
Foundations in Dry Needling for Orthopedic Rehab and Sport Performance (SFDN1) Course Description
In this 27-hour lab-based course, the clinician will learn a diagnosis-focused approach to dry needling. The clinician will learn fundamental skills necessary for safe and proper needle insertion and removal, as well as effective strategies to manage commonly encountered pathologies in orthopedic and sport rehabilitation. Safety considerations are emphasized. Current science and research will be presented, along with a vast amount of clinical experience and pearls, allowing immediate application of dry needling into the clinicians’ professional practice. The use intramuscular electrical stimulation will also be discussed, demonstrated and practiced in class.
“What can a Dry Needling Course do for my practice?” Dry Needling is the insertion of fine filament needles in the body, specifically neuromuscular tissue. Research is still looking at how dry needling works in both acute and chronic situations. Traditional acupuncture is rooted in eastern philosophy while dry needling is rooted in western medicine. Simple muscle tightness, strains and sprains, an overworked body needing recovery, muscle activation, swelling reduction and pain modulation are all clinical examples for the use of dry needling. Our courses aim to empower practitioners – especially those who work with athletes – to provide the most efficient treatment to their patients.
Course Details
General Schedule
Friday 8am – 6:30pm
Saturday 8am – 6:30pm
Sunday 8am – 3:30pm
Areas of the body to be covered in class include:
- Upper extremity
- Lower extremity
- Cervical spine (C2-C7)
- Lumbar spine (L3 and below)
- Face and Head
Upon course completion, the clinician will:
- Adhere to safe needling techniques, including universal precautions and blood borne pathogen education per the CDC and/or OSHA given a specific case study.
- Integrate surface anatomy palpation and layered anatomy application for safety considerations when inserting a dry needle into a patient given a specific case study.
- List contraindications and precautions for dry needling and intramuscular electrical stimulation application.
- Master application of dry needling techniques for common orthopedic pathologies and sport related dysfunctions given a specific case study
- Master application of intramuscular electrical stimulation for the common orthopedic pathologies and sport related dysfunctions given a specific case study.
- Given a specific case study, correctly integrate dry needling and intramuscular electrical stimulation into the overall treatment program.
- Pass a written and practical exam
Prerequisites
A professional education and license that allows you to perform dry needling as a health care professional
Professionals who may take this course include:
- Athletic Trainers
- Physical Therapists
- Chiropractors
- Medical Doctors
- Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine
- Physician Assistants
- Registered Nurses
- Nurse Practitioners
- Acupuncturists
- Occupational Therapists
Required Reading:
- Physiologic Effects of Dry Needling. Barbara Cagnie
- Dry needling: a lit review with implications for clinical practice. James Dunning
- Dry Needling vs. Acupuncture: The Ongoing Debate. Kehua Zhou
- Adverse Events Associated with Therapeutic Dry Needling. David Boyce
Suggested Reading:
- Stecco, L. Fascial Manipulation for Musculoskeletal Pain. Picin: Padova, IT;. 2004.
- Dung, H. Acupuncture: An Anatomical Approach. 2nd Edition. CRC Press: Boca Raton, FL; 2014.
- Trail Guide to the Body 5th Edition
- Palpation Techniques: Surface Anatomy for Physical Therapists
Required Course Supplies:
- An Anatomy Reference – Preferred references below, however any anatomy reference will be acceptable.
- Trail Guide to the Body 5th Edition
- Palpation Techniques: Surface Anatomy for Physical Therapists
- Any portable Electrical Stimulation (e-stim) machine with alligator clips, SFE recommends these units and supplies
- If you have a latex allergy, it is recommended for you to bring your own gloves for use during lab.
You will receive an email prior to the course you register for with the following information:
- Any course specific instructions such as a location and event reminder, parking instructions, and course check-in time.
- Log-in information and instructions can be found on our online education platform
- This log in information will allow you to access the Foundations course power points, resources, course certificate, etc.
Please be sure to log in successfully to the back end of the website prior to class.
Upcoming Courses
Learn Dry Needling in Birmingham, AL on Dec 1, 2023
Briarwood Christian School - Athletics 6255 Cahaba Valley Rd, Birmingham, AL, United StatesBirmingham, AL on Dec 1, 2023 you can learn dry needling with our Foundations in Dry Needling for Orthopedic Rehab and Sport Performance (SFDN1) course. This is a 27 hour lab course where the clinician will learn safety procedures, treatment strategies and a diagnosis-focused approach to dry needling.
Learn Dry Needling in Wilmington, NC on Dec 8th, 2023
University of North Carolina - Wilmington 601 S. College Rd, Wilmington, NC, United StatesIn Wilmington, NC on Dec 8th, 2023, you can learn dry needling with our Foundations in Dry Needling for Orthopedic Rehab and Sport Performance (SFDN1) course. This is a 27 hour lab course where the clinician will learn safety procedures, treatment strategies and a diagnosis-focused approach to dry needling.
