Acupuncture Orthopedics: Needling Joints of the Spine and Extremities

Address root causes of musculoskeletal pain and disability with classically-based needling of joints and ligaments. This hands-on class provides essential knowledge, skills and protocols to treat a wide range of orthopedic conditions by stabilizing and mobilizing joints with acupuncture.

Joint dysfunctions are common but sometimes hidden causes of chronic pain and disability. Learn to integrate acupuncture techniques with contemporary orthopedic examination to decrease pain and restore normal functioning of the joints of the spine and extremities. Take home practical methods and strategies, including:

Understanding Yin and Yang of joint anatomy, kinesiology, and the adverse effects of joint injuries on muscles, tendons, and the nervous system
Learn history and physical exam techniques to identify joint mobility/stability dysfunctions, including:
- Specialized inspection and palpation techniques for joints and ligaments
- Joint active and passive range-of-motion and end-feel examinations
Understand mechanisms and therapeutic effects of orthopedic acupuncture for joints
Practice needling safety and techniques for hyPERmobile and hyPOmobile joints, including;
- Shoulder, arm and hand: acromio- and sterno- clavicular, glenhumeral, ulnar- and radio- carpal; radio-ulnar; thumb CMC, MCP joints
- Lower leg: knee ACL, MCL, LCL, meniscii, superior tib-fib; ankle anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular joints
- Spine: cervical and lumbar facets; supraspinous, interspinous, iliolumbar, sacroiliac, and sacrotuberous ligaments
Practice post-treatment joint re-assessment for immediate assessment of outcomes

Head, Neck, Thorax — Anatomy Lab for Acupuncturists

Precise knowledge of clinical anatomy and kinesiology, and orthopedic/myofascial palpation and inspection, and movement analysis skills, are all essential foundations for diagnosis, and for determining where--and where not--to needle.

This unique class prepares students to get the most from the Head, Neck, Thorax module & Review/Practicum Lab

Clinical anatomy and the jing-jin ("sinew meridians" or myofascial tracts)

We will improve our abilities to accurately locate key bony landmarks, muscles, tendons, joints, neural and vascular tissues, through palpation on ourselves and each other, and through review of clinical anatomy.
Through palpation, observation and movement exercises, we will explore functions of key muscles and their jing-jin associations, as well as functional vs. dysfunctional movement patterns.
We will review safety considerations, including needling angle and depth, to avoid injuring the many critical structures in this body region.

Enhanced orthopedic palpation and inspection skills

We will enhance our abilities to feel different tissue types and layers: skin, fascia, muscle, nerve, blood vessel, and bone, with both our hands and needle-tip sensation.
We will practice inspection and palpation for tissue abnormalities including myofascial trigger points, tendinopathies and joint disorders.

Review of anatomical structure and kinesiologic function

Bony structures, including palpable landmarks and which muscles attach to them:
- External occipital protuberance
- Mastoid process
- Zygomatic arch
- Temporomandibular joint
- Spinous and transverse processes of C 2 to T 1
- Facet joints of C 2-C 3 to C 6-C 7
Muscles, including location, attachments, and functions
- Pterygoids
- Digastric
- Masseter
- Temporalis
- Suboccipitals
- Paraspinals: erector spinae group, multifidi, splenius and semispinalis groups
- Upper, middle and lower trapezius
- Levator scapula
- Sterno-cleido-mastoid: sternal and clavicular heads
- Scalenes: anterior, middle, posterior
- Rhomboids
- External intercostals
Vascular structures
- Arteries: carotid, subclavian, vertebrobasilar, temporal
- Veins: internal and external jugular
Spinal and neurological structures and functions
- Spinal neuroforamen
- Intervertebral discs: nucleus pulposus, annulus fibrosus
- Central canal, neural arch of laminae and pedicles
- Ligamentum flavum and posterior longitudinal ligament
- Spinal cord: dura and arachnoid mater, upper vs. lower motor neurons
- Lesser and greater occipital nerves
- Nerve roots: C 1-T 12
- Brachial plexus
- Myotomes
- Dermatomes
Cervico-thoracic anatomical kinesiology
- Planes of motion

Essential Orthopedic Acupuncture Techniques and Modalities

Does your clinical toolbox contain the essential modalities and techniques for treating orthopedic pain and disability? This class will help you round out your knowledge and sharpen your skill set!

