Foundations in Dry Needling for Orthopedic Rehab and Sport Performance (SFDN1)
Course Description
In this 27-hour lab-based course, clinicians will learn a diagnosis-focused approach to dry needling. They will acquire fundamental skills essential for safe and proper needle insertion and removal and learn effective strategies to address commonly encountered pathologies in orthopedic and sports rehabilitation.
Current science and research will be presented by our world-class instructors, along with extensive clinical experience and insights, enabling the immediate application of dry needling in the clinicians’ practice. Safety considerations will be emphasized. The use of intramuscular electrical stimulation will also be discussed, demonstrated, and practiced in class.
This comprehensive course provides the participant with essential knowledge, safety protocols, and clinical skills in order to implement dry needling immediately into practice. Our approach prepares the clinician to treat a variety of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions throughout the entire body, including both upper and lower extremity pathologies, as well as the cervical and lumbar spine.
While clinicians are equipped with the training to dry needle immediately after completing Foundations in Dry Needling course, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with your state practice act, as each state has different requirements for minimum training hours (didactic versus hands-on training) in order to legally practice dry needling.
“What can a Dry Needling Course do for my practice?”
Dry needling involves the insertion of fine filament needles into the body, specifically targeting neuromuscular tissue. Research is still exploring how dry needling functions in both acute and chronic situations. Traditional acupuncture is based on Eastern philosophy, whereas dry needling is grounded in Western medicine. Clinical examples of dry needling applications include simple muscle tightness, strains and sprains, recovery for an overworked body, muscle activation, swelling reduction, and pain modulation. Our courses aim to empower practitioners—especially those working with orthopedic conditions—to deliver the most effective treatments 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.
- Pass a written and practical exam by demonstrating knowledge retention as well as correctly applying dry needling techniques and intramuscular electrical stimulation into the overall treatment program.
Prerequisites
A professional education and license that allows you to perform dry needling as a health care professional. Students are unable to participate in our courses.
Professionals who may take this course include:
- Acupuncturists
- Athletic Trainers (ATC)
- Chiropractors (DC)
- Doctors of Medicine (MD)
- Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
- Nurse Practitioners (NP)
- Occupational Therapists (OT)
- Physical Therapists (PT/DPT)
- Physician Assistants (PA)
- Registered Nurses (RN)
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.
- Reichert, B. Palpation Techniques: Surface Anatomy for Physical Therapists. 3rd Edition.
- Trail Guide to the Body 6th Edition.
Required Course Supplies:
- Portable Electrical Stimulation (e-stim) machine, we recommend ordering one of these units (Use coupon code SAF15 for 15% off)
- 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.
Upcoming Courses
Learn Dry Needling (SFDN1) in Phoenix, AZ on May 16th, 2025
TOPS Physical Therapy - Phoenix North 16th Street, Phoenix, AZ, United StatesIn Phoenix, AZ, on May 16-18, 2025, 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 Boston, MA Area on May 30th, 2025
Boston - Elite Sports Performance & Physical Therapy Central Street, Stoughton, MA, United StatesIn Boston, MA, on May 30 - June 1, 2025, 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 Cedar Falls, IA on June 6th, 2025
University of Northern Iowa 2250 Hudson Road, Cedar Falls, IA, United StatesIn Cedar Falls, IA on Jun 6-8, 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 Baltimore, MD on June 6th, 2025
Johns Hopkins University Athletic Training 3400 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD, United StatesIn Baltimore, MD, on June 6-8, 2025, 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 June 13th, 2025
