Percussion Therapy for your own upper cervical spine - The 3dEnergy Gun - Workshop Summary

Nick Hodgson led a workshop on applying percussion therapy to the upper cervical spine using the 3dEnergy gun, following a detailed anatomy review of the region, including superficial and intrinsic muscles and the role of C1 and C2 vertebrae. Nick Hodgson outlined specific techniques for using the 3dEnergy gun, including directional rotation, starting with the lowest gear, and a scanning motion to find and treat tender points, emphasizing the unique therapeutic benefits of the gun's design.

Details

Nick Hodgson presented a workshop on using percussion therapy with the 3dEnergy gun for the upper cervical spine, noting that previous videos covered the science and theory behind this therapeutic approach. He encouraged participants to check out the website to purchase a 3dEnergy gun, and to ask questions.

Anatomy Review of the Upper Cervical Spine:

Nick Hodgson provided an extensive anatomy review of the upper cervical spine, highlighting superficial muscles such as the trapezius, splenius capitis, and levator scapulae, which attach to the base of the skull. Beneath those, he detailed critical intrinsic muscles with meningeal attachments, including rectus capitis posterior minor and major, oblique capitis superior and inferior, and longissimus capitis, emphasizing the importance of C1 (atlas) and C2 (axis) vertebrae in this complex region. He also noted that intricate fascia wraps around all the muscle bundles and tissues, contributing to the function of the upper cervical region, and explained how these structures model tensegrity design.

Technique and Directions for Using the 3dEnergy Gun:

Nick Hodgson outlined specific directions for using the 3dEnergy gun on the upper cervical area, suggesting clockwise rotation for the left side of the spine and counterclockwise rotation for the right side to achieve lengthening on both sides. He advised starting in the lowest gear for those new to the gun, and recommended holding the tip gently, allowing the gun to deliver the force. The therapy involves a scanning motion, starting at the external occipital protuberance (EOP) in the midline and working from medial to lateral, then gradually scanning down the occiput and across C1 and C2, finishing around C2 to C3.

Searching for Tenderness and Therapeutic Benefits:

Nick Hodgson described the technique for self-administering the therapy, which involves scanning for tiny pinpoints of tenderness. He advised sustaining the impulses on these isolated points, observing that the tenderness may dissipate or vanish while stimulating the point. Nick Hodgson asserted that the 3dEnergy gun’s design, including internal engineering changes and the rotating head, provides additional therapeutic benefits not available from a normal percussion massage gun. He concluded by stating a future video would be posted to demonstrate the process in real life.