Review indications, contraindications, cautions, safety considerations, best uses and limitations, and ways to develop the knowledge and skills needed for safe and effective applications of:

Electroacupuncture
Myofascial trigger and motor point needling
Joint stabilization/mobilization and ligamentous prolo-acupuncture
Neural acupuncture
7-star, lancet and 3-edged needling
Optimizing classical distant, ear and scalp needling for orthopedics
Myofascial gua sha
Orthopedic cupping
Therapeutic exercise

Take home practical strategies for matching techniques and modalities to patients’ injuries, needs, goals and tolerance, and for sequencing and combining them for efficiency, comfort and efficacy.

This introductory class prepares students to get the most out of the 4-part Jing-Jin series and the 5-part Spine & Extremities series.

Spine & Extremities — Anatomy Review and Clinical Practicum Labs

Labs are distinctive features of AOM Professional's Certification program, designed for development and retention of skills through review of anatomy and kinesiology and hands-on, guided practice of physical exam and treatment.

Anatomy Labs for Acupuncturists

Prepare to get the most out of the Spine & Extremities classes through advance review of clinical anatomy and kinesiology, using guided inspection, palpation, and movement for experiential learning and skill development. Anatomy Labs are not required for Certification, and are usually offered the day before the Spine & Extremities modules for each of 5 body regions: Head, Neck, Thorax; Shoulder, Arm, Hand; Low Back, Pelvic Girdle and Core; Hip, Thigh, Knee; Calf, Ankle, Foot.

Practicum Labs

Apply, reinforce, and expand upon challenging topics areas from the Spine & Extremities modules. Practicum Labs feature treatment and discussion of challenging cases in a grand rounds setting and demonstrate integration of material into practical clinical flow.

* Note: Practicum Labs are open only to students who have completed the prior associated didactic class. *

Practicum Labs feature hands-on supervised practice of:

Orthopedic exam techniques and functional capacity evaluation
- Range-of-motion: active, passive, and joint-play/end-feel testing
- Muscle strength and length testing
- Orthopedic and neurologic special tests
Treatment of specific tissues, injuries and conditions, with
- Myofascial trigger point acupuncture
- Joint stabilization and mobilization ("prolo-") acupuncture
- Electroacupuncture
- Neural prolo-acupuncture
- 7-star, lancet, and 3-edged needling
- Distant acupuncture
- Myofascial gua sha
- Tui na and other manual therapies
- Advanced cupping methods for orthopedic conditions
- Exercise therapy, postural and ergonomics re-training
- Taping techniques

Actual curriculum varies by body region, and by student requests for assistance with areas of particular technical difficulty.

Required for Certification in Acupuncture Orthopedics:

Head, Neck, Thorax: Practicum Lab (8 hours)
Shoulder, Arm, Hand: Practicum Lab (8 hours)
Low Back. Core and Pelvic Girdle: Practicum Lab (8 hours)
Hip, Thigh, Knee: Practicum Lab (8 hours)
Calf, Ankle, Foot: Practicum Lab (8 hours)

Please note that for Certification in Acupuncture Orthopedics, each Practicum Lab must be taken once following completion of the associated didactic Spine & Extremities module when taken as an in-person class, and twice if the didactic module was taken as a webinar or distance-learning class.

Format: in-person supervised practice + grand rounds

Free Classes & E-books

Want to learn more about East-West acupuncture orthopedics, but not sure where to start? Need foundational training in musculoskeletal anatomy and kinesiology, sports injuries, and neuromuscular pain management? These free classes and E-books are designed to help you:

Chart your course to building the knowledge, skills, and abilities you want and need
Learn immediately-applicable take-home techniques, tips and strategies for common complaints
Get started with advanced and specialized approaches that can make the difference with chronic and complex pain
Explore the purposes, power and value of orthopedic-specific and integrative history-taking and physical exam methods
Grow your abilities beyond "cook-book" protocols through understanding fundamental theories and practices of Acupuncture Orthopedics
Learn how to learn directly from your patients through taking baseline and re-evaluation measurements of functional capacity--free yourself from dependency on teachers and textbooks!
Prepare to get the most out of the Spine & Extremities and Jing-Jin series.

