:30 Comprehensive review of skills, Q&A