Combined Health

Course Information Introductory Course The Theory: The theoretical content in our introductory course is designed to give physiotherapists a solid understanding of the neurophysiological principles that lie behind the effectiveness of western acupuncture and dry needling in the clinical setting. The latest advances in western acupuncture research have led to the development of the concept of the ‘Layering Technique’. This technique offers a sound, clinically reasoned-based approach for physiotherapists to effectively modulate pain and sensory-motor responses in their patient populations. It addresses local effects, spinally mediated effects, central nervous system effects, sympathetic system reactions and stimulation of the immune system. Research continues to progress in the area of trigger point release with dry needling around the world, based on the comprehensive work of Travell and Simons. The latest neurophysiology on trigger points and dry needle release is presented in an easy-to-understand format. The effectiveness of dry needling in treating the myofascial component of common musculoskeletal conditions has been one of the major driving forces behind the development of our courses. We dispel some of the misinformation often propagated around the definition of dry needling, with presentation of four of the most common dry needling approaches. The Practical: With the practical sessions taking up the majority of the introductory course, there is considerable time allocated to achieving our two major practical objectives, teaching physiotherapists how to needle both safely and confidently. As Western acupuncture utilises the traditional mapping system for identifying acupuncture points, a solid grounding in surface anatomy and palpation skills is required. Physiotherapists are well versed in these two areas which make this technique a perfect compliment a physiotherapist’s multimodal approach to the treatment of injury and myofascial dysfunction. We are aware that there can be variability in physiotherapist’s size, strength, coordination and confidence levels so we endeavor to teach variations in needling techniques so all therapists leave the course knowing that they can safely practice needling in there current comfort zone. There is room in the course to challenge those physiotherapists who wish to expand significantly on their skill sets, particularly with the content of our advanced upper and lower body courses. The Safety and Legal Issues: Being mindful of the current litigious nature of the Australian medical system and the need for professional risk management we endeavor to give physiotherapists a comprehensive grounding in the legal and ethical obligations involved in using western acupuncture and dry needling. Advanced Course – Cervical Spine, Head Region, TMJ &Upper Limb The pre-requisite to attending either of our advanced courses is either attendance of our introductory course or completion of an acupuncture training course that is of a similar length and content. The major goal of the Upper Body Advanced Course is to expand on the clinical reasoning process that physiotherapists use when deciding to needle patients in a clinical setting. We approach this in two ways: • The first part of the approach is to discuss how to use a combination of western acupuncture and dry needling to treat common musculoskeletal conditions of the upper body. This includes emphasis on assessment/reassessment of key subjective and objective measures that are likely to change when needling techniques are applied correctly to each condition. The course is mostly practical in nature and because all course participants have shown competence in the fundamental use of acupuncture we are able to safely teach more advanced needling techniques around the thorax, head, face and upper limb regions. • The second part of the approach is the use of case studies and an acupuncture planning system to hone your clinical reasoning skills. Western acupuncture and dry needling are treatment adjuncts that work best when combined with your other physiotherapy skill sets, such as manual therapy, muscle balancing, exercise prescription and postural advice. These aspects are discussed in reference to common musculoskeletal conditions. Advanced Course – Lumbar Spine, Pelvis & Lower Limb Like the advanced course for the upper body, the advanced course for the lower body requires pre-requisite introductory training to attend. Again, the major goal is to expand on the clinical reasoning process behind the use of western acupuncture and dry needling to treat common lower body conditions. Often therapists get used to using needling ‘recipes’ in the clinical setting, however our emphasis is to teach you how to make sound clinical judgments on the needling approach that is best suited to address your clinical findings. Again, a very practical course, we teach advanced techniques around the thoracolumbar region, pelvis and lower limbs with emphasis on safety and efficacy. Unique to the lower limb course is the section on electroacupuncture. This is a useful adjunct to the western acupuncture paradigm and can be utilized to enhance some of the positive physiological effects that occur with needle penetration.