Free Classes and E-books:

Acupuncture Treatment of the Jing-Jin ("Sinew Meridians"): Introduction
Basics of Low Back
Basics of Neck
Basics of Shoulder
Essential Orthopedic Acupuncture Techniques and Modalities
Overview of Acupuncture Orthopedics: Road Maps to Clinical Success

Acupuncture Treatment of the 3 Yin Jing-Jin (“Sinew Meridians”): the Medial and Axial Tracts

**Learn classical and modern methods of treating the jing-jin, including:**

Classical needling techniques, including “crack needling,” “short puncture,” “superficial puncture,” hegu puncture, and shu-point/periosteal puncture
Myofascial trigger point and joint stabilization/mobilization ("prolo-acupuncture") needling
Cupping, gua sha, and other manual therapies

Instructional methods include:

Comparison of ancient sources with dissection studies and functional analyses of myofascial tissues: bony attachments and kinematic chains of muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia
Review of postural vs. phasic muscles and balance between agonist/antagonist muscle groups.
Demonstration of classical palpation techniques integrated with assessment of the movement, strength, and joint stabilization functions of the shaoyang jing-jin
Anatomical charts of myofascial referred pain patterns, including muscle attachment sites and functions, innervation, and trigger, motor and Chinese new/miscellaneous points for over 25 muscles and connective tissue structures that form the taiyang jing-jin.

Knowing the jing-jin is a valuable complement to the cross-sectional approach of contemporary orthopedics, and opens up to avenues towards holistic rehabilitation from injuries, pain and disability, including:

Decreased muscle-tendon pain and tension, and improved strength and function.
Decreased joint pain and enhanced stability and biomechanics.
Increased flexibility and range-of-motion.
Restored sensory, motor and proprioceptive function.

Student Comments and Ratings

From evaluations as required by NCCAOM & California Acupuncture Board.

Respondents: 40 of 45 enrolled

Comments:

"Thank you for the great class! From clinical pearls to an important review of cautions and contraindications, these courses are very useful, even after practicing in this specialty for over 7 years! The material presents a truly integrative approach to orthopedics and sports medicine. In the past, I've found courses to apply either a TCM or a western orthopedics lens, but Dr. Von der Muhll does a wonderful job of blending the concepts in a way that is practical for patient care, logical for the practitioner, and provides language to discuss findings and treatments with our TCM and western colleagues." --Leslie Yedor, L.Ac.
“Very articulate and precise…great 1-on-1 attention.“ –Jessica Giese-Garderner, L.Ac.
“Amazing–Thank you!“ –Jessica Luehrs, L.Ac.
“This class was a really great review as well as including new material” —Daniele Uzes, L.Ac.
“Great knowledge of anatomy, very in-depth. Thank you for adding to the written notes on-line…I really appreciated Anthony’s in-depth clinical experience and his willingness to share..I’m taking more classes!!!” –Monica Bowditch, L.Ac.
“Tons of great info, many applicable tools, with some practice indeed…great for sports acu/pain/ortho.” —Joe Sarti, L.Ac.
“I especially enjoyed reviewing anatomy whilst doing practical exercises to improve my skills…very good explanations…great that notes are digital and linked.” –Michael E. Brown, Jr., L.Ac.
“I like the charts and photos, this is truly useful!” —Anonymous, L.Ac.
"Excellent!" --Anonymous
"I learned a lot. Anthony is very knowledgeable." --Anonymous
“I wish I had taken this when I got my license in 2006.” —Anonymous, L.Ac.

Average Ratings. Overall: 5/5

The class met its goals/objectives and covered subject materials as stated: 5/5

The class material will be useful in my clinical practice: 5/5

The instructor made effective use of learning aids: slideshows, notes, videos: 5/5

The class provided enough depth, breadth and detail of information: 5/5

The instructor provided adequate instruction in the skills and subjects addressed in the class: 5/5

The written notes were clear, adequate and helpful: 5/5

The number of CEUs/PDAs was appropriate for the time and work required: 5/5

Source Texts Referenced in this Class

Acupuncture: A Comprehensive Text. Shanghai College of Traditional Chinese Medicine. O’Connor and Bensky, trans. and ed. (1981)
Kendall, Donald E. The Dao of Chinese Medicine: Understanding an Ancient Health Art. (2002)
Legge, David. Jing Jin: Acupuncture Treatment of the Muscular System Using the Meridian Sinews. (2010)
Meyers, Thomas W. Anatomy Trains: Myofascial Meridians for Movement Therapists. (2009)
Simmons, Travell, Simmons and Cummings. Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual, vols. 1-2. (any edition)

Suggested Class Preparation

Prior review of clinical musculoskeletal anatomy and kinesiology of the medial and axial body structures listed above (including joints and their planes of motion, ligaments, tendons, muscle attachments and functions, innervation) is recommended to make the most of this learning opportunity. Students are advised to have ready access to clinical anatomy references texts, apps or on-line resources during live webinars and in-person classes.

