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Myofascial Triggerpoint Needling
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Myofascial Trigger Point Needling

Qualify and practice in the area of intramuscular myofascial trigger point stimulation, or myofascial trigger point dry needling as it is more commonly known.

This educational program will prepare clinicians to treat myofascial trigger points by dry needling. Participants will learn various dry needling techniques using solid acupuncture needles. This is a training programme with immediate clinical applicability upon completion.

Course Content

The National Qualification in Myofascial Triggerpoint Needling covers all relevant areas to ensure that you have the skills to offer safe and effective treatments using solid needles.

The National Qualification in Myofascial Triggerpoint Needling is an advanced certification course which offers you the opportunity to qualify and practice in the area of intramuscular trigger point stimulation, or trigger point dry needling as it is more commonly known.

This educational program will prepare clinicians to treat myofascial trigger points by dry needling. Participants will learn various dry needling techniques using solid acupuncture needles. This is a training programme with immediate clinical applicability upon completion.

The National Qualification in Myofascial Triggerpoint Needling includes the following elements:

  • Introduction to invasive myofascial trigger point inactivation
  • Complications of dry needling and injection
  • Contra-indications to dry needling
  • Dry needling of selected shoulder, arm and hand muscles
  • Dry needling of selected head and neck muscles
  • Dry needling of selected trunk, abdominal and low back muscles
  • Dry needling of selected hip, leg and foot muscles
  • Assessment

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

  • Review the functional muscle anatomy and myofascial trigger point referred pain patterns
  • Demonstrate the anatomic and physiologic characteristics of the myofascial trigger point and identify it by palpation
  • Discuss the indications and contra-indications to needling and injection therapy
  • Discuss the possible complications of needling and injection therapy
  • Discuss the pharmacology of the different drugs and biologicals used in injection therapy
  • Diagnose and treat persons with myofascial pain syndrome using dry needling techniques

OVERVIEW
This is a separate programme for individuals who DO NOT have any background in Myofascial Trigger Points. All other individuals do not need to participate on the Myofascial Trigger Points Workshop Weekend.

Introduction
Myofascial pain syndromes (MPS) affect muscles, joints and skeletal structures, leading to pain, loss of function and movement impairments. The myofascial trigger point, the characteristic and diagnostic feature of MPS, is the physical entity by which MPS is identified. Treatment involves inactivating myofascial trigger points, correcting biomechanical and postural dysfunction, and restoring normal movement patterns. This two-day workshop is presented to teach the techniques of myofascial trigger point identification, effective manual techniques of inactivation of myofascial trigger points, and restoration of function. Each teaching block consists of an introductory lecture and demonstration, followed by supervised hands-on practice in small groups.

Workshop Objectives
Upon completion of the workshop, participants will be able to:

  • Relate the neurophysiology of myofascial pain to the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome and to the clinical features of tenderness, referred pain, and limited movement
  • Identify select muscles of the body by surface anatomy and by function
  • Identify the features of the myofascial trigger point by physical examination and apply this knowledge to individual muscles in different regions of the body
  • Perform muscle and region-specific manual therapy treatments to inactivate myofascial trigger points and restore movement patterns and posture, integrating various treatment techniques including post-isometric contraction-relaxation, muscle specific stretching, postural corrections, and manual myofascial trigger point therapy.

Each of the days on the Myofascial Trigger Point Workshop will run from 09:00 until 17:00 and will include:

  • Principles of assessment and treatment
  • Introduction to myofascial pain syndrome (MPS)
  • Head, neck, and shoulder pain and dysfunction
  • Neurophysiology and scientific basis of MPS and myofascial trigger point therapy
  • Shoulder, arm, and hand pain and dysfunction
  • Low back, pelvis, and hip pain dysfunction
  • Current scientific knowledge base of the sensory aspects of MPS
  • Lower extremity pain and dysfunction

The programme will run on various weekends, and at various venues in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Waterford and Limerick. Please contact the office of administration at the National Training Centre to confirm availability and venues on 01 882 7777.

The cost of the Myofascial Trigger Point Workshop weekend is €350.00. (Only required for those who do not hold the National Qualification in Neuromuscular Physical Therapy or equivalent)

The cost of participation on the National Qualification in Myofascial Trigger Point Needling is €1,200.00 for both modules. Qualification may only be achieved by completing both modules.

