Course Overview

Pain is one of the most prevalent and complex challenges in modern healthcare. This clinically oriented advanced course equips practitioners with the knowledge and hands-on skills to assess and treat a wide spectrum of pain disorders — from acute musculoskeletal injury to chronic neuropathic and systemic conditions. Structured into three intensive modules, the course integrates contemporary pain science with evidence-informed Tuina intervention strategies, culminating in an independent clinical assessment where participants manage a real-world, multi-site pain case from initial diagnosis through to full treatment execution.

What You Will Learn

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

• Integrate knowledge of spinal biomechanics, fascial chains, and neuropathic mechanisms to develop targeted Tuina protocols for complex musculoskeletal and neurological pain conditions.
• Interpret advanced clinical imaging and nerve compression grading in reports to refine differential diagnosis and enhance treatment safety and precision.
• Master specialized manual techniques, for conditions such as frozen shoulder, degenerative knee changes, and peripheral nerve entrapment.
• Design and apply comprehensive rehabilitation strategies that combine Tuina with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) and autonomic regulation methods to address central sensitization and chronic systemic pain.
• Synthesize international pain classification standards, safety red flags, and evidence-informed clinical reasoning to independently manage multi-faceted chronic pain cases from assessment through full treatment execution.
• Gain a deep understanding of industry trends and obtain a forward-looking perspective on the Tuina therapy sector.

Assessment and Certificate Awarded

Written exam (60%, 1 hour) + Practical exam (40%, 1 hour): independent management of a multi-site pain case. Both graded Pass / Fail.

Certificate in Pain Management Tuina Therapy, issued by NTU (9 AUs · 117 hours).

Credits contribute towards diploma qualifications in chronic musculoskeletal pain management.

Module List

Module 1 · Musculoskeletal and Biomechanical Pain

Chronic musculoskeletal pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide. This module focuses on the structural and biomechanical underpinnings of spinal and joint disorders — covering cervical and lumbar dynamic instability, pelvic biomechanical chains, and advanced imaging interpretation including MRI and CT nerve compression grading. Clinical conditions include chronic nonspecific low back pain, cervical-shoulder myofascial pain syndrome, knee osteoarthritis, and frozen shoulder.

Hands-on training develops proficiency in trigger point and acupoint integration technique, joint mobilisation for frozen shoulder and degenerative knee, and whole-body fascial chain release.

Module 1	Content	Methodology/Activities
Musculoskeletal and Biomechanical Pain	Lecture (1 AU / 13h): Spinal Biomechanical Balance: Cervical/Lumbar Dynamic Instability, Pelvic Tilt and Biomechanical Chain. Advanced Imaging Interpretation: Nerve Compression Grading in MRI/CT Reports. Related conditions include chronic nonspecific low back pain, cervical-shoulder myofascial pain syndrome, knee osteoarthritis, and frozen shoulder, etc.	Synchronous or asynchronous learning, live or recorded courses.
Practical courses and clinical internships	Therapeutic Techniques Hands-On Class (2 AUs / 26h): Trigger Point and Acupoint Integration Technique: Precise Release of Trigger Points with A-Shi Points. Joint Mobilisation: Non-Traction Repositioning for Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis), Degenerative Knee Changes. Fascial Chain Release: Practical Application of Whole-Body Fascial Chains in Pain Transmission.	Onsite.

Module 2 · Neuropathic Pain and Central Sensitisation

Neuropathic pain and central sensitisation are increasingly recognised as core drivers of persistent pain. This module explores the mechanisms of peripheral nerve entrapment — including carpal tunnel syndrome and sciatica — alongside the neuroscience of central sensitisation, autonomic dysregulation, and conditions such as fibromyalgia, postherpetic neuralgia, and complex regional pain syndrome.

Hands-on training covers nerve gliding techniques, autonomic regulation via One-Finger Zen and gentle warming methods, and targeted case practice for trigeminal neuralgia, phantom limb pain, and postherpetic neuralgia.

Module 2	Content	Methodology/Activities
Neuropathic Pain and Central Sensitisation	Lecture (1 AU / 13h): Neuropathophysiology: Mechanisms of Peripheral Nerve Entrapment (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Sciatica). Central Sensitisation Theory. Related conditions include: postherpetic neuralgia, fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome, etc.	Synchronous or asynchronous learning, live or recorded courses.
Practical courses and clinical internships	Therapeutic Techniques Hands-On Class (2 AUs / 26h): Nerve Gliding Technique: Tuina-Assisted Nerve Release and Tension Adjustment Methods. Pain Sensitivity Regulation: Autonomic Nervous System Adjustment via Gentle Warming Techniques (e.g., One-Finger Zen, Rubbing). Typical Case Practice: Tuina Interventions for Trigeminal Neuralgia, Postherpetic Neuralgia, Phantom Limb Pain.	Onsite.

Module 3 · Chronic Disease-Related Pain and Rehabilitation

Chronic disease pain — including rheumatoid arthritis, cancer pain, and metabolic muscle soreness — requires an integrated, safety-conscious approach. This module covers systemic pain pathology, international red flag protocols, and differentiation of tumour-related from inflammatory pain. Treatment focuses on visceral Tuina for endogenous analgesic activation and functional rehabilitation combining Tuina with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF).

Module 3	Content	Methodology/Activities
Chronic Disease-Related Pain and Rehabilitation (3 AUs)	Lecture (1 AU / 13h): Systemic Pain Pathology: Safety and Red Flags: Contraindications in International Pain Management, Differentiation Between Tumour Pain and Inflammatory Pain. Related conditions include: rheumatoid arthritis, cancer pain, and muscle soreness secondary to chronic diseases.	Synchronous or asynchronous learning, live or recorded courses.
Practical courses and clinical internships	Therapeutic Techniques Hands-On Class (2 AUs / 26h): Visceral Tuina Regulation: Activation of Endogenous Analgesic Mechanisms (via Serotonin and Dopamine Regulation). Functional Reconstruction: Integrated Rehabilitation Combining Tuina with Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF).	Onsite.

The three modules under this Course may be taken separately for credit. Upon completion of all modules, students will receive a Certificate in Pain Management Tuina Therapy.

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