**Acupuncture Treatment of the Jing-Jin ("Sinew Meridians"): Introduction is strongly recommended as a pre-requisite.**

**See the other classes in this 4-part series: Taiyang, Yangming and 3 Yin Jing-Jin. Take more than 1 for 10% off each!**

Acupuncture Treatment of the Yangming Jing-Jin (“Sinew Meridian”): the Anterior Tract

**Learn classical and modern methods of treating the jing-jin, including:**

Classical needling techniques, including “crack needling,” “short puncture,” “superficial puncture,” hegu puncture, and shu-point/periosteal puncture
Myofascial trigger point and joint stabilization/mobilization ("prolo-acupuncture") needling
Cupping, gua sha, and other manual therapies

Instructional methods include:

Comparison of ancient sources with dissection studies and functional analyses of myofascial tissues: bony attachments and kinematic chains of muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia
Review of postural vs. phasic muscles and balance between agonist/antagonist muscle groups.
Demonstration of classical palpation techniques integrated with assessment of the movement, strength, and joint stabilization functions of the shaoyang jing-jin
Anatomical charts of myofascial referred pain patterns, including muscle attachment sites and functions, innervation, and trigger, motor and Chinese new/miscellaneous points for over 25 muscles and connective tissue structures that form the taiyang jing-jin.

Knowing the jing-jin is a valuable complement to the cross-sectional approach of contemporary orthopedics, and opens up to avenues towards holistic rehabilitation from injuries, pain and disability, including:

Decreased muscle-tendon pain and tension, and improved strength and function.
Decreased joint pain and enhanced stability and biomechanics.
Increased flexibility and range-of-motion.
Restored sensory, motor and proprioceptive function.

Student Comments and Ratings

From evaluations as required by NCCAOM & California Acupuncture Board.

Respondents: 38 of 43 enrolled

Comments:

"Thank you for the great class! From clinical pearls to an important review of cautions and contraindications, these courses are very useful, even after practicing in this specialty for over 7 years! The material presents a truly integrative approach to orthopedics and sports medicine. In the past, I've found courses to apply either a TCM or a western orthopedics lens, but Dr. Von der Muhll does a wonderful job of blending the concepts in a way that is practical for patient care, logical for the practitioner, and provides language to discuss findings and treatments with our TCM and western colleagues." --Leslie Yedor, L.Ac.
“Very articulate and precise…great 1-on-1 attention.“ –Jessica Giese-Garderner, L.Ac.
“Amazing–Thank you!“ –Jessica Luehrs, L.Ac.
“This class was a really great review as well as including new material” —Daniele Uzes, L.Ac.
“Great knowledge of anatomy, very in-depth. Thank you for adding to the written notes on-line…I really appreciated Anthony’s in-depth clinical experience and his willingness to share..I’m taking more classes!!!” –Monica Bowditch, L.Ac.
“Tons of great info, many applicable tools, with some practice indeed…great for sports acu/pain/ortho.” —Joe Sarti, L.Ac.
“I especially enjoyed reviewing anatomy whilst doing practical exercises to improve my skills…very good explanations…great that notes are digital and linked.” –Michael E. Brown, Jr., L.Ac.
“I like the charts and photos, this is truly useful!” —Anonymous, L.Ac.
"Excellent!" --Anonymous
"I learned a lot. Anthony is very knowledgeable." --Anonymous
“I wish I had taken this when I got my license in 2006.” —Anonymous, L.Ac.

