Trigger Points Pain Relief
WORKSHOPS

We provide Trigger Points Distance Learning / Home Study Modules and Seminars. All providers are welcome to take the courses, as the information can be applied to a variety of treatment modalities. Seminars may include dry needling instruction for those practitioners who can needle within the scope of their practice, such as acupuncturists and PT's in some States. To see testimonials, click here. For conferences, click here.

To see if your organization has approved CE/CEU/PDA credits for each trigger point course, check the course descriptions below. Seminar maximum ratio 1 instructor per 24 students.

DISTANCE LEARNING / HOME STUDY MODULES

DL / HS Modules (Self-Paced Courses)	Didactic Portion	Clinical Problem-Solving (Case Studies) (Didactic must be taken 1st)
Trigger Points: Critical Thinking Use of CD & treating patients * (Module 1 Online!) (textbook included)	8 CE's $125	8 CE's $175
Trigger Points: Head & Neck Pain ** (Module 2)	7 CE's $95	6 CE's $150
Trigger Points: Torso Area Pain ** (Module 3)	7 CE's $95	6 CE's $150
Trigger Points: Shoulder, Upper Arm, & Elbow Pain ** (Module 4)	7 CE's $95	6 CE's $150
Trigger Points: Gluteal & Pelvic Pain Trigger Points: Forearm & Hand Pain (Module 5) **	7 CE's $95	6 CE's $150
Trigger Points: Leg, Knee, & Foot Pain ** (Module 6)	8 CE's $95	6 CE's $150

SEMINARS

Seminar Topic	CE's	Cost	Combines Didactic & Clinical
Trigger Points: Critical Thinking Use of CD & treating patients * (Module 1) (textbook included) *All classes are tentative until 10 participants have signed up.* The Institute of Trigger Point Studies retains the option to cancel the class location if 10 participants have not signed up for Fall 2012 classes by July 31, 2012. In the event the class is cancelled due to lack of sufficient participants, you will be given the option of switching to another location, or receiving a full refund. *If no venue is listed, the venue will not be booked until 10 participants have signed up for the class.* In the event an appropriate venue cannot be found by the time 10 participants have signed up, you will be given the option of switching to another location, or receiving a full refund. If you have suggestions for a venue, please email info@triggerpointrelief.com. *The maximum class size will be 24 participants for any location, but some venues may only accommodate fewer participants.* Once a venue is set, the class size will be set. In the event there are more participants signed up than the venue will hold, participants will be accepted in the order of registration. In the event you did not get accepted to the location, you will be given the option of switching to another location, or receiving a full refund. NOTE: The sooner 10 participants sign up, the higher the likelihood that the class will be held in that location, so please don’t delay registration.	16
		$350	Portland, OR Sept 15-16, 2012
			San Francisco, CA Sept 22-23, 2012 @ Washington Hospital
			Los Angeles, CA Sept 29-30, 2012
			Phoenix, AZ Oct 6-7, 2012
			Santa Fe, NM Oct 13-14, 2012
			Denver, CO Oct 20-21, 2012
			Salt Lake City, UT Oct 27-28, 2012
Trigger Points: Head & Neck Pain ** (Module 2)	16	$350	Not currently scheduled
Trigger Points: Torso Area Pain ** (Module 3)	16	$350	Not currently scheduled
Trigger Points: Shoulder, Upper Arm, & Elbow Pain ** (Module 4)	16	$350	Not currently scheduled
Trigger Points: Gluteal & Pelvic Pain Trigger Points: Forearm & Hand Pain ** (Module 5)	16	$350	Not currently scheduled
Trigger Points: Leg, Knee, & Foot Pain ** (Module 6)	16	$350	Not currently scheduled
Introduction to Trigger Points Lecture	2	$30	If you are interested in scheduling a workshop in the "Lower '48", please send your contact info to info@triggerpointrelief.com
Trigger Points: Seminar for Home Study Students **	16	$350	Not currently scheduled
Teaching Trigger Pt. Self-Help Techniques (for Health Care Professionals)	16	$350	Not currently scheduled
Trigger Points Self-Help Techniques (for the Public)	8 hr	$100	Alaska locations - pending

Prerequisites
* Anatomy & Physiology class covering bones & joints, muscles plus minimum 100 hours training in any health care modality.
** Module 1 (Note: Modules 2 - 6 do not need to be taken in order)

Refund / Cancellation Policy: Once you have registered for the class you are paid in full. Refunds will only be issued for medical emergencies or a death in the family. If the class is cancelled, or if it fills before your registration is received, you will be notified promptly and a refund will be issued to your credit card.

