TITLE: Harnessing the Power of Acupuncture Without Needles: How to Use Laser Acupuncture and Acupressure to Optimize Patient Outcomes
HOURS: Thur. May 1st, 2:15pm - 6:30pm OR Fri. May 2nd, 2:15pm - 6:30pm
WORKSHOP RATING: ★★ DVM/VMD, CCRP, CCRT, CCAT, PT ★★★ VT
MAX PARTICIPANTS: 20 (14 Spaces Remaining)
CONTACT HOURS: (4.0 RACE approval pending)
DESCRIPTION: This course is brought to you by: Canine Rehab Institute
This half-day course will cover foundational knowledge of acupuncture, including the physiology of what makes a good acupuncture point, the neuroanatomy of the meridians and myofascial lines, patient evaluation, and treatment plans for specific conditions. This knowledge will be applied practically to dogs using LASER and acupressure as treatment techniques.
Learning Objectives
- Review the history of acupuncture and the components of traditional veterinary acupuncture and neuroanatomical medical acupuncture.
- Learn the meridians and correlation with the myofascial lines
- Be able to accurately locate important and commonly used acupuncture points.
- Review myofascial examination tips to formulate the treatment plan.
- Be able to formulate a treatment plan based on patient evaluation. Understand the use of LASER and acupressure as an alternative to needling.
Lecture
- Introduction to Acupuncture (history, traditional acupuncture compared to neuroanatomical medical acupuncture).
- Neuroanatomy of acupuncture points
- Acupuncture Meridians
- Myofascial Lines and myofascial examination tips
- Mechanism of action of laser at acupuncture points
- Mechanism of action of acupressure
- Formulating a treatment plan
Lab
- Trace Meridians on live patients
- Practice Myofascial Exam techniques
- Locate common acupuncture point
- Perform LASER acupuncture for common rehabilitation conditions
- Perform Acupressure for common rehabilitation conditions
Cancellation Policy and Refund Request
To request a refund, please complete and postmark this Workshop Cancellation Form by March 28, 2025. Refunds exclude a $25 processing fee.
How to Use Laser Acupuncture and Acupressure to Optimize Patient Outcomes
Kara Amstutz, DVM, DACVSMR, CVA, CVPP, CCRT, CEO & Owner Canine Rehab Institute, Springfield, MO
Dr. Kara Amstutz was born and raised in Springfield, Missouri. After completing a Biology degree at Missouri State University, she earned her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Missouri in 2000. She started Hometown Veterinary Hospital in 2002, growing quickly over the following years. In 2013, Dr. Amstutz became a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist through Canine Rehabilitation Institute. The following year, Dr. Amstutz became a Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner through the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management. Then, in 2019 she became a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society. These advanced certifications allowed Dr. Amstutz to found River Canine Rehabilitation and transition her daily practice to rehabilitation and pain management cases only.
In 2022, Dr. Amstutz became the new owner and CEO of Canine Rehabilitation Institute (CRI), a postgraduate rehabilitation and acupuncture certification program for veterinarians, physical therapists, and veterinary nurses. Dr. Amstutz is a lead instructor for multiple courses offered through CRI. Dr. Amstutz is also the CEO of Canine Arthritis Resources and Education (CARE), an online platform for veterinary health professionals and pet owners that helps care for dogs with osteoarthritis.
Dr. Amstutz became a Diplomate of The American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation in 2023.Dr. Amstutz lectures nationally and internationally about osteoarthritis, the business of canine rehabilitation, and rehabilitation therapy. Looking into the future, Dr. Amstutz will continue her education and veterinary practice efforts focusing on sports medicine, pain management, and mobility. She loves to travel with her husband and four children in her free time.