Average Ratings. Overall: 5/5

The class met its goals/objectives and covered subject materials as stated: 5/5

The class material will be useful in my clinical practice: 5/5

The instructor made effective use of learning aids: slideshows, notes, videos: 5/5

The class provided enough depth, breadth and detail of information: 5/5

The instructor provided adequate instruction in the skills and subjects addressed in the class: 5/5

The written notes were clear, adequate and helpful: 5/5

The number of CEUs/PDAs was appropriate for the time and work required: 5/5

Source Texts Referenced in this Class

Acupuncture: A Comprehensive Text. Shanghai College of Traditional Chinese Medicine. O’Connor and Bensky, trans. and ed. (1981)
Kendall, Donald E. The Dao of Chinese Medicine: Understanding an Ancient Health Art. (2002)
Legge, David. Jing Jin: Acupuncture Treatment of the Muscular System Using the Meridian Sinews. (2010)
Meyers, Thomas W. Anatomy Trains: Myofascial Meridians for Movement Therapists. (2009)
Simmons, Travell, Simmons and Cummings. Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual, vols. 1-2. (any edition)

Suggested Class Preparation

Prior review of clinical musculoskeletal anatomy and kinesiology of the anterior body structures listed above (including joints and their planes of motion, ligaments, tendons, muscle attachments and functions, innervation) is recommended to make the most of this learning opportunity. Students are advised to have ready access to clinical anatomy references texts, apps or on-line resources during live webinars and in-person classes.

**Acupuncture Treatment of the Jing-Jin ("Sinew Meridians"): Introduction is strongly recommended as a pre-requisite.**

**See the other classes in this 4-part series: Taiyang, Shaoyang and 3 Yin Jing-Jin. Take more than 1 for 10% off each!**

Acupuncture Treatment of the Shaoyang Jing-Jin (“Sinew Meridian”): the Lateral Tract

**Learn classical and modern methods of treating the jing-jin, including:**

Classical needling techniques, including “crack needling,” “short puncture,” “superficial puncture,” hegu puncture, and shu-point/periosteal puncture
Myofascial trigger point and joint stabilization/mobilization ("prolo-acupuncture") needling
Cupping, gua sha, and other manual therapies

Instructional methods include:

Comparison of ancient sources with dissection studies and functional analyses of myofascial tissues: bony attachments and kinematic chains of muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia
Review of postural vs. phasic muscles and balance between agonist/antagonist muscle groups.
Demonstration of classical palpation techniques integrated with assessment of the movement, strength, and joint stabilization functions of the shaoyang jing-jin
Anatomical charts of myofascial referred pain patterns, including muscle attachment sites and functions, innervation, and trigger, motor and Chinese new/miscellaneous points for over 25 muscles and connective tissue structures that form the taiyang jing-jin.

Knowing the jing-jin is a valuable complement to the cross-sectional approach of contemporary orthopedics, and opens up to avenues towards holistic rehabilitation from injuries, pain and disability, including:

Decreased muscle-tendon pain and tension, and improved strength and function.
Decreased joint pain and enhanced stability and biomechanics.
Increased flexibility and range-of-motion.
Restored sensory, motor and proprioceptive function.

Student Comments and Ratings

From evaluations as required by NCCAOM & California Acupuncture Board.

Respondents: 40 of 45 enrolled

Comments:

"Thank you for the great class! From clinical pearls to an important review of cautions and contraindications, these courses are very useful, even after practicing in this specialty for over 7 years! The material presents a truly integrative approach to orthopedics and sports medicine. In the past, I've found courses to apply either a TCM or a western orthopedics lens, but Dr. Von der Muhll does a wonderful job of blending the concepts in a way that is practical for patient care, logical for the practitioner, and provides language to discuss findings and treatments with our TCM and western colleagues." --Leslie Yedor, L.Ac.
“Very articulate and precise…great 1-on-1 attention.“ –Jessica Giese-Garderner, L.Ac.
“Amazing–Thank you!“ –Jessica Luehrs, L.Ac.
“This class was a really great review as well as including new material” —Daniele Uzes, L.Ac.
“Great knowledge of anatomy, very in-depth. Thank you for adding to the written notes on-line…I really appreciated Anthony’s in-depth clinical experience and his willingness to share..I’m taking more classes!!!” –Monica Bowditch, L.Ac.
“Tons of great info, many applicable tools, with some practice indeed…great for sports acu/pain/ortho.” —Joe Sarti, L.Ac.
“I especially enjoyed reviewing anatomy whilst doing practical exercises to improve my skills…very good explanations…great that notes are digital and linked.” –Michael E. Brown, Jr., L.Ac.
“I like the charts and photos, this is truly useful!” —Anonymous, L.Ac.
"Excellent!" --Anonymous
"I learned a lot. Anthony is very knowledgeable." --Anonymous
“I wish I had taken this when I got my license in 2006.” —Anonymous, L.Ac.

