• The practitioner taking this course will understand that the low back and hip are observed as one complex and must not be separated in assessment or treatment. Injury to the low back will often involve hip symptoms and conversely, hip pain frequently stems from the lumbar spine.

• Common low back and hip injuries will be reviewed including lumbar disc degeneration, chronic low back pain, sacroiliac joint pain, trochanteric bursitis, soft tissue strain around the hip joint, as well as common muscle imbalance syndromes that contribute to many other low back and hip injuries.

• Specific injuries will be discussed in relation to TCM patterns e.g. lumbar disc degeneration often refers sensation to the hip complex frequently seen as Wind-Cold-Damp Obstruction (Feng Han Shi Bi) or injury to the hip joint muscles will often indicate signs and symptoms of Qi and Blood

Stagnation with underlying Qi and Blood Deficiency (Qi Zhi Xue Yu, Qi Xue Bu Zu).

• Innovative treatment protocols will be introduced consisting of needle techniques to the involved motor and acupuncture points to balance the somatic system according to both TCM and western biomedical principles. Injury specific stretches and rehabilitative exercises will be demonstrated and practiced.

• The mechanical "how and why" specific injuries occur will be reviewed using orthopedic physical evaluations and manual muscle testing to assess the integrity of the musculoskeletal system.

• The experience of this workshop will refine your assessment and treatment skills, expand your knowledge of needle techniques and greatly enhance the success rate in treating low back and hip injuries.