Treating Pain with Trigger Point Techniques

Course Descriptions

Pain cannot be treated effectively without understanding how to locate and treat trigger points (MTrP’s). About 75% of the time, pain is caused by trigger points.

Trigger points refer pain, and about 74% of the time, they are remote to where the patient/client feels symptoms. Dr. Janet Travell started mapping these pain referral patterns in the 1930’s, and these maps give us a starting point of where to search for trigger points. It is important for any kind of practitioner who treats pain to add this information to their knowledge base; they need to learn to check several specific muscles for the trigger points that are the potential source of symptoms. Practitioners need to become familiar with the underlying perpetuating factors that cause and keep trigger points activated such as allergies, emotional factors, dietary problems, digestive problems, and organ dysfunctions. Ideally, practitioners will incorporate trigger point knowledge and treatment into their current modality in order to relieve pain. They will address perpetuating factors within the scope of their practice, or to refer to another practitioner who can address applicable perpetuating factors.

There are two tracks available: Home Study didactic plus optional case studies to increase understanding of the didactic portion, or seminars which include both the didactic and clinical cases practiced in the classroom. If you sign up for the optional case studies, you will need to have patients/clients or friends/family to practice upon. You will get individual feedback on case studies.

Tracks can be mixed -- you may take some modules as distance learning and some as seminars. It is suggested that if you take the Home Study track, that you take the “Seminar for Home Study Students” to gain practice with palpatory skills and patient positioning (see “Miscellaneous Classes” below).

Note: Modules 2 through 6 do not need to be taken in order, but Module 1 Didactic is a prerequisite for all other modules. You will receive either “Certificates of Completion” or “Certificates of Achievement” depending on requirements of your certifying agency.

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Module 1: Intro to Trigger Points Treatments: Critical Thinking

(Either Home Study 8 hour CE’s didactic + optional 8 hour CE’s case studies or 16 hour seminar didactic + in-class clinicals.) A copy of the text “Pain Relief with Trigger Point Self-Help” is included with the cost of Module 1. Module 1 is the prerequisite for all other modules.

· Learn “What are Trigger Points?”

· Learn how to use the Pain Relief CD ROM as reference text

· Use Pain Guides to identify potential trigger points based on referral pattern

· Learn what causes and perpetuates trigger points

· Use a medical history form to identify perpetuating factors, and help your patients/clients resolve them

· Learn about the range of therapies that treat trigger points

· Learn general techniques for treating trigger points using ischemic compression, myofascial release, and stretching.

· Complete case studies on patients/clients, which helps the student learn to identify potential trigger points and perpetuating factors, practice treatments, and teach patients/clients self-help techniques.
· Integrate trigger point treatments into your existing practice.

Approved for CE's by the NCCAOM, NAMTPT, AMTA, ABMP, NCBTMB (provider # 451513-10), and Alaska Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists. Check with your organization to see if this course meets the criteria for CE's/PDA's. To see the NCBTMB certificate, click NCBTMB certificate of Approval.

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Module 2 Trigger Points: Head & Neck Pain

(Either Home Study 7 hour CE’s didactic + optional 6 hour CE’s clinical problem-solving case studies or 16 hour seminar didactic + in-class clinicals.)

Muscles covered: trapezius, posterior neck group, sternocleidomastoid, temporalis, facial-scalp group, masseter, medial pterygoid, lateral pterygoid, digastric.

· Review the anatomy and function of each muscle for this module

· Learn the common trigger point locations for each muscle

· Learn the common symptoms caused by trigger points

· Learn the most common perpetuating factors, and solutions

· Learn body positioning and palpatory skills for locating and treating MTrPs

· Learn treatment techniques and for inactivating MTrPs through ischemic compression, myofascial release, and stretches

· Teach patients (clients) ischemic compression and stretching self-help techniques

· Learn other possible conditions causing pain in each area

Specific conditions addressed caused by MTrPs: Headaches and migraines, dizziness, vertigo, TMJ dysfunction, improper bite alignment, tinnitus, ear stuffiness, eye problems (pain, blurred vision, tearing, visual disturbances), drooping or twitching eyelid, sinus congestion, chronic sore throat, earaches, tooth pain, tooth grinding and/or clenching, neck pain.

