The Neurophysiology of Needling

This lecture the neurology and neurophysiology of needling and many of its effects. It begins with cortical representation, joint receptor density and muscle receptor density and talks about each in turn in an easy-to-understand fashion. The afferent and efferent spinal pathways involved are discussed, along with their clinical implications, including how they affect perception, autonomic activity and pain modulation. Muscle spindles, their central connections and their influence on the system, especially with respect to muscle tone are also presented.This on-demand course offers chiropractors and healthcare professionals a foundational understanding of the neurological mechanisms behind needling, enhancing their clinical insight into pain modulation, autonomic activity, and muscle tone. Led by Dr. Ivo Waerlop, a distinguished expert in chiropractic neurology and rehabilitation, participants will gain valuable knowledge to better understand the effects and implications of needling techniques in practice.

• •Explain cortical representation and its relevance to understanding needling effects on the nervous system
• •Identify and differentiate between joint receptor density and muscle receptor density and their clinical implications
• •Describe the afferent and efferent spinal pathways involved in the needling response
• •Analyze how needling influences pain perception, autonomic activity, and pain modulation mechanisms
• •Explain the structure and function of muscle spindles and their central nervous system connections
• •Apply knowledge of muscle spindle physiology to understand how needling affects muscle tone regulation