CSOMA Conference & Expo 2026
September 24 & 25 (Thurs/Fri) • Oakland Endowment Center
Registration is OPEN!
10 CEUs • California CEUs only, no NCBAHM
Raffle Prizes • Lunch & Hot Beverages • Expo Hall & More!
➡️ Register for a SINGLE day or 2-DAY Conference Click to register
Attendees –> Register Here <–
Speakers
Dr. Jenny Nieters, LAc
Team Acupuncturist, SF 49ers
Dr. Jenny Nieters, LAc specializes in sports medicine, orthopedic injuries and athletic performance. In addition to her private clinical practice, she is the team acupuncturist for the San Francisco 49ers and the Saint Mary’s College Men’s Rugby teams. She teaches sports acupuncture with Whitfield Reaves in his Sports Medicine Apprentice Program, an advanced training for acupuncturists.
Joshua Margolis, LAc, DOMTP
Segmental Acupuncture Specialist
Joshua Margolis, LAc, DAc, DOMTP is a seasoned acupuncturist and instructor with over 20 years of full-time clinical experience. His practice in Santa Rosa integrates medical acupuncture, dry needling, and advanced manual therapies. He specializes in treating musculoskeletal conditions and chronic pain with a highly precise, hands-on, clinically grounded approach.
Dr. Jamie Hampton, DAOM, L.Ac
DN, Pelvic Floor & Myofascial Specialist
Dr. Jamie M. Hampton, DAOM, MSTCM, L.Ac. is a nationally and internationally recognized pioneer in pelvic floor acupuncture and advanced dry needling, with 20+ years of clinical practice and 17 years specializing exclusively in pelvic floor disorders. Founder of the United States’ first dry needling clinic and first pelvic acupuncture certification program, former UCSF Adjunct Professor, and published ICU acupuncture researcher, Dr. Hampton trains healthcare practitioners across four continents and is redefining pelvic pain treatment worldwide.
Course Descriptions
10 CEUs
(California CEUs only, no NCBAHM)
Day 1
Thursday, Sept. 24
Oh My Aching Hip! Lateral Hip Pain Differential Diagnosis and Treatment Strategies
Taught by Dr. Jenny Nieters, LAc DACM
September 24, 2026 | 9am–12pm
2.5 CEUs Approved (Cat 1)
The lateral hip can be a diagnostic puzzle. When a patient walks in pointing to that area, it’s easy for practitioners to default to “trochanteric bursitis.” Orthopedic assessment can provide a more nuanced diagnosis and lead to a more effective treatment strategy. Level up your treatment with understanding of relevant anatomy, straightforward orthopedic assessment, and focused acupuncture treatment.
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Understand differential diagnosis for the common clinical complaint of lateral hip pain.
- Learn biomechanical stressors which can impact this condition.
- Identify key orthopedic tests which direct to targeted treatment.
- Learn acupuncture point locations which address specific anatomical zones.
This course is approved by the California Acupuncture Board, Provider Number 0025, for 2.5 hours of Category 1 continuing education.
Includes Hands-On/Demo!
In the Footsteps of Hua Tuo: A Survey of Segmental Approaches to Acupuncture
Taught by Joshua Margolis LAc DOMTP
September 24, 2026 | 1:15pm–4:15pm
2.5 CEUs Approved (Cat 1).
Explore a modern, clinically grounded approach to acupuncture through the lens of segmental anatomy, and spinal sensitization. This hands-on course introduces the principles of segmental acupuncture, drawing from the tradition of Hua Tuo while integrating our contemporary understanding of developmental neuroanatomy, autonomic regulation, neurogenic inflammation, and myofascial trigger points.
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Learn the basics of embryology related to spine segmental layer development
- Gain a deeper understanding of dermatome, myotome, and sclerotome levels and how they relate to the practice of acupuncture
- Identify signs of segmental facilitation and trace impacted somatic and visceral areas.
- Learn to apply a range of segmental assessment and therapeutic techniques including acupuncture and manual therapy
- Develop needling skills and electroacupuncture applications related to segmental dysfunction
This course is approved by the California Acupuncture Board, Provider Number 0025, for 2.5 hours of Category 1 continuing education.
Includes Hands-On/Demo!