Approved for CE's by the NCCAOM, NAMTPT, AMTA, ABMP, NCBTMB (provider # 451513-10), and Alaska Occupational Therapists. Check with your organization to see if this course meets the criteria for CE's/PDA's. To see the NCBTMB certificate, click NCBTMB certificate of Approval. Prerequisite: Module 1

(Either Home Study 7 hour CE’s didactic + optional 6 hour CE’s clinical problem-solving case studies or 16 hour seminar didactic + in-class clinicals.)

Muscles covered: thoracolumbar paraspinals, levator scapula, rhomboids, serratus posterior inferior, iliopsoas, pectoralis major/subclavius, sternalis, abdominal, serratus anterior, intercostals/diaphragm.

· Review the anatomy and function of each muscle for this module

· Learn the common trigger point locations for each muscle

· Learn the common symptoms caused by trigger points

· Learn the most common perpetuating factors, and solutions

· Learn body positioning and palpatory skills for locating and treating MTrPs

· Learn treatment techniques and for inactivating MTrPs through ischemic compression, myofascial release, and stretches

· Teach patients (clients) ischemic compression and stretching self-help techniques

· Learn other possible conditions causing pain in each area

Specific conditions addressed caused by MTrPs: pseudo-angina, improper breathing, breast tenderness/sensitivity, menstrual symptoms, Ectopic cardiac arrhythmias, winging scapula, rounded shoulders, noisy should joints, thoracic outlet syndrome & pseudo thoracic outlet syndrome, spinal pain/stiffness, nausea, belching, burping, vomiting, gastrointestinal pain, heartburn, diarrhea, urinary bladder spasms, urinary frequency or retention, testicular pain, pain with breathing.

Approved for CE's by the NCCAOM, NAMTPT, AMTA, ABMP, NCBTMB (provider # 451513-10), and Alaska Occupational Therapists. Check with your organization to see if this course meets the criteria for CE's/PDA's. To see the NCBTMB certificate, click NCBTMB certificate of Approval. Prerequisite: Module 1

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Module 4 Trigger Points: Shoulder, Upper Arm & Elbow Pain

(Either Home Study 7 hour CE’s didactic + optional 6 hour CE’s clinical problem-solving case studies or 16 hour seminar didactic + in-class clinicals.)

Muscles covered: supraspinatus, infraspinatus, serratus posterior superior, subscapularis, latissimus dorsi, teres minor, teres major, triceps brachii, scalenes, pectoralis minor, deltoid, coracobrachialis, biceps brachii.

· Review the anatomy and function of each muscle for this module

· Learn the common trigger point locations for each muscle

· Learn the common symptoms caused by trigger points

· Learn the most common perpetuating factors, and solutions

· Learn body positioning and palpatory skills for locating and treating MTrPs

· Learn treatment techniques and for inactivating MTrPs through ischemic compression, myofascial release, and stretches

· Teach patients (clients) ischemic compression and stretching self-help techniques

· Learn other possible conditions causing pain in each area

Specific conditions addressed caused by MTrPs: arm falling asleep, tennis elbow, pseudo olecranon bursitis, pseudo tendonitis, pseudo thoracic outlet syndrome, frozen shoulder, rotator cuff injuries, noisy shoulder joint, pectoralis minor entrapment, grip weakness, finger stiffness, pseudo angina pain, difficulty breathing.

Approved for CE's by the NCCAOM, NAMTPT, AMTA, ABMP, NCBTMB (provider # 451513-10), and Alaska Occupational Therapists. Check with your organization to see if this course meets the criteria for CE's/PDA's. To see the NCBTMB certificate, click NCBTMB certificate of Approval. Prerequisite: Module 1

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Module 5 Trigger Points: Gluteal & Pelvic / Forearm & Hand Pain

(Either Home Study 7 hour CE’s didactic + optional 6 hour CE’s clinical problem-solving case studies or 16 hour seminar didactic + in-class clinicals.)

