Manual Trigger Point Therapy 1

The MTT-1 course features an introduction to the history of trigger points and myofascial pain. Theory components feature the clinical aspects of myofascial pain, peripheral and central sensitization, the etiology and scientific basis of myofascial pain, and manual trigger point therapy. Many muscles commonly encountered in clinical practice will be addressed, including muscles that Czech Neurophysiologist Vladimir Janda considered as ‘tonic’ or ‘postural’ muscles. The following muscles tend towards shortening and tightening: the trapezius, levator scapula, pectoralis major and minor, subclavius, sternalis, posterior neck muscles, sub-occipital muscles, coracobrachialis, pronator teres, flexor carpi radialis and ulnaris, palmaris longus, flexor digitorum superficialis and profundus, pronator quadratus, sternocleidomastoid, scalenii, latissimus dorsi, teres major, serratus posterior inferior, quadratus lumborum, iliacus and psoas, tensor fascia lata, sartorius, quadriceps, hamstrings, gastrocnemius, soleus, plantaris, and popliteus muscles, among others. Students will review the anatomy, function, and manual therapy techniques for each muscle.

NOTE: starting in early 2022, the MTT course program will consist of two courses leading to certification. We no longer offer the MTT-3 course. 

There are no prerequisites for Manual Trigger Point Therapy 1 (MTT-1).

Note: The actual times may vary with each program at the discretion of the instructors. Refreshments are provided; meals are on your own.

Day 1

08:00 - 08:30   Registration
08:30 - 10:15  Theory lecture Introduction to Myofascial Trigger Points. TrP palpation and deactivation basics Vladimir Janda’s concepts of tonic and phasic muscle relationships
10:15 - 10:30   Break
10:30 - 12:30   Trapezius, levator scapula
12:30 - 13:30   Lunch Break
13:30 - 14:45   Pectoralis major, pectoralis minor, subclavius, sternalis, coracobrachialis
14:45 - 15:00   Break
15:00 - 16:30   Semispinalis capitis / cervicis, the splenii, longissimus capitis, cervical multifidi
16:30 - 18:00   Obliquus capitis superior / inferior, rectus capitis posterior major / minor

Day 2

08:00 - 08:30   Registration
08:30 - 10:15   Sternocleidomastoid, the scaleni
10:15 - 10:30   Break
10:30 - 12:15   Latissimus dorsi, teres major, serratus posterior inferior, quadratus lumborum
12:15 - 13:15   Lunch Break
13:15 - 14:45   Iliacus, psoas, iliocapsularis, tensor fascia latae
14:45 - 15:00   Break
15:00 - 16:30   Sartorius, vastus medialis, vastus intermedius, vastus lateralis, rectus femoris
16:30 - 18:00   Pronator teres, flex carpi rad, palmaris longus, flex carpi ulnaris, flex dig superficialis / profundus, pronator quadratus

Day 3

08:00 - 08:30   Registration
08:30 - 10:15   Biceps femoris, semimembranosus/semitendinosus
10:15 - 10:30   Break
10:30 - 12:15   Gastrocnemius, soleus, plantaris, popliteus
12:15 - 13:15   Lunch Break
13:15 - 14:00   Theory Quiz containing 15 multi-choice questions
14:00 - 14:15   Break
14:15 – 15:30   Tibialis posterior, flex dig longus, flex hallucis longus, anterior and lateral compartment
15:30 – 16:30   Intrinsic plantar and dorsal foot muscles
16:30 – 17:10 Mock practical exam on two muscles

**In addition, students will have approximately 5 hours of home study modules to review prior to each course.  Once registered, Myopain will send a link containing the home study modules.  The home study can also be completed via a live webinar, but additional charges do apply.

Maryland Board of Physical Therapy - 3.0 CEUs or 30 contact hours.

NCBTMB - 24.5 CEs

Current accreditation is pending.

NOTE: Many states, such as Connecticut, Georgia, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Kansas, Kentucky, South Carolina, Virginia, and Wisconsin, among many others, accept the CEUs approved by the Maryland Board of Physical Therapy Examiners.

If you are not sure about another state, check out your state board's website and look for language like (from South Carolina - https://www.llr.sc.gov/pt/ce.aspx): 

At least fifteen (15) of the required thirty (30) contact hours shall be from Certified Activities. Certified Activities include [...] attendance at conferences and completion of continuing competency activities provided by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), South Carolina Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association (SCAPTA), other chapters and sections of the APTA, as well as other state boards of physical therapy. 

Manual Trigger Point Therapy 1 possible discounts (may only use one)

The registration system will deduct 12% off of each class automatically when you register for the whole Manual Trigger Point Therapy Certification series at once (MTT1 and MTT2).

A 10% discount will be applied automatically when 3+ individuals are registered for one course on the same ticket.

New graduates and Active Military/Veterans are eligible for a 10% discount.

You may retake this course for a 50% discount.

For an overview of all available discounts, click here.

Only one discount may be applied to any course. 

• Describe optimal musculoskeletal anatomy and physiology and the role of the sensory, motor, and autonomic nervous systems; and to differentiate sub-optimal function
• Describe normal pain mechanisms; reception, transmission, and modulation
• Describe the aberrant neurophysiology of peripheral and central sensitization
• Describe the contribution of myofascial trigger points to soft tissue pain and dysfunction
• Describe the biochemical environment of the trigger point
• Identify the various potential causes of myofascial trigger point formation
• Describe the various mechanisms that perpetuate myofascial trigger points
• Describe the position of primary or secondary trigger point involvement in many common conditions like osteoarthritis, low back pain and other regional pain syndromes
• Demonstrate the highest standards of palpation, applicable to most soft tissue abnormalities
• Demonstrate the detection and full de-activation of myofascial trigger points
• Describe the use of a variety of adjunct reinforcement techniques; myofascial release, pin and stretch, opposing thumb glides, heat, stretch, muscle play, and movement therapies to reinforce the deactivation of these noxious points and return the client to full function
• Demonstrate appropriate Home Care Exercises (HCA) and other beneficial advice for permanent resolution of myofascial trigger points