Learn Dry Needling in the Boston area, MA on Dec 8, 2023
Physical Therapy Innovations 65 South St. #101, Hopkinton, MA, United StatesBoston, MA on Dec 8, 2023 you can learn dry needling with our Foundations in Dry Needling for Orthopedic Rehab and Sport Performance (SFDN1) course. This is a 27 hour lab course where the clinician will learn safety procedures, treatment strategies and a diagnosis-focused approach to dry needling.
Learn Dry Needling (SFDN1) in Cincinnati, OH on Jan 5th, 2024
FC Cincinnati 1501 Central Parkway, Cincinnati, Ohio, United StatesIn Cincinnati, OH on Jan 5-7, 2024 you can learn dry needling with our Foundations in Dry Needling for Orthopedic Rehab and Sport Performance (SFDN1) course. This is a 27 hour lab course where the clinician will learn safety procedures, treatment strategies and a diagnosis-focused approach to dry needling.
Learn Dry Needling (SFDN1) in Phoenix, AZ on Jan 12th, 2024
Camelback Ranch 10710 W Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ, United StatesIn Phoenix, AZ on January 12-14, 2024, you can learn dry needling with our Foundations in Dry Needling for Orthopedic Rehab and Sport Performance (SFDN1) course. This is a 27 hour lab course where the clinician will learn safety procedures, treatment strategies and a diagnosis-focused approach to dry needling.
Learn Dry Needling (SFDN1) in College Park, MD on Jan 19th, 2024
University of Maryland College Park 4170 Union Lane, College Park, MD, United StatesIn College Park, MD on January 19-21, 2024, you can learn dry needling with our Foundations in Dry Needling for Orthopedic Rehab and Sport Performance (SFDN1) course. This is a 27 hour lab course where the clinician will learn safety procedures, treatment strategies and a diagnosis-focused approach to dry needling.
Learn Dry Needling (SFDN1) in Tucson, AZ on Feb 2nd, 2024
BodyCentral Physical Therapy Tucson 1991 E. Ajo Way Suite 149, Tucson, AZ, United StatesIn Tucson, AZ on February 2-4, 2024, you can learn dry needling with our Foundations in Dry Needling for Orthopedic Rehab and Sport Performance (SFDN1) course. This is a 27 hour lab course where the clinician will learn safety procedures, treatment strategies and a diagnosis-focused approach to dry needling.
Learn Dry Needling (SFDN1) in Philadelphia, PA on Feb 23th, 2024
Mobility Specialists - Paoli, PA 16 Industrial Blvd Suite 101, Paoli, PA, United StatesIn Philadelphia, PA on February 23 - 25, 2024, you can learn dry needling with our Foundations in Dry Needling for Orthopedic Rehab and Sport Performance (SFDN1) course. This is a 27 hour lab course where the clinician will learn safety procedures, treatment strategies and a diagnosis-focused approach to dry needling.
Learn Dry Needling (SFDN1) in Las Vegas, NV on Mar 1st, 2024
Cirque du Soleil - Las Vegas 950 Grier Drive, Las Vegas, NV, United StatesIn Las Vegas, NV on March 1-3, 2024, you can learn dry needling with our Foundations in Dry Needling for Orthopedic Rehab and Sport Performance (SFDN1) course. This is a 27 hour lab course where the clinician will learn safety procedures, treatment strategies and a diagnosis-focused approach to dry needling.
Learn Dry Needling (SFDN1) in Seattle, WA on Mar 8th, 2024
Seattle, WA - HIDEF PT Clinic 13112 NE 20th Street, STE 400, Bellevue, WA, United StatesIn Seattle, WA on March 8-10, 2024 you can learn dry needling with our Foundations in Dry Needling for Orthopedic Rehab and Sport Performance (SFDN1) course. This is a 27 hour lab course where the clinician will learn safety procedures, treatment strategies and a diagnosis-focused approach to dry needling.
Learn Dry Needling (SFDN1) in Raleigh, NC on March 15-17, 2024
WRAL Soccer Park 7700 Perry Creek Rd, Raleigh, NC, United StatesIn Raleigh, NC on March 15-17, 2024, you can learn dry needling with our Foundations in Dry Needling for Orthopedic Rehab and Sport Performance (SFDN1) course. This is a 27 hour lab course where the clinician will learn safety procedures, treatment strategies and a diagnosis-focused approach to dry needling.
Learn Dry Needling (SFDN1) in Denver, CO on Apr 5th, 2024
Denver - South Metro Fire and Rescue Wellness Clinic 9195 E. Mineral Ave, Centennial, CO, United StatesIn Denver, CO on April 5-7, 2024, you can learn dry needling with our Foundations in Dry Needling for Orthopedic Rehab and Sport Performance (SFDN1) course. This is a 27 hour lab course where the clinician will learn safety procedures, treatment strategies and a diagnosis-focused approach to dry needling.