Muscles covered: Quadratus lumborum, piriformis/short lateral rotators, gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, pelvic floor muscles.

Muscles covered: Hand/finger extensors/brachioradialis, supinator, palmaris longus, hand/finger flexors, brachialis, adductor/opponens pollicis, interossei.

· Review the anatomy and function of each muscle for this module

· Learn the common trigger point locations for each muscle

· Learn the common symptoms caused by trigger points

· Learn the most common perpetuating factors, and solutions

· Learn body positioning and palpatory skills for locating and treating MTrPs

· Learn treatment techniques and for inactivating MTrPs through ischemic compression, myofascial release, and stretches

· Teach patients (clients) ischemic compression and stretching self-help techniques

· Learn other possible conditions causing pain in each area

Specific conditions addressed caused by MTrPs: Piriformis syndrome, pseudo-sciatica, pseudo-bursitis, difficulty standing/laying/walking, impotence, pain with intercourse, vaginal pain, rectal pain, tailbone pain, painful bowel movements, levator ani syndrome, genital area pain.

Specific conditions addressed caused by MTrPs: Repetitive use injuries, pseudo-carpal tunnel syndrome, mouse arm, trigger finger/thumb, Dupuytren’s contracture, pseudo-arthritis, hand & finger numbness, Heberden’s nodes, grip weakness, finger stiffness, hand cramping.

Approved for CE's by the NCCAOM, NAMTPT, AMTA, ABMP, NCBTMB (provider # 451513-10), and Alaska Occupational Therapists. Check with your organization to see if this course meets the criteria for CE's/PDA's. To see the NCBTMB certificate, click NCBTMB certificate of Approval. Prerequisite: Module 1

(Either Home Study 7 hour CE’s didactic + optional 6 hour CE’s clinical problem-solving case studies or 16 hour seminar didactic + in-class clinicals.)

Muscles covered: hamstrings, popliteus, gastrocnemius, soleus/plantaris, tibialis posterior, long flexors of toes, gluteus minimus, tensor fasciae latae, peroneal group, quadriceps femoris group, sartorius, hip adductors, pectineus, tibialis anterior, long extensors of toes, intrinsic foot muscles.

· Review the anatomy and function of each muscle for this module

· Learn the common trigger point locations for each muscle

· Learn the common symptoms caused by trigger points

· Learn the most common perpetuating factors, and solutions

· Learn body positioning and palpatory skills for locating and treating MTrPs

· Learn treatment techniques and for inactivating MTrPs through ischemic compression, myofascial release, and stretches

· Teach patients (clients) ischemic compression and stretching self-help techniques

· Learn other possible conditions causing pain in each area

Specific conditions addressed caused by MTrPs: knee pain, buckling/locking knee, buckling hip, ankle pain/recurrent sprains/weakness, compartment syndromes, periosteal irritation/shin splints, calf cramps, claw/mallet/hammer toe, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, pseudo sciatica, bunions, hallux valgus, pseudo trochanteric bursitis, Meralgia paresthetica, iliotibial tract syndrome.

Approved for CE's by the NCCAOM, NAMTPT, AMTA, ABMP, NCBTMB (provider # 451513-10), and Alaska Occupational Therapists. Check with your organization to see if this course meets the criteria for CE's/PDA's. To see the NCBTMB certificate, click NCBTMB certificate of Approval. Prerequisite: Module 1

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Miscellaneous Classes

Introduction to Trigger Points (2 or 3 CE’s)

This two or three-hour presentation gives a brief overview of the following topics:

· Learn “What are Trigger Points?”

· Learn how to use the Pain Relief CD ROM as reference text

· Use Pain Guides to identify potential trigger points based on referral pattern

· Learn what causes and perpetuates trigger points

· Learn about the range of therapies that treat trigger points

Approved for CE's by the NCCAOM, NAMTPT, AMTA, ABMP, NCBTMB (provider # 451513-10), and Alaska Occupational Therapists. Check with your organization to see if this course meets the criteria for CE's/PDA's. To see the NCBTMB certificate, click NCBTMB certificate of Approval.

