Beyond the Hands: Manual Tools for MSK Care
This immersive one-day course introduces manual therapy practitioners to three powerful, adjunctive tools used in musculoskeletal treatment: acupressure, cupping, and gua sha. Grounded in traditional East Asian techniques but adapted for modern clinical application, these methods offer practical, non-pharmacological options for pain relief, soft tissue recovery, and neuromyofascial regulation.
The course is designed specifically for physiotherapists and osteopaths who are looking to expand their hands-on repertoire using simple, effective tools that can be seamlessly integrated into your current practice.
Why it matters:
Cupping has moved well beyond traditional medicine and into high-performance sport, now widely used for recovery, fascia release, and circulation in most proffesional sporting arenas. Gua Sha is also gaining clinical recognition for its ability to reduce soft tissue restriction, stimulate perfusion, and ease musculoskeletal tension. This course reframes both in a clean, modern context, ready for use in contemporary MSK care.
Acupressure offers a simple, effective method for delivering point-specific input without the use of needles. It blends well with structural and functional approaches, helping to regulate pain, improve neuromuscular tone, and support autonomic balance—making it a valuable addition to any musculoskeletal treatment plan.
What you'll learn:
- The physiological principles behind acupressure, cupping, and gua sha
- Indications, contraindications, and safety considerations
- Tool selection, hygiene protocols, and session structuring
- Step-by-step instruction in each technique, with a strong emphasis on practical application
- How to integrate these approaches into real-world treatment plans for common MSK complaints (e.g., shoulder tension, low back pain, tendinopathies, and recovery support)
You’ll walk away with:
- Confidence in using each modality safely and effectively
- An understanding of when and why to use these techniques as an adjunct or standalone approach
- CPD certification and plenty of hands-on experience
No prior experience in these therapies is required.
All tools will be provided on the day, and you’ll have time to both practice and receive treatment in a supervised, supportive environment.
Limited to 12 places | Book earlybird ONZ rates now | REGISTER HERE
