Institute of Trigger Point Studies

WORKSHOPS – CONTINUING EDUCATION

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.

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DISTANCE LEARNING / HOME STUDY MODULES

DL / HS Modules     (Self-Paced Courses) See below for course descriptions	Didactic Portion		Clinical Problem-Solving (Case Studies) (Didactic must be taken 1st)
Trigger Points: Critical Thinking & Teating Patients * (Use of TriggerPointRelief.com website good for 1 year while you complete your course).	8 CE’s $130	(See Refund policy – by purchasing the course you are agreeing to the policy)	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)	7 CE’s $95		6 CE’s $150
Modules 1-6, Distance Learning Didactic portions only (5% discount) (See Refund policy – by purchasing the course you are agreeing to the policy)	43 CE’s $575
Entire Program, Distance Learning Didactic plus Case Studies 10% discount)(See Refund policy – by purchasing the course you are agreeing to the policy)	81 CE’s $1340

SEMINARS                                       

Seminar Topic See below for course descriptions	CE’s	Cost	Combines Didactic & Clinical
Trigger Points: Critical Thinking Use of CD & treating patients   * (Module 1) (Flashdrive textbook included)  (See Refund policy)	16	Early $400Reg. $450	Not currently scheduled
Trigger Points: Head & Neck Pain  ** (Module 2)	16	Reg. $450	Not currently scheduled
Trigger Points:  Torso Area Pain ** (Module 3)	16	Reg. $450	Not currently scheduled
Trigger Points: Shoulder, Upper Arm, & Elbow Pain ** (Module 4)	16	Reg. $450	Not currently scheduled
Trigger Points: Gluteal & Pelvic Pain  Trigger Points: Forearm & Hand Pain  ** (Module 5)	16	Reg. $450	Not currently scheduled
Trigger Points:  Leg, Knee, & Foot Pain  ** (Module 6)	16	Reg. $450	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	$450	Not currently scheduled
Teaching Trigger Pt. Self-Help Techniques (for Health Care Professionals)	16	$450	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 for seminars will only be issued for medical emergencies or a death in the family.  If the seminar 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. Refunds will not be issued for distance learning classes.  Your access to the website will last for 1 year, so allow time to complete your course before your CE’s are due.  You are responsible for making sure the class will be accepted for your particular CE requirements prior to ordering the course.  If you are having difficulty with the website,please contact us at info@triggerpointrelief.com. If you do not need continuing education credits, you may wish to purchase the website membership here and learn the information on your own.  Please be advised that though Module 1 does include 2.3 hours of classroom video delivery, and all modules use the hundreds of clips of self-help techniques, the distance learning courses are primarily book study/learning.  Trigger Point Therapy is a protocol, not a technique; and requires thinking and understanding.  Learning how to press on a trigger point is the easy part – knowing where to look for them, perpetuating factors, patient recommendations, etc. is the “brain” part, and the focus of all distance learning modules.

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.  Please see the refund policy above if you are not sure what the distance learning entails, or if these courses will meet your needs.

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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 NAMTPT, AMTA, ABMP, and Alaska Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists.  Acupuncturists:  I am not allowed to use the name of the National Organization that you may belong to which accepts PDA’s, but their Recertification Handbook states ” ________ also accepts PDA points for programs that can meet one of the following criteria:  • The program has been accepted by a state regulatory agency for re-licensure. • The program has been accepted by a professional healthcare organization.”  Because this course has been approved by other professional healthcare organizations, it does meet that criteria.  Click here for more information. Check with your organization to see if this course meets the criteria for CE’s/PDA’s.  Click here for Alaska PT approval letter.  Click here for Alaska OT approval letter.

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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  (seminars only)
• 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 NAMTPT, AMTA, ABMP, and Alaska Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists.  Acupuncturists:  I am not allowed to use the name of the National Organization that you may belong to which accepts PDA’s, but their Recertification Handbook states ” ________ also accepts PDA points for programs that can meet one of the following criteria:  • The program has been accepted by a state regulatory agency for re-licensure. • The program has been accepted by a professional healthcare organization.”  Because this course has been approved by other professional healthcare organizations, it does meet that criteria.  Click here for more information.Check with your organization to see if this course meets the criteria for CE’s/PDA’s.  Click here for Alaska PT approval letter.  Click here for Alaska OT approval letter.  Prerequisite:  Module 1