Conferences:

AMTA-WA - Tacoma, WA April 27-28, 2012: 3-hour CE's "Understanding Trigger Points for Treating Pain"

World Massage Festival - Long Beach, CA August 6, 2013: 3 hour CE's

Trigger Points Seminar for Home Study Students (16 CE’s)

This 2-day seminar is for students of the Home Study Track to learn palpatory skills and patient positioning, to supplement didactic learning.

· Use a medical history form to identify perpetuating factors, and help your patients/clients resolve them

· Learn general techniques for treating trigger points using ischemic compression, myofascial release, and stretching.

· Complete case studies on patients/clients, which helps the student learn to identify potential trigger points and perpetuating factors, practice treatments, and teach patients/clients self-help techniques.

Approved for CE's by the NCCAOM, NAMTPT, AMTA, ABMP, NCBTMB (provider # 451513-10), and Alaska Occupational Therapists. Check with your organization to see if this course meets the criteria for CE's/PDA's. To see the NCBTMB certificate, click NCBTMB certificate of Approval. Prerequisite: Module 1

Trigger Points Self-Help Techniques (16 CE’s)

This 2-day seminar teaches students how to treat their own trigger points, which is the best way to learn to teach self-help techniques to patients/clients. Students will learn to apply ischemic compression and do stretches for the most commonly found trigger points, in addition to drawing examples from the class for treating the less commonly found trigger points.

· Learn to apply ischemic compression to the most commonly found trigger points

· Learn stretches

· Learn ischemic compression and stretches for additional trigger points as time allows

Approved for CE's by the NCCAOM, NAMTPT, AMTA, ABMP, NCBTMB (provider # 451513-10), and Alaska Occupational Therapists. Check with your organization to see if this course meets the criteria for CE's/PDA's. To see the NCBTMB certificate, click NCBTMB certificate of Approval.

I learned so much from Valerie's trigger point course. I've had so many questions about trigger points and she has answered them all. She personally followed up with me about any of my questions that weren't answered in her course material. Thanks to this course, I have a much greater understanding of trigger points and what causes them; thanks to her interactive CD, I have the tools to find out more as questions arise. I've previously avoided mail-in courses, thinking that the only and best way for me to learn was with hands-on training. I was surprised and impressed with how much I learned from this course and will continue to participate in Valerie's online/mail-in courses as a way to improve my knowledge base and my work. Thank you.
--Evelyn Bass, LMT, Massage Therapist and Manager at Southeast Medical Clinic in Juneau, AK

Really great to learn from someone who has pulled together an immense "body" of work/study and taught it so efficiently.
-- Jan Parrish, acupuncturist

Well presented & paced. I was not overwhelmed by TMI...Really like the CD ROM for ease of use and thorough content; it makes a lot of complicated information more accessible and quickly referenced. Thank you! - R.A., Massage Therapist

Presentation style relaxed yet structured - nice balance. Very thankful for expertise level (and willingness to teach from her experiences -- both positive and negative)...Money well spent! - T.B. - Massage Therapist

Loved the "relaxed" atmosphere -- Valerie is a true "master," but makes you feel like she's working with you...Each material provided was very helpful and user-friendly...I have had lots of advanced training & this was right up there with them. Nice job! - C.Z. - Massage Therapist

I thought Valerie did a great job getting the info about the class to us prior to the start date so that we could come to class prepared/ready to go...The CD w/ projector was very helpful in being able to visualize and access TP information. Loved the CD! I thought I got a good overview of TP w/ the time allotted...I think learning this material will be very beneficial for the kind of massage therapy I want to do. - M.S. - Massage Therapist

You have clearly spent a lot of time & energy preparing for this class & it shows. You spend a lot of time answering questions & sharing practice tips, which is great. I learned a lot that I can use right away & feel like I have the tools to keep learning between the modules. I also really appreciate your energy/presence -- very balanced...I spent $$$$ and time last year to go to a deep tissue training with a nationally known trainer. I was disappointed with the content of the class & the way time was spent. I feel the opposite about your class. Excellent content & loved the way you used our time. Thank you! E.B. - Massage Therapist

Trigger Points Pain Relief WORKSHOPS

DISTANCE LEARNING / HOME STUDY MODULES

SEMINARS

Trigger Points Pain Relief
WORKSHOPS