Places may be reserved by payment of a non-refundable deposit of €400.00 with the balance of €800.00 due on or before the Friday immediately preceding the course start date.

Individuals wanting to participate on the National Qualification in Myofascial Trigger Point Needling programme must hold the National Qualification in Neuromuscular Physical Therapy or equivalent.

Individuals who do not hold the National Qualification in Neuromuscular Physical Therapy but who have a background in medicine, physiotherapy, osteopathy, acupuncture etc. can complete an additional two day educational weekend regarding Myofascial Trigger Points which, upon successful completion, will allow participation. Participants licensed to perform injection or dry needling therapy are eligible to take this additional weekend. This includes all allopathic, osteopathic, naturopathic, and podiatric physicians, physician assistants, nurses and nurse practitioners, acupuncturists, and physiotherapists, chiropractors etc.

Students are fully insured by the NTC while participating on this programme. Graduates must hold valid professional indemnity insurance in order to practice. All participants are expected to participate in the hands-on portion of the course.

For details of the Myofascial Trigger Point Examination weekend please see the Contents tab.

This course is supported by full online documentation and 40 demonstration videos (sample below) available to students of the course via the NTC Learning Portal.

OVERVIEW

The National Qualification in Myofascial Triggerpoint Needling is an advanced certification course which offers you the opportunity to qualify and practice in the area of intramuscular trigger point stimulation, or trigger point dry needling as it is more commonly known.

This educational program will prepare clinicians to treat myofascial trigger points by dry needling. Participants will learn various dry needling techniques using solid acupuncture needles. This is a training programme with immediate clinical applicability upon completion.

CONTENT

The National Qualification in Myofascial Triggerpoint Needling includes the following elements:

  • Introduction to invasive myofascial trigger point inactivation
  • Complications of dry needling and injection
  • Contra-indications to dry needling
  • Dry needling of selected shoulder, arm and hand muscles
  • Dry needling of selected head and neck muscles
  • Dry needling of selected trunk, abdominal and low back muscles
  • Dry needling of selected hip, leg and foot muscles
  • Assessment

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

  • Review the functional muscle anatomy and myofascial trigger point referred pain patterns
  • Demonstrate the anatomic and physiologic characteristics of the myofascial trigger point and identify it by palpation
  • Discuss the indications and contra-indications to needling and injection therapy
  • Discuss the possible complications of needling and injection therapy
  • Discuss the pharmacology of the different drugs and biologicals used in injection therapy
  • Diagnose and treat persons with myofascial pain syndrome using dry needling techniques

OVERVIEW
This is a separate programme for individuals who DO NOT have any background in Myofascial Trigger Points. All other individuals do not need to participate on the Myofascial Trigger Points Workshop Weekend.

Introduction
Myofascial pain syndromes (MPS) affect muscles, joints and skeletal structures, leading to pain, loss of function and movement impairments. The myofascial trigger point, the characteristic and diagnostic feature of MPS, is the physical entity by which MPS is identified. Treatment involves inactivating myofascial trigger points, correcting biomechanical and postural dysfunction, and restoring normal movement patterns. This two-day workshop is presented to teach the techniques of myofascial trigger point identification, effective manual techniques of inactivation of myofascial trigger points, and restoration of function. Each teaching block consists of an introductory lecture and demonstration, followed by supervised hands-on practice in small groups.

Workshop Objectives
Upon completion of the workshop, participants will be able to:

  • Relate the neurophysiology of myofascial pain to the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome and to the clinical features of tenderness, referred pain, and limited movement
  • Identify select muscles of the body by surface anatomy and by function
  • Identify the features of the myofascial trigger point by physical examination and apply this knowledge to individual muscles in different regions of the body
  • Perform muscle and region-specific manual therapy treatments to inactivate myofascial trigger points and restore movement patterns and posture, integrating various treatment techniques including post-isometric contraction-relaxation, muscle specific stretching, postural corrections, and manual myofascial trigger point therapy.

