Chronic Myofascial Pain and Spinal Segmental Sensitization: Integrating Pain Mechanisms with Objective Physical Findings and Treatment Strategies.
Dr. Jay Shah
In this 2 dayworkshop we will explore the dynamic and pivotal roles that myofascial trigger points (MTrPs), sensitization, limbic system dysfunction and objective physical findings play in the evaluation and management of chronic myofascial pain and dysfunction.
By integrating the fascinating knowledge emerging from the pain sciences in a clinically accessible way, participants will learn how to apply important palpation skills with various needling techniques to more effectively treat painful MTrPs and sensitized spinal segments more effectively.
Spinal segmental sensitization (SSS) is a hyperactive state of the dorsal horn caused by bombardment of nociceptive impulses. Painful MTrPs are a very common source of persistent nociception and sensitization that often results in SSS, facilitated segments, and chronic myofascial pain.Conversely, maladaptive changes in subcortical structures and dysfunctional descending inhibition may create somatic tissue abnormalities (e.g., tissue texture changes, tenderness, etc.) in addition to adversely impacting mood, affect, and sleep.
Either way, typical manifestations of the sensitized spinal segment include dermatomalallodynia/hyperalgesia, sclerotomal tenderness, and MTrPs within the affected myotomes. These objective and reproducible findings allow the clinician and patient to identify the affected spinal segment(s) that should be treated.
Non-pharmacological approaches such as dry needling, electrical stimulation techniques and acupuncture will be discussed and demonstrated. These techniques deactivate painful MTrPs, desensitize affected segments and neuro-modulate subcortical dysfunction, thus providing more permanent pain and symptom relief.
The diagnostic and treatment techniques presented in this workshop are applicable to the management of a variety of chronic musculoskeletal pain conditions.
PublicationsDr. Shah:
Location:
Cost: $1000 CAD plus tax or 750 euro tax included.
Registration: Please send an email to d you will receive more details.
Note:Applicantsneed ample 'paraspinal needling'experience such as ‘IMS’ or the ‘Spine’ course as described in the brochure on
Uplands Physio Clinic:
Your local host Frank Timmermans is the main dry needling instructor and has 33 years of experience as a Physical and Manual Therapist and 15 years in dry needling.
He has published ten articles on 'myofascial pain and dry needling' and, together with his team, instructed over 4,000 students worldwide.
Also, he organized 3 conferences with workshops on 'myofascial pain and dry needling' in the Netherlands where Dr. Shah was the most valued speaker twice.