Learn Dry Needling (SFDN1) in Minneapolis, MN on Apr 12, 2024
Inspired Athletx 2155 Niagara Ln N, STE 102, Plymouth, MN, United StatesIn Minneapolis, MN on April 12-14, 2024, you can learn dry needling with our Foundations in Dry Needling for Orthopedic Rehab and Sport Performance (SFDN1) course. This is a 27 hour lab course where the clinician will learn safety procedures, treatment strategies and a diagnosis-focused approach to dry needling.
Learn Dry Needling (SFDN1) in Scottsdale, AZ on May 3rd, 2024
OrthoArizona 9219 E. Hidden Spur Trail, Scottsdale, AZ, United StatesIn Scottsdale, AZ on May 3-5, 2024, you can learn dry needling with our Foundations in Dry Needling for Orthopedic Rehab and Sport Performance (SFDN1) course. This is a 27 hour lab course where the clinician will learn safety procedures, treatment strategies and a diagnosis-focused approach to dry needling.
Learn Dry Needling (SFDN1) in Charlotte, NC on May 10th, 2024
Spectrum Center 333 E Trade Street, Charlotte, NC, United StatesIn Charlotte, NC on May 10-12, 2024, you can learn dry needling with our Foundations in Dry Needling for Orthopedic Rehab and Sport Performance (SFDN1) course. This is a 27 hour lab course where the clinician will learn safety procedures, treatment strategies and a diagnosis-focused approach to dry needling.
Learn Dry Needling (SFDN1) in Dallas, TX on May 31st, 2024
University of North Texas, Denton TX 1301 S. Bonnie Brae St., Denton, TX, United StatesIn Dallas, TX on May 31, 2024, you can learn dry needling with our Foundations in Dry Needling for Orthopedic Rehab and Sport Performance (SFDN1) course. This is a 27 hour lab course where the clinician will learn safety procedures, treatment strategies and a diagnosis-focused approach to dry needling.
Learn Dry Needling (SFDN1) in Charlottesville, VA on June 14th, 2024
University of Virginia - Charlottesville 290 Massie Road, Charlottesville, VA, United StatesIn Charlottesville, VA on June 14-16, 2024 you can learn dry needling with our Foundations in Dry Needling for Orthopedic Rehab and Sport Performance (SFDN1) course. This is a 27 hour lab course where the clinician will learn safety procedures, treatment strategies and a diagnosis-focused approach to dry needling.
Learn Dry Needling (SFDN1) in Nashville, TN on June 21st, 2024
Lipscomb University Athletics - 4115 Granny White Pike. park on the purple level (First Bank Level) 1 University Park Dr., Nashville, TN, United StatesIn Nashville, TN on June 21-23, 2024, you can learn dry needling with our Foundations in Dry Needling for Orthopedic Rehab and Sport Performance (SFDN1) course. This is a 27 hour lab course where the clinician will learn safety procedures, treatment strategies and a diagnosis-focused approach to dry needling.
Learn Dry Needling (SFDN1) in Houston, TX on July 19th, 2024
Rice University – Brian Patterson Sports Performance Center at Rice Stadium 2167-2227 Rice Boulevard, Houston, TX, United StatesIn Houston, TX on July 19-21, 2024, you can learn dry needling with our Foundations in Dry Needling for Orthopedic Rehab and Sport Performance (SFDN1) course. This is a 27 hour lab course where the clinician will learn safety procedures, treatment strategies and a diagnosis-focused approach to dry needling.
Learn Dry Needling (SFDN1) in Dayton, OH on July 26th, 2024
Wright State University 725 University Blvd., Dayton, OH, United StatesIn Dayton, OH on July 26-28, 2024, you can learn dry needling with our Foundations in Dry Needling for Orthopedic Rehab and Sport Performance (SFDN1) course. This is a 27 hour lab course where the clinician will learn safety procedures, treatment strategies and a diagnosis-focused approach to dry needling.
Learn Dry Needling (SFDN1) in New Orleans, LA on Sept 13th, 2024
Tulane Doctors Sports Medicine Plus 7030 Canal Blvd, New Orleans, United StatesIn New Orleans, LA on September 13-15, 2024, you can learn dry needling with our Foundations in Dry Needling for Orthopedic Rehab and Sport Performance (SFDN1) course. This is a 27 hour lab course where the clinician will learn safety procedures, treatment strategies and a diagnosis-focused approach to dry needling.
Foundations in Dry Needling for Orthopedic Rehab and Sport Performance SFDN1

In this 25-hour lab-based course, the clinician will learn a diagnosis-focused approach to dry needling. The clinician will learn fundamental skills necessary for safe and proper needle insertion and removal, as well as effective strategies to manage commonly encountered pathologies in orthopedic and sport rehabilitation. Safety considerations are emphasized. Current science and research will be presented, along with a vast amount of clinical experience and pearls, allowing immediate application of dry needling into the clinicians’ professional practice. The use intramuscular electrical stimulation will also be discussed, demonstrated and practiced in class.
Course Provider: Organization
Course Provider Name: Structure & Function Education
Course Provider URL: https://structureandfunction.net/dry-needling-courses/sfdn1-foundations-in-dry-needling-for-orthopedic-rehab-and-sport-performance/
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