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