Overview

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Painful conditions like frozen shoulder, low back pain, TMJ discomfort, carpal tunnel symptoms, and plantar fasciitis can interfere with movement, work, sleep, and quality of life. By the end of this course, learners will understand how acupuncture strategies may be applied to common musculoskeletal conditions, with attention to assessment, point selection, treatment planning, and functional outcomes. Building on Level 1, Dr. Constance Bradley presents condition-specific protocols for nine common cases, helping learners connect traditional acupuncture theory with modern clinical reasoning. The course focuses on practical application for pain relief, improved mobility, and better patient care. Through detailed demonstrations and clinical discussion, learners explore point combinations, needling depth considerations, treatment sequencing, adjunct methods, and case-based decision-making. Licensed acupuncture and healthcare professionals will gain practical tools for refining treatment plans, while general learners will gain a clearer understanding of how acupuncture is used for common pain and movement-related conditions. This course offers a structured, condition-based approach to applying acupuncture knowledge with greater confidence, safety, and clinical purpose.

Syllabus

Fundamentals of Application

In this module, learners explore three of the most common pain presentations treated with acupuncture: temporomandibular disorder (TMD), axial neck pain, and frozen shoulder. The instructor begins with TMD, explaining how pain can originate from the temporomandibular joint and surrounding structures, often caused by clenching, bruxism, stress, or degeneration. The module demonstrates local needling techniques such as working into the joint space, the masseter, and supporting facial muscles to reduce inflammation and restore jaw movement. The course then transitions to axial neck pain, where learners observe how acupuncture is applied along the cervical musculature to decrease tension and improve mobility. Finally, frozen shoulder is presented as another high-frequency case, with needling strategies designed to reduce capsular tightness and restore range of motion. Throughout the module, the instructor reinforces clinical reasoning, palpation accuracy, and safe needle placement to improve outcomes and client comfort.

Fundamentals of Application

Module 2 continues with three clinically common pain conditions affecting the upper and lower extremities: carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, and anterior knee pain. Learners are guided through hallmark symptoms, red flags, and differential considerations. For carpal tunnel syndrome, the instructor explains how median nerve entrapment causes numbness and tingling into the thumb and central fingers, and demonstrates a careful needling approach at the wrist and hand while avoiding vascular and nerve structures. Tennis elbow is introduced as a localized lateral elbow pain related to extensor tendon overload. The instructor shows how to palpate and needle the common extensor tendon and supportive forearm structures. The module then addresses anterior knee pain, demonstrating safe needling around the patellofemoral region to reduce inflammation and restore function. Each demonstration emphasizes positioning, depth control, and intentional needle selection rather than memorizing point formulas.

Fundamentals of Application

Module 3 applies acupuncture techniques across three contrasting regions of the body: lumbar spine, foot, and abdomen. Lower back pain is presented as one of the most frequent reasons people seek acupuncture. The instructor explains assessment, palpation of paraspinals, and needling to influence deep lumbar tissue tension and improve movement. The focus then moves to plantar fasciitis, where learners see how local and distal point selection affects fascial tension and improves weight-bearing tolerance. The module concludes with constipation, demonstrating abdominal point selection and explaining how acupuncture influences autonomic regulation and digestive motility. Although these conditions differ anatomically, the clinician reinforces a consistent reasoning process: identify what tissue or structure is driving the symptom, select local and distal points strategically, and reassess after needling. The learner finishes the module with confidence applying acupuncture concepts to diverse presentations.

Course Summary and Exam

This final exam is designed to assess your understanding of the key concepts presented throughout the course. Please review all video lessons and written materials before beginning. A passing score of 70% or higher is required to successfully complete the course and earn your CE certificate. You may reference your notes during the exam. Once you pass, your certificate will be available for immediate download.