Each of the days on the Myofascial Trigger Point Workshop will run from 09:00 until 17:00 and will include:

  • Principles of assessment and treatment
  • Introduction to myofascial pain syndrome (MPS)
  • Head, neck, and shoulder pain and dysfunction
  • Neurophysiology and scientific basis of MPS and myofascial trigger point therapy
  • Shoulder, arm, and hand pain and dysfunction
  • Low back, pelvis, and hip pain dysfunction
  • Current scientific knowledge base of the sensory aspects of MPS
  • Lower extremity pain and dysfunction

The programme will run on various weekends, and at various venues in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Waterford and Limerick. Please contact the office of administration at the National Training Centre to confirm availability and venues on 01 882 7777.

The cost of the Myofascial Trigger Point Workshop weekend is €350.00. (Only required for those who do not hold the National Qualification in Neuromuscular Physical Therapy or equivalent)

FEES

The cost of participation on the National Qualification in Myofascial Trigger Point Needling is €1,200.00 for both modules. Qualification may only be achieved by completing both modules.

Places may be reserved by payment of a non-refundable deposit of €400.00 with the balance of €800.00 due on or before the Friday immediately preceding the course start date.

ELIGIBILITY

Individuals wanting to participate on the National Qualification in Myofascial Trigger Point Needling programme must hold the National Qualification in Neuromuscular Physical Therapy or equivalent.

Individuals who do not hold the National Qualification in Neuromuscular Physical Therapy but who have a background in medicine, physiotherapy, osteopathy, acupuncture etc. can complete an additional two day educational weekend regarding Myofascial Trigger Points which, upon successful completion, will allow participation. Participants licensed to perform injection or dry needling therapy are eligible to take this additional weekend. This includes all allopathic, osteopathic, naturopathic, and podiatric physicians, physician assistants, nurses and nurse practitioners, acupuncturists, and physiotherapists, chiropractors etc.

Students are fully insured by the NTC while participating on this programme. Graduates must hold valid professional indemnity insurance in order to practice. All participants are expected to participate in the hands-on portion of the course.

For details of the Myofascial Trigger Point Examination weekend please see the Contents tab.

PORTAL

This course is supported by full online documentation and 40 demonstration videos (sample below) available to students of the course via the NTC Learning Portal.

Schedule and Locations

This course is available as a weekend modular programme in Dublin at the National Training Centre in Dublin’s city centre.

DUBLIN
Two Weekends
Saturday and Sunday – 9am to 5pm

Schedule:
Module 1: February 23rd and 24th 2019
Module 2: March 23rd and 24th 2019

  Location: NTC, Dublin
  Start Date: February 23rd 2019
  Availability: Good

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Our Myofascial Triggerpoint Needling Team

Our expert tutors will ensure that you qualify with the knowledge to safely administer needling techniques.

  • John Sharkey, MSc.
    John Sharkey, MSc.
  • Cristopher Alejandro
    Cristopher Alejandro

Reviews

The reviews below are unsolicited and from those who have attended previous programmes delivered by NTC

You will not be disappointed

I have been in the Sports Massage and the treatment of occupational and sporting injuries profession for 26 years and have attended many courses to gain the necessary qualifications to give my very best to those in my care. I had read a book written by John Sharkey which was well written, extremely informative and an excellent reference source. I subsequently had the pleasure of meeting John and went on to register for a Neuromuscular Therapy programme. It is an excellent course with lectures of the highest standard delivering essential information and first-rate techniques. Applying them in clinical practice I have seen very positive outcomes in patients of all ages. I highly recommend NTC for all therapists at any stage in their career. You will not be disappointed.

Steve Kirby

Neuromuscular Therapy Graduate

I had the privilege of treating Sir Chris Hoy of the GB cycling team

In April 2012 I completed the Certificate level Neuromuscular Therapy course. Since I completed the course I have had massive success and progression. I had several private clients that I attained from advertising in the gym that I was working in, and also worked on a referral basis with physiotherapist David Gardiner owner of Physiotherapyworks in Naas Co.Kildare. In August 2012 I moved to Perth, Australia where I have enjoyed even more success. I spent 8 months working at Subiaco Sports Massage and while working in this clinic I had the privilege of treating several Olympic athletes including Sir Chris Hoy of the GB cycling team and also Western Force rugby team of the super 15s competition. I really enjoyed my time at the NTC – we really had a great group and we all keep in touch.

Colin Cassidy

Neuromuscular Therapy Graduate

If it wasn’t for Larry I would have let my nerves get the best of me

I have just sat my NMT exams and if it wasn’t for Larry, one of my tutors who helped me out, I would have let my nerves get the best of me. I also wish to thank the rest of the tutors and staff for all their help over the past 18 months.