Average Ratings. Overall: 5/5

The class met its goals/objectives and covered subject materials as stated: 5/5

The class material will be useful in my clinical practice: 5/5

The instructor made effective use of learning aids: slideshows, notes, videos: 5/5

The class provided enough depth, breadth and detail of information: 5/5

The instructor provided adequate instruction in the skills and subjects addressed in the class: 5/5

The written notes were clear, adequate and helpful: 5/5

The number of CEUs/PDAs was appropriate for the time and work required: 5/5

Source Texts Referenced in this Class

Acupuncture: A Comprehensive Text. Shanghai College of Traditional Chinese Medicine. O’Connor and Bensky, trans. and ed. (1981)
Kendall, Donald E. The Dao of Chinese Medicine: Understanding an Ancient Health Art. (2002)
Legge, David. Jing Jin: Acupuncture Treatment of the Muscular System Using the Meridian Sinews. (2010)
Meyers, Thomas W. Anatomy Trains: Myofascial Meridians for Movement Therapists. (2009)
Simmons, Travell, Simmons and Cummings. Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual, vols. 1-2. (any edition)

Suggested Class Preparation

Prior review of clinical musculoskeletal anatomy and kinesiology of the posterior body structures listed above (including joints and their planes of motion, ligaments, tendons, muscle attachments and functions, innervation) is recommended to make the most of this learning opportunity. Students are advised to have ready access to clinical anatomy references texts, apps or on-line resources during live webinars and in-person classes.

**Acupuncture Treatment of the Jing-Jin ("Sinew Meridians"): Introduction is strongly recommended as a pre-requisite.**

**See the other classes in this 4-part series: Taiyang, Yangming and 3 Yin Jing-Jin. Take more than 1 for 10% off each!**

Acupuncture Treatment of the Jing-Jin (“Sinew Meridians”): Introduction

The classical 经筋 jing-jin ("sinew meridians") of Chinese medicine describe tracts of myofascial tissues that roughly follow the jing-luo ("primary meridians").

Understanding the jing-jin can guide clinicians from where pain is felt, to distal and proximal locations that also may need treatment. Knowing the muscles, tendons, joints and ligaments of each jing-jin, and how to examine and treat them is a valuable complement to the cross-sectional approach of contemporary orthopedics, and opens up avenues towards holistic rehabilitation from injuries, pain and disability, including:

Decreased muscle-tendon pain and tension, and improved strength and function
Decreased joint pain, and increased flexibility and range-of-motion
Improved posture, movement, and whole-body biomechanics

This introductory class prepares students to get the most out of the 4-part Jing-Jin series by reviewing the general structure and functions of the jing-jin, as well as classical and modern examination and treatment techniques, including:

Comparison of ancient descriptions of the jing-jin with contemporary dissection studies and functional analyses of myofascial tracts and kinematic chains
Clinical significance of postural vs. phasic muscles and balance between agonist/antagonist muscle groups
Clinical assessment of the movement, strength, and joint stabilization functions of jing-jin muscles and joints
Introduction to anatomical charts of myofascial referred pain patterns, including muscle attachment sites and functions, innervation, and trigger, motor and Chinese new/miscellaneous points. (The full series covers over 100 muscles and connective tissue structures.)

Treatment of jing-jin injuries and pain with traditional and modern acupuncture and other AOM therapies.

Classical needling of the jing-jin, including “crack needling,” “short puncture,” “superficial puncture,” hegu puncture, and shu-point/periosteal puncture
Myofascial trigger point and joint stabilization/mobilization ("prolo-acupuncture") needling
Cupping, gua sha, and other manual therapies

Acupuncture Orthopedics Essentials III: Myofascial Trigger Point & Joint Needling

This foundational class provides essential knowledge, skills and protocols to treat a wide range of orthopedic injuries and disabilities with myofascial trigger point and joint stabilization/mobilization needling.

