Structure & Function Education Dry Needling Certifications
What are Structure & Function Education’s dry needling certifications?
A certificate in S&F’s Education dry needling means that you have dedicated the time to learn, understand, synthesize and apply S&F’s pentamodal method of dry needling and have successfully implemented this into your patient practice. You have completed at least 72 hours of education (variable by profession based on CEU approvals and classes taken) and have taken our needling competency exams, presented a case study, and written a case study applicable to your patient population based on the S&F model.
It is important to note there is no universal dry needling certification program in the US. Obtaining a certification in dry needling through S&F Education may or may not satisfy the requirements to perform dry needling in the state in which you practice, and does not supersede the laws, rules and regulations of the state practice act in which you are governed. A certification through S&F Education will most likely not qualify you to take other dry needling education companies advanced course work without taking their foundational courses first.
What is SFDN and SFDN+
Practitioners that have completed the requirements can add either SFDN or SFDN+ certification. The program shows the commitment a practitioner has to continued education and specializing in dry needling therapy.
SFDN
Title: Structure and Function Education Dry Needling Practitioner
Earned upon completing your certification track plus a written case study or blog. Use the credentials SFDN after your name.
SFDN+
Title: Structure and Function Education Pentamodal Method Certified
The highest distinction. Earned upon completing SFDN1, SFDN2 and SFDN3, signifying mastery of the complete Pentamodal Method. Use the credentials SFDN+ after your name.
All tracks include our flagship foundation course SFDN1, and its follow up advanced course SFDN2. Practitioners that take SFDN3 will complete the Pentamodel Method training and earn the SFDN+ distinction.
Our certification program is based on Structure and Function’s Pentamodal Method. The three flagship courses represent:
S F D N 1
Local
Effects at the needle site. Tissue-level healing, trigger point release, and local circulatory response.
S F D N 2
Segmental
Segmental physiology and perineural pathways. Supports
recovery, regeneration, and pain management.
S F D N 3
Systemic
Systemic systems and whole-body response. Neurological
and endocrine effects that complete the Pentamodal Method.
SFDN certification requirements
Course Tracks
Track 1
LUMBO-PELVIC HIP
- Foundations in Dry Needling for Orthopedic Rehabilitation & Sports Performance
- Advanced Dry Needling Segmental & Perineural Strategies for the Complex Patient
- Advanced Dry Needling: Comprehensive Orthopedic Approach to the Lumbo-Pelvic Hip Complex
Track 2
HEAD & NECK
- Foundations in Dry Needling for Orthopedic Rehabilitation & Sports Performance
- Advanced Dry Needling Segmental & Perineural Strategies for the Complex Patient
- Advanced Dry Needling for the Head and Neck
Track 3
ANATOMICAL
DISSECTION
- Foundations in Dry Needling for Orthopedic Rehabilitation & Sports Performance
- Advanced Dry Needling Segmental & Perineural Strategies for the Complex Patient
- Anatomical Dissection & Dry Needling
Completing the pentamodal method
Advanced Dry Needling: a systemic approach to orthopedic rehabilitation & sports performance
SFDN3
A 27-hour lab-based course that completes the Pentamodal Method. Clinicians develop advanced and holistic applications of dry needling — including the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine, fascial areas, peri-neural tissue, abdomen, and additional regions of the upper and lower extremities, face and head. Builds on SFDN1 (Local) and SFDN2 (Segmental) to deliver the Systemic tier – bringing together the full Pentamodal progression with advanced techniques for safe needle insertion and removal, recovery and regeneration protocols, acute injury management, and a whole-body treatment approach. Taught exclusively by Sue Falsone, Founder of Structure & Function Education and the Pentamodal Method.
Sue Falsone
Structure & Function Education
Founder & Creator of the Pentamodal Method
Who can become certified?
Need more information
Review our CEU information page or contact us for more information.
View our upcoming courses
Plan out your certification track courses and view our current course schedule.
CEU information
Review our CEU information page or contact us for more information.