Nicole Dunne

Neuromuscular Therapy Graduate

You are a great team with wonderful tutors

The good news is that I passed my Neuromuscular Therapy exams. I would like to pass on my sincere thanks to all the team in NTC for helping me in step one of a plan. You are a great team with wonderful tutors

Liam Cotter

Neuromuscular Therapy Graduate

I really enjoyed the course and the highly engaged and motivated tutors

I really enjoyed the course and the highly engaged and motivated tutors. I found the course very interesting and was fascinated by the individual components of NMT. I would like to thank everybody involved for their highly valuable input, knowledge and support while studying.

Sabine Graef

Neuromuscular Therapy Graduate

Qualification that is recognised and accepted with high regard within the industry

Can I pass on my sincerest gratitude to all the staff at NTC ? Once again you all have delivered another professional and enjoyable course that ensures a qualification that is recognised and accepted with high regard within the industry.

Alan Devine

Neuromuscular Therapy Graduate

My experience at NTC was an enjoyable and positive one

My experience at NTC was an enjoyable and positive one. This is where I realised my interest in Anatomy, Physiology and caring for people and is the main reason I’ve decided to go back to studying Nursing. I met some fantastic people during my time at NTC and what I learned has played a huge part in me getting a place on Nursing studies. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff and tutors for guiding me to where I am now.

Eamonn Maher

Neuromuscular Therapy Graduate

The education you have given me is truly going to develop me as a practitioner

Thanks once again for an inspiring and enlightening weekend (although my wife’s upper trapezius muscles may disagree!). Learnt loads and I am very excited about the future of my practice. Although already incredibly busy I find treating people with pain much more interesting and fulfilling than a runner with a tweaked calf. The education you have given me is truly going to develop me as a practitioner in such a dramatic way. Thanks, John. Sad the course is coming to an end but will thoroughly recommend to others and will look to do the Masters in the future.

Rob Date

Neuromuscular Therapy Graduate

I will definitely recommend this course to a friend or a family member

Thank you to John Sharkey and all the NTC tutors. The Advanced European Neuromuscular Therapy course has been an eye-opener for me because of my background in Personal Training and Sports Massage. I have learnt unique ways of treating pain and have been applying these techniques to my existing clients. In particular, a long-term client of mine with knee chronic pain, after few hours of treatment her knee pain has reduced by 80 percent.

Once again thank you to all NTC tutors this would not have been possible without you. It is a shame the course has come to an end but I also can’t wait to treat people with chronic pain and do a diploma in Neuromuscular Therapy.

I will definitely recommend this course to a friend or a family member.

Ismail Sina

Neuromuscular Therapy Graduate

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John Sharkey, MSc.

John Sharkey is an international educator, author and authority in the areas of Clinical Anatomy, Exercise Physiology, human movement and the manual treatment of chronic pain using European Neuromuscular Therapy. John is a graduate of the University of Dundee, University of Liverpool and University of Chester. He completed undergraduate and post-graduate studies in the areas of Exercise Physiology, Clinical Anatomy and holds a post-graduate certificate in education. He is currently a senior lecturer within the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Life Sciences, University of Chester/NTC, Dublin and is the programme leader of the Biotensegrity focused Thiel soft fix cadaver dissection courses department of anatomy and human identification, Dundee University, Scotland.

John has been delivering human anatomy dissection courses for many years teaching the geometry of anatomy and movement from the unique Biotensegrity-Anatomy for the 21st Century perspective. His presentations are respectful, dynamic, entertaining, educational and insightful.

John promotes his model of “Biotensegrity-Anatomy for the 21st century” integrating the pioneering work of his mentor Dr. Stephen Levin MD. John has been teaching European Neuromuscular Therapy using living anatomy and specialising in chronic pain conditions. He is recognised as one of the worlds leading authorities on fascia and Biotensegrity. He is a member of the editorial board of the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies (JBMT), International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine and other professional journals.

Cristopher Alejandro

Cristopher orignally hails from the Phillipines and is a qualified Physiotherapist. Cris teaches on many of the NTC’s bodywork educational programmes and his area of speciality is in myofascial triggerpoint dry needling.

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