Day 2
Friday, Sept. 25
Trigger Point Mastery: The Science & Skill of Dry Needling
Taught by Dr. Jamie Hampton, DAOM, L.Ac
September 25, 2026 | 8:15am–11:15am
2.5 CEUs Approved (Cat 1)
This foundational course offers acupuncturists a clinically grounded introduction to trigger point dry needling. Beginning with the seminal works of Travell and Simons, participants will build a clear understanding of what dry needling is, how it differs from traditional Ashi needling, and why it deserves a place in the modern acupuncturist’s toolkit. The course moves through the anatomy and physiology of myofascial trigger points — including taut bands, motor endplate dysfunction, and the energy crisis cycle — before exploring the neurological mechanisms behind pain and referral patterns. Participants will learn both the physical and neurological effects of needling, including the significance of the local twitch response. The course concludes with practical clinical application: palpation skills, pistoning technique, and effective patient treatment strategies. Designed as a logical progression from theory to practice, this course equips licensed acupuncturists with the knowledge and confidence to integrate dry needling into their clinical work. OWN THE TERM!
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Define dry needling and distinguish it clinically from Ashi needling and traditional acupuncture point needling
- Identify the five clinical diagnostic criteria for myofascial trigger points using Travell’s framework
- Explain the anatomy and physiology of taut bands and trigger point formation, including the energy crisis cycle and motor endplate dysfunction
- Describe the mechanisms of peripheral sensitization, central sensitization, and referred pain as they relate to trigger point activity
- Explain the physical and neurological effects of dry needling, including the role of the local twitch response
- Identify the spectrum of patient sensitization and apply appropriate dosing strategies for each presentation
This course is approved by the California Acupuncture Board, Provider Number 0025, for 2.5 hours of Category 1 continuing education.
Includes Hands-On/Demo!
The Pelvic Floor Unlocked: Dry Needling & Acupuncture for a Specialty That Changes Lives
Taught by Dr. Jamie Hampton, DAOM, L.Ac
September 25, 2026 | 12:15pm–3:15pm
2.5 CEUs Approved (Cat 1). Includes 1 Ethics CEU.
This introductory course opens the door to one of acupuncture’s most underserved and high-impact specialties. Participants will explore the widespread prevalence of pelvic floor disorders across all genders — from postpartum and perimenopausal women to men with chronic pelvic pain syndrome or erectile dysfunction — and learn why acupuncturists are uniquely positioned to fill a critical treatment gap. The course introduces the physiological mechanisms by which acupuncture and dry needling address pelvic floor dysfunction, followed by a review of some basic pelvic anatomy (since such limited time) including a few muscles, ligaments, and nerves. Special attention is given to ethics, informed consent, and professional communication when working with this sensitive patient population. The course is merely an introduction into the deep and complex world of pelvic floor disorders, and how to best treat your patients. Whether you’re looking to expand your scope or better serve existing patients, this course offers a compelling and accessible entry point into pelvic floor care. THIS IS NOT A HOBBY, it is a specialization that changes lives!
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Describe the prevalence of pelvic floor disorders across genders and identify the key patient populations most commonly affected
- Identify pelvic conditions treatable with acupuncture and dry needling, including pelvic pain, urogenital disorders, and sexual health dysfunction
- Explain the physiological mechanisms by which acupuncture, dry needling, and myofascial techniques address pelvic floor dysfunction
- Identify the primary muscles, ligaments, fascia, and nerves of the pelvic region and their clinical relevance
- Recognize the role of muscles outside the pelvic floor — including hip, abdominal, and deep rotator muscles — in contributing to pelvic symptoms
- Apply ethical standards, informed consent protocols, and professional communication skills specific to pelvic floor treatment
- Describe the components and clinical rationale for comprehensive pelvic floor training
This course is approved by the California Acupuncture Board, Provider Number 0025, for 2.5 hours of Category 1 continuing education and includes 1 Ethics CEU.
Includes Hands-On/Demo!
Registration
Enter discount code single for single day registration.
Registration & Pricing Guide
Single Day: Use code single
Members: Click “Sign In” on the form to view and select your pricing.
Pricing:
- CSOMA Member Registration: $120 – $240
- Non-Member Registration: $180 – $360
- No Credit Registration: $40 – $80 (Flat-rate)
- No Credit Student Pass: $20 – $40 (Flat-rate)
Exhibitors
FAQ
What is your refund policy?
Attendee Refund Policy
- Full refund (minus a 3% credit card processing fee) up until 4 weeks prior to the event.
- 50% refund up until the last business day of the week prior to the event (Friday before).
- No refunds after the last business day of the week prior to the event (Friday before).
Please email info@csomaonline.org to request a refund.
No refunds will be issued for no-shows or late arrival.
100% of registration fees will be credited or refunded if event is canceled by organizer.
Why Thursday & Friday?
Our event space, the Oakland Endowment Center, is closed on weekends. While we understand some of you cannot make it during the week, we have yet to find a space that accommodates our group size and budget. We have enjoyed use of this space over the last several years, and are fortunate to hold the event here once again!