Muscle tension and underlying joint dysfunctions are frequent but often hidden causes of chronic pain and disability. Learn specialized physical exams that lead directly to modern needling techniques with ancient roots to reduce painful myofascial trigger points and restore normal functioning of the muscles and joints of the spine and extremities. Students take home practical methods and strategies, including:

Fundamentals of Orthopedic Acupuncture

Yin and yang of muscle, tendon and joint anatomy & kinesiology
Indications and special contraindications, cautions, and safety for orthopedic acupuncture
Patient education and informed consent
Specialized practitioner training and skill development for orthopedic acupuncture
History and physical exam techniques to identify myofascial trigger points and joint mobility/stability dysfunctions
Mechanisms and therapeutic effects of orthopedic acupuncture
Red flags for serious muscle and joint injuries

**Treating the Yang: Myofascial Trigger Point Acupuncture**

Ahshi points and the jingjin (“sinew meridians” or myofascial tracts)
Beyond "ahshi points:" specialized methods for locating and treating myofascial trigger points, using tennis elbow as a clinical example
Recommended muscles and safety considerations for applications of myofascial trigger point acupuncture
Learn needling and safety techniques for clinically-significant and commonly-injured muscles/tendons of the spine & extremities, including:
- Head, neck, arms: digastric, upper trapezius, levator scapula, sternocleidomastoid, scalenes, supraspinatus, subscapularis, supinator
- Low back and torso: iliopsoas, quadratus lumborum, abdominals

**Treating the Yin: Joint Stabilization and Mobilization with Ligamentous or "Prolo-" Acupuncture**

Understanding joint injuries and their sequelae: the degenerative cascade
Specialized inspection and palpation techniques for joints and ligaments
Joint active and passive range-of-motion and end-feel examinations
Needling safety and techniques for hyPERmobile and hyPOmobile joints, including;
- Shoulder, arm and hand: acromio- and sterno- clavicular, glenhumeral, ulnar- and radio- carpal; radio-ulnar; thumb CMC, MCP joints
- Lower leg: knee ACL, MCL, LCL, meniscii, superior tib-fib; ankle anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular joints
- Spine: cervical and lumbar facets; supraspinous, interspinous, iliolumbar, sacroiliac, and sacrotuberous ligaments
Post-treatment joint re-assessment for immediate verification of outcomes

Address root causes of musculoskeletal pain and disability with classically-based needling of joints and ligaments. This hands-on class provides essential knowledge, skills and protocols to treat a wide range of orthopedic conditions by stabilizing and mobilizing joints with acupuncture.

Enhance your clinical skills through palpation, inspection and movement

With Instructor Jamie Bender L.Ac., DAOM

Precise knowledge of clinical anatomy and kinesiology, and orthopedic/myofascial palpation and inspection, and movement analysis skills, are all essential foundations for diagnosis, and for determining where--and where not--to needle.

This unique class prepares students to get the most from the Head, Neck, Thorax module & Review/Practicum Lab

Clinical anatomy and the jing-jin ("sinew meridians" or myofascial tracts)

Enhanced orthopedic palpation and inspection skills

Review of anatomical structure and kinesiologic function

Does your clinical toolbox contain the essential modalities and techniques for treating orthopedic pain and disability? This class will help you round out your knowledge and sharpen your skill set!

Review indications, contraindications, cautions, safety considerations, best uses and limitations, and ways to develop the knowledge and skills needed for safe and effective applications of:

Take home practical strategies for matching techniques and modalities to patients’ injuries, needs, goals and tolerance, and for sequencing and combining them for efficiency, comfort and efficacy.

This introductory class prepares students to get the most out of the 4-part Jing-Jin series and the 5-part Spine & Extremities series.

Labs are distinctive features of AOM Professional's Certification program, designed for development and retention of skills through review of anatomy and kinesiology and hands-on, guided practice of physical exam and treatment.

