This course provides an overview of the anatomy of the Superior, Medial and Lateral branches of the Cluneal Nerves, which are found in the low back and hips. We will examine how these nerves can be irritated as they travel through the body. An overview of the present research on the plausibility of these nerve irritations as an origin of back pain, pseudo sciatica and Maigne sign. Finally, an exploration of manual treatments and movements focused on unloading the affected nerve.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

1) Identify the surface course of the superior, middle, and inferior cluneal nerves and locate common tenderness/entrapment zones along the posterior iliac crest and sacral region.

2) Elicit key history and exam findings consistent with cluneal-nerve–dominant pain and distinguish these from lumbar radiculopathy, SIJ-related pain, greater trochanteric pain syndrome, and Maigne syndrome.

3) Formulate a scope-appropriate clinical impression when cluneal nerves are plausible contributors, and identify red flags/indications for referral.

4) Demonstrate two to three gentle, DNM-style manual procedures (cutaneous-nerve oriented contact with position-based slackening) and explain their plausible mechanisms within contemporary manual therapy models.

5) Coach clients through two to three movement/self-care strategies (load/pressure modification at the beltline; short comfort-first mobility sequences) to reduce symptom irritability in daily life.

6) Document assessment, rationale, and response to care using language consistent with CMTO Standards (clinical impression, outcomes, and referral when appropriate).

CMTO Competencies

• Function in a client-centred manner
• Work within areas of personal knowledge and skills
• Treat others respectfully
• Practice in a manner consistent with current developments in the profession
• Use an evidence-informed approach in your work

About the Presenter

Michael graduated from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in 2007. His learning and teaching on the nervous system's role in the pain experience. His particular interest is helping people with chronic/persistent and complex pain. 

Mike was a clinical instructor at the West Coast College of Massage Therapy for four years and ran their case study program. In addition, Michael chaired a research panel at the 2012 Third International Fascia Research Congress in Vancouver, the RMTBC international Persistent Pain conference in 2014 and the RMTBC Manual Therapy conference in 2016. 

Michael is a past board member and the Chair of the Communications Committee for the Registered Massage Therapy Association of British Columbia. Through the RMTBC, Michael founded a professional practice group for pain management to help RMTs pursue special education in pain sciences called PPGPain. 

Michael teaches courses across Canada and internationally, focusing on pain and the nervous system. His pursuit of up-to-date research highly influences his practice. This neurocentric approach is person-centred philosophy that uses both active and passive methods to treat people in pain. It is the foundation of his practice and his teachings today.

Notes:

-Registration Deadline: Wednesday, November 19 by 9:00am.

-All webinar registrations are on a first-come, first-served basis due to limited capacity on total registrations per webinar.

-Webinar will be recorded. All registered participants will receive a link to the webinar recording. Access to the recording will be available for up to 3 months from the webinar date.

Recording Consent Disclaimer for RMTAO Webinars:

This webinar will be recorded. By registering for the event, you are providing your consent to being recorded and the use of your image and voice by the RMTAO in replaying the webinar in the future.