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Module 3  Trigger Points:  Torso Area 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: 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 (seminars only)
• 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 NAMTPT, AMTA, ABMP, and Alaska Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists.  Acupuncturists:  I am not allowed to use the name of the National Organization that you may belong to which accepts PDA’s, but their Recertification Handbook states ” ________ also accepts PDA points for programs that can meet one of the following criteria:  • The program has been accepted by a state regulatory agency for re-licensure. • The program has been accepted by a professional healthcare organization.”  Because this course has been approved by other professional healthcare organizations, it does meet that criteria.  Click here for more information.Check with your organization to see if this course meets the criteria for CE’s/PDA’s.  Click here for Alaska PT approval letter.  Click here for Alaska OT approval letter.  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 (seminars only)
• 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 NAMTPT, AMTA, ABMP, and Alaska Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists.  Acupuncturists:  I am not allowed to use the name of the National Organization that you may belong to which accepts PDA’s, but their Recertification Handbook states ” ________ also accepts PDA points for programs that can meet one of the following criteria:  • The program has been accepted by a state regulatory agency for re-licensure. • The program has been accepted by a professional healthcare organization.”  Because this course has been approved by other professional healthcare organizations, it does meet that criteria.  Click here for more information.Check with your organization to see if this course meets the criteria for CE’s/PDA’s.  Click here for Alaska PT approval letter.  Click here for Alaska OT approval letter.  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 (seminars only)
• 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/lying/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 NAMTPT, AMTA, ABMP, and Alaska Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists.  Acupuncturists:  I am not allowed to use the name of the National Organization that you may belong to which accepts PDA’s, but their Recertification Handbook states ” ________ also accepts PDA points for programs that can meet one of the following criteria:  • The program has been accepted by a state regulatory agency for re-licensure. • The program has been accepted by a professional healthcare organization.”  Because this course has been approved by other professional healthcare organizations, it does meet that criteria.  Click here for more information.Check with your organization to see if this course meets the criteria for CE’s/PDA’s.  Click here for Alaska PT approval letter.  Click here for Alaska OT approval letter.  Prerequisite:  Module 1

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Module 6  Trigger Points:  Leg, Knee, & Foot 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: 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 (seminars only)
• 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 NAMTPT, AMTA, ABMP, and Alaska Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists.  Acupuncturists:  I am not allowed to use the name of the National Organization that you may belong to which accepts PDA’s, but their Recertification Handbook states ” ________ also accepts PDA points for programs that can meet one of the following criteria:  • The program has been accepted by a state regulatory agency for re-licensure. • The program has been accepted by a professional healthcare organization.”  Because this course has been approved by other professional healthcare organizations, it does meet that criteria.  Click here for more information.Check with your organization to see if this course meets the criteria for CE’s/PDA’s.  Click here for Alaska PT approval letter.  Click here for Alaska OT approval letter.  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 NAMTPT, AMTA, ABMP, and Alaska Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists.  Acupuncturists:  I am not allowed to use the name of the National Organization that you may belong to which accepts PDA’s, but their Recertification Handbook states ” ________ also accepts PDA points for programs that can meet one of the following criteria:  • The program has been accepted by a state regulatory agency for re-licensure. • The program has been accepted by a professional healthcare organization.”  Because this course has been approved by other professional healthcare organizations, it does meet that criteria.  Click here for more information.Check with your organization to see if this course meets the criteria for CE’s/PDA’s.  Click here for Alaska PT approval letter.  Click here for Alaska OT approval letter.  Prerequisite:  Module 1

   

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 NAMTPT, AMTA, ABMP, and Alaska Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists.  Acupuncturists:  I am not allowed to use the name of the National Organization that you may belong to which accepts PDA’s, but their Recertification Handbook states ” ________ also accepts PDA points for programs that can meet one of the following criteria:  • The program has been accepted by a state regulatory agency for re-licensure. • The program has been accepted by a professional healthcare organization.”  Because this course has been approved by other professional healthcare organizations, it does meet that criteria.  Click here for more information.Check with your organization to see if this course meets the criteria for CE’s/PDA’s.  Click here for Alaska PT approval letter.  Click here for Alaska OT approval letter.  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 NAMTPT, AMTA, ABMP, and Alaska Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists.  Acupuncturists:  I am not allowed to use the name of the National Organization that you may belong to which accepts PDA’s, but their Recertification Handbook states ” ________ also accepts PDA points for programs that can meet one of the following criteria:  • The program has been accepted by a state regulatory agency for re-licensure. • The program has been accepted by a professional healthcare organization.”  Because this course has been approved by other professional healthcare organizations, it does meet that criteria.  Click here for more information.Check with your organization to see if this course meets the criteria for CE’s/PDA’s.  Click here for Alaska PT approval letter.  Click here for Alaska OT approval letter.  Prerequisite:  Module 1