UBC Faculty of Medicine, Gunn IMS Certification Course

OUTLINE

This is an intramuscular dry needling course that goes beyond trigger point dry needling. Gunn IMS is a total system for the diagnosis and treatment of persistent myofascial pain syndromes, including muscle, joint, tendon, bursal, fascial, neural and biomechanical problems. The approach considers the role of nervous system dysfunction in persistent myofascial pain syndromes. The model was developed by Dr C. Chan Gunn and described in his book “The Gunn Approach to the Treatment of Chronic Pain”. His conceptual framework explains patterns of physical findings commonly seen in persistent myofascial pain syndromes and has been commended by many physicians practising in the field of chronic pain including John D. Loeser, Stephen Butler and  Anders E. Sola. Patrick D. Wall describes Dr Gunn’s approach as being, “in the best of the traditions of classical medicine”.

Dr Gunn  has endowed UBC with the responsibility for the ongoing teaching of the Gunn IMS model of treatment - a teaching program that has run continuously since 1994. Since 2013, the Gunn IMS Program has been part of the UBC Faculty of Medicine and is now located in the Chan Gunn Pavilion on the UBC Vancouver campus. The course is coordinated by UBC Faculty of Medicine 's Continuing Professional Development Division, which has certified and granted the course 38 Mainpro+® credits for physicians. All course proceeds are used to support program development and research in Gunn IMS.

The program’s focus is the safe, effective management of persistent myofascial pain syndromes from a perspective of nervous system dysfunction, using intramuscular dry needling and related postural and rehabilitative concepts. The application of the model requires an advanced level of clinical reasoning and pattern recognition, mature clinical judgement, extensive anatomical knowledge and precise palpation skills. For this reason, the prerequisites for attending this course include a minimum of four years experience treating musculoskeletal conditions.

FORMAT

This is a two-part course - on successful completion of both parts of the program, participants will be awarded certification in UBC Gunn IMS. Part 1 of the course (4 days) covers education regarding Dr Gunn’s model of myofascial pain syndromes, the effects of dry needling, and contraindications and safety considerations for dry needling (including avoiding serious complications). Participants will learn how to assess for signs of nervous system dysfunction in myofascial pain syndromes, and devise a treatment plan using the Gunn IMS model. Also, on Part 1, participants will learn to safely and effectively dry needle muscles of the cervical and lumbar spine; shoulder and pelvic girdles; and upper and lower limbs. Part 2 of the course (3 days) focusses on clinical reasoning related to application of this model of treatment. Also, on Part 2, participants will learn safe and effective needling of muscles that are more technically-demanding and carry greater risk of adverse effects, including the thoracic spine and TMJ.

TO APPLY

Applications can be made at: http://www.gunnims.com under the “Courses” tab.

CONTACT

UBC Faculty of Medicine Continuing Professional Development: cpd.info@ubc.ca; Desiree Tarrijos - (604) 875-4111 x 24604

WEBSITE

http://www.gunnims.com