Head, Neck, Thorax

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First time user? Your account will be automatically be created after purchase. Please note:

--Webinars require continuous attendance on the date(s) offered to receive PDAs/CEUs. If you cannot attend, please consider a self-paced distance-learning version instead, if available, or another class that you will be able to attend.

--Ebooks are included with class purchase--please do not purchase both. When purchased separately, Ebooks are for informational purposes only--no PDAs/CEUs.

Questions? Please visit our FAQ page. Thank you for your purchase!

Head Neck Thorax Distance-Learning Module

with Anthony Von der Muhll

16 NCCAOM distance-learning PDAs approved. Contact us to request CAB CEUs.

Billed once per year until cancelled

has been added to your cart!

First time user? Your account will be automatically be created after purchase. Please note:

--Webinars require continuous attendance on the date(s) offered to receive PDAs/CEUs. If you cannot attend, please consider a self-paced distance-learning version instead, if available, or another class that you will be able to attend.

--Ebooks are included with class purchase--please do not purchase both. When purchased separately, Ebooks are for informational purposes only--no PDAs/CEUs.

Questions? Please visit our FAQ page. Thank you for your purchase!

Check back for next live class date, or contact us to be notified by email


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

  • Bones, muscles, discs and facet joints, and neurology
  • Posture and motion dysfunctions
  • The arthritic progression: strain/sprain, derangement, degeneration

History-taking for head, neck, thorax: key diagnostic questions

  • "Red flag" symptoms of urgent/serious medical conditions warranting referral to physician care
  • Differentiating symptoms of muscles, joint, disc, and spinal cord, plexus and nerve root injuries
  • Neural hypersensitization and psycho-social factors
  • Functional capacity questionnaires for reporting to managed care insurance

Physical exam of the head, neck, thorax: key procedures

  • Observation, inspection and palpation
  • Joint exam: active range-of-motion, stability, and tracking assessment of the cervical and thoracic spine and TM joint
  • Neurologic exam: upper motor neuron; arm reflex, sensory, and motor function; and brachial plexopathies
  • Special orthopedic tests for the spine and ribcage
  • Documentation of physical exam findings
  • Measuring and reporting functional capacity baselines and treatment outcomes

Diagnosis and pattern identification

  • Cervicogenic and tension-type headaches
  • Temperomandibular joint pain and dysfunction
  • Cervical and thoracic sprains/strains and chronic myofascial pain
  • Cervical and thoracic disc and facet joint injuries: dysfunction, derangement, degeneration
  • Nerve root and spinal cord injuries
  • Intercostal sprains/strains
  • Brachial plexopathies and thoracic outlet syndrome
  • Myofascial trigger points and referred pain patterns for over 17 muscles of the head, face, neck and thorax

Treatment of head, neck, and thorax pain and injuries

  • When and how to use distant and local needling for rapid and lasting pain relief
  • Electroacupuncture for neural blockade and rehabilitation
  • Releasing muscle tension through myofascial trigger point needling
  • Prolo-acupuncture for spinal and TM joint stabilization and mobilization
  • Using 7-star, 3-edged and lancet needles to reduce inflammation and ischemic pain
  • Manual therapy: gua sha, tui na, and muscle energy techniques to reduce trigger points and restore muscle flexibility and joint range of motion
  • Active suction cupping: combining cups with passive and active movement for rapid and lasting results
  • Postural and ergonomic correction and exercise therapies

Get the most out of your learning experience!

Student Ratings and Comments

from evaluations as required by California Acupuncture Board, prior live class offerings in 2017.

Respondents: 20 of 20 enrolled

Average rating: 98/100

Check back for next live class date, or contact us to be notified by email