Trigger Point Foundations
Examine the defining characteristics and classifications of trigger points, their relationship with muscle function and their relevance within contemporary hands-on practice.
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NAT Advanced Skills Diploma · 50 Hours
Trigger Point Therapist
Develop a detailed, clinically grounded approach to trigger point assessment, referred pain and practical treatment integration.
This advanced online diploma is designed for qualified massage, manual therapy and rehabilitation professionals who want to deepen their understanding of trigger points and common musculoskeletal presentations. Nine expert-led modules combine essential theory, clinical reasoning, regional assessment and practical treatment strategies.
Study time
50 hours
Structure
9 required modules
Format
Online and self-paced
Completion
Assessment and diploma
What you will learn
Look beyond isolated tender points to understand the wider clinical picture.
- Understand trigger point characteristics, common classifications and their potential clinical relevance.
- Recognise referred-pain patterns and relate them to assessment findings and presenting symptoms.
- Use case history, palpation and movement assessment to support more thoughtful clinical reasoning.
- Explore factors that may contribute to the development, activation or persistence of trigger points.
- Apply appropriate manual techniques while monitoring comfort, response and treatment tolerance.
- Integrate trigger point therapy into broader massage, manual therapy and rehabilitation programmes.
Course content
Nine connected areas of advanced trigger point education.
Referred Pain Patterns
Explore common referral patterns and learn how they can inform—but should not replace—case history, physical assessment and appropriate clinical reasoning.
Assessment and Palpation
Develop a structured approach to locating sensitive tissue, interpreting palpatory findings and relating those findings to the wider clinical presentation.
Clinical Reasoning
Consider symptom behaviour, movement, load, lifestyle and relevant perpetuating factors when deciding whether trigger point therapy may form an appropriate part of care.
Treatment Principles and Techniques
Review practical treatment options, appropriate pressure, pacing, tissue response, client communication and ways of adapting technique to the individual.
Head, Neck and Shoulder
Apply regional anatomy and trigger point concepts to common presentations involving the cervical region, shoulder complex, headaches and related referred-pain patterns.
Upper Limb
Explore trigger point assessment and treatment considerations for the arm, elbow, forearm and wrist within a broader understanding of movement and repetitive loading.
Trunk and Lower Back
Examine muscular and myofascial relationships associated with the thoracic region, trunk and common mechanical lower-back presentations.
Lower Limb and Clinical Integration
Consider regional assessment of the hip and lower limb, then bring the course together through treatment planning, reassessment and integration with wider professional practice.
The headings above summarise the principal clinical areas covered across the nine-module programme. The learning platform provides the complete lesson sequence and supporting course materials.
What is included?
A substantial clinical reference and learning programme.
- Nine structured online course modules
- Expert video classes and practical demonstrations
- Illustrated learning resources and referred-pain guidance
- Regional trigger point assessment and treatment instruction
- Online knowledge checks and final assessment
- Downloadable NAT diploma following successful completion
- Subtitles in English, French, German and Spanish
- Flexible, self-paced study with ongoing course access
This is a professional continuing-education course for appropriately qualified practitioners. It does not qualify learners to diagnose medical conditions, perform restricted techniques without suitable training or work beyond their legal and professional scope of practice.
Your presenters
Learn from experienced clinicians and educators.
Trigger points and chronic pain
Dr. Jonathan Kuttner DPT
Dr. Jonathan Kuttner is a respected chronic-pain specialist and internationally recognised educator in trigger point and manual therapy.
His teaching combines practical clinical experience with a detailed understanding of referred pain, common musculoskeletal presentations and adaptable treatment strategies.
In 2016, his contribution to the profession was recognised with a lifetime achievement award from the National Association of Myofascial Trigger Point Therapists.
Neuromusculoskeletal physiotherapy
Paul Townley MSc PT
Paul Townley is an experienced neuromusculoskeletal physiotherapist and educator with more than 20 years of clinical experience in rehabilitation, manual therapy and elite sport.
He holds a master’s degree in Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine and has worked as an extended-scope practitioner, university lecturer and specialist consultant.
Paul’s teaching places particular emphasis on assessment, clinical reasoning and the responsible integration of practical techniques.
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