Anatomy Labs for Acupuncturists

Practicum Labs

*** Note: Practicum Labs are open only to students who have completed the prior associated didactic class. ***

Practicum Labs feature hands-on supervised practice of:

Required for Certification in Acupuncture Orthopedics:

Format: in-person supervised practice + grand rounds

Want to learn more about East-West acupuncture orthopedics, but not sure where to start? Need foundational training in musculoskeletal anatomy and kinesiology, sports injuries, and neuromuscular pain management? These free classes and E-books are designed to help you:

Free Classes and E-books:

Learn classical and modern methods of treating the jing-jin, including:

Instructional methods include:

Knowing the jing-jin is a valuable complement to the cross-sectional approach of contemporary orthopedics, and opens up to avenues towards holistic rehabilitation from injuries, pain and disability, including:

Student Comments and Ratings

Comments:

Average Ratings. Overall: 5/5

Source Texts Referenced in this Class

Suggested Class Preparation

Acupuncture Treatment of the Jing-Jin ("Sinew Meridians"): Introduction is strongly recommended as a pre-requisite.

See the other classes in this 4-part series: Taiyang, Yangming and 3 Yin Jing-Jin. Take more than 1 for 10% off each!

Learn classical and modern methods of treating the jing-jin, including:

Instructional methods include:

Knowing the jing-jin is a valuable complement to the cross-sectional approach of contemporary orthopedics, and opens up to avenues towards holistic rehabilitation from injuries, pain and disability, including:

Student Comments and Ratings

Comments:

Average Ratings. Overall: 5/5

Source Texts Referenced in this Class

Suggested Class Preparation

Acupuncture Treatment of the Jing-Jin ("Sinew Meridians"): Introduction is strongly recommended as a pre-requisite.

See the other classes in this 4-part series: Taiyang, Shaoyang and 3 Yin Jing-Jin. Take more than 1 for 10% off each!

Learn classical and modern methods of treating the jing-jin, including:

Instructional methods include:

Knowing the jing-jin is a valuable complement to the cross-sectional approach of contemporary orthopedics, and opens up to avenues towards holistic rehabilitation from injuries, pain and disability, including:

Student Comments and Ratings

Comments:

Average Ratings. Overall: 5/5

Source Texts Referenced in this Class

Suggested Class Preparation

Acupuncture Treatment of the Jing-Jin ("Sinew Meridians"): Introduction is strongly recommended as a pre-requisite.

See the other classes in this 4-part series: Taiyang, Yangming and 3 Yin Jing-Jin. Take more than 1 for 10% off each!

The classical 经 筋 jing-jin ("sinew meridians") of Chinese medicine describe tracts of myofascial tissues that roughly follow the jing-luo ("primary meridians").

This introductory class prepares students to get the most out of the 4-part Jing-Jin series by reviewing the general structure and functions of the jing-jin, as well as classical and modern examination and treatment techniques, including:

Treatment of jing-jin injuries and pain with traditional and modern acupuncture and other AOM therapies.

This foundational class provides essential knowledge, skills and protocols to treat a wide range of orthopedic injuries and disabilities with myofascial trigger point and joint stabilization/mobilization needling.

Fundamentals of Orthopedic Acupuncture

Treating the Yang: Myofascial Trigger Point Acupuncture

Treating the Yin: Joint Stabilization and Mobilization with Ligamentous or "Prolo-" Acupuncture

* Note: Practicum Labs are open only to students who have completed the prior associated didactic class. *

**Learn classical and modern methods of treating the jing-jin, including:**

**Acupuncture Treatment of the Jing-Jin ("Sinew Meridians"): Introduction is strongly recommended as a pre-requisite.**

**See the other classes in this 4-part series: Taiyang, Yangming and 3 Yin Jing-Jin. Take more than 1 for 10% off each!**

**Learn classical and modern methods of treating the jing-jin, including:**

**Acupuncture Treatment of the Jing-Jin ("Sinew Meridians"): Introduction is strongly recommended as a pre-requisite.**

**See the other classes in this 4-part series: Taiyang, Shaoyang and 3 Yin Jing-Jin. Take more than 1 for 10% off each!**

**Learn classical and modern methods of treating the jing-jin, including:**

**Acupuncture Treatment of the Jing-Jin ("Sinew Meridians"): Introduction is strongly recommended as a pre-requisite.**

**See the other classes in this 4-part series: Taiyang, Yangming and 3 Yin Jing-Jin. Take more than 1 for 10% off each!**

The classical 经筋 jing-jin ("sinew meridians") of Chinese medicine describe tracts of myofascial tissues that roughly follow the jing-luo ("primary meridians").

**Treating the Yang: Myofascial Trigger Point Acupuncture**

**Treating the Yin: Joint Stabilization and Mobilization with Ligamentous or "Prolo-" Acupuncture**