Colorado School of Mines 1250 12th St., Golden, Colorado, United StatesIn Denver, CO, on June 13-15, 2025, 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 Detroit, MI on June 20th, 2025
Team Rehabilitation Training Center - Madison Heights, MI 30801 Barrington Ste. 130, Madison Heights, MI, United StatesIn Detroit, MI, on June 20-22, 2025, 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-Tacoma, WA on June 27th 2025
University of Puget Sound School of Physical Therapy 1146 N Warner St, Tacoma, WA, United StatesIn Seattle-Tacoma, WA, on June 27-29, 2025 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 Chapel Hill, NC on July 11-13, 2025
University of North Carolina - Stallings-Evans Sports Medicine Center Stadium Drive, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesIn Chapel Hill, NC, on July 11-13, 2025, 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 Omaha, NE on July 18th, 2025
University of Nebraska at Omaha 6323 Maverick Plaza, Omaha, NE, United StatesIn Omaha, NE, on July 18-20, 2025, 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 Columbus, OH on July 18th, 2025
Ohio State University - Atwell Hall 453 W 10th Avenue, Columbus, OH, United StatesIn Columbus OH, on July 18-20, 2025, 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/Fort Worth, TX on July 25th, 2025
Texas Health Sports Medicine - Dallas 5th Avenue, Fort Worth, TX, United StatesIn Dallas-Fort Worth, TX, on July 25-27, 2025, 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 Atlanta, GA on July 25th, 2025
Overtime Elite - Atlanta 17th Street Northwest, Atlanta, GA, United StatesIn Atlanta, GA on July 25-27, 2025, 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 Tampa, FL on Aug 15th, 2025
Physique Physical Therapy - Tampa 5251 S Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, Florida, United StatesIn Tampa, FL, on August 15-17, 2025, 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 Aug 22nd, 2025
1st Classen Physical Therapy - Katy, TX 450 Park Grove Drive, Katy, TX, United StatesIn Houston, TX, on August 22-24, 2025, 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 Toledo, OH on Sept 12th, 2025
University of Toledo Medical Center 1125 Hospital Drive, Toledo, OH, United StatesIn Toledo, OH, on September 12-14, 2025, 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 Boston, MA on Sept 19th, 2025
Marathon PT - Boston Vanderbilt Avenue, Norwood, MA, United StatesIn Boston, MA, on Sept 19-21, 2025, 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 Sept 26th, 2025
Foothills Sports Medicine Physical Therapy 19420 N 59th Ave, STE H - 830, Glendale, AZ, United StatesIn Phoenix, AZ, on September 26-28, 2025, you can learn dry needling with our Foundations in Dry Needling for Orthopedic Rehab and Sport Performance (SFDN1) course. In this 27-hour lab-based course, clinicians will learn a diagnosis-focused approach to dry needling. They will acquire fundamental skills essential for safe and proper needle insertion and removal, and learn effective strategies to address commonly encountered pathologies in orthopedic and sports rehabilitation.
Learn Dry Needling (SFDN1) in Philadelphia, PA on Oct 17th, 2025
Mobility Specialists - Paoli, PA 16 Industrial Blvd Suite 101, Paoli, PA, United StatesIn Philadelphia, PA, on October 17-19, 2025, 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 Oct 24th, 2025
WRAL Soccer Park - Spring Forest Road - Raleigh Spring Forest Road, Raleigh, NC, United StatesIn Raleigh, NC, on October 24-26, 2025, you can learn dry needling with our Foundations in Dry Needling for Orthopedic Rehab and Sport Performance (SFDN1) course. In this 27-hour lab-based course, clinicians will learn a diagnosis-focused approach to dry needling. They will acquire fundamental skills essential for safe and proper needle insertion and removal, and learn effective strategies to address commonly encountered pathologies in orthopedic and sports rehabilitation.
Learn Dry Needling (SFDN1) in Detroit, MI on Oct 31st, 2025
Team Rehabilitation Training Center - Madison Heights, MI 30801 Barrington Ste. 130, Madison Heights, MI, United StatesIn Detroit, MI, on October 31 - November 1, 2025, clinicians will learn a diagnosis-focused approach to dry needling. They will acquire fundamental skills essential for safe and proper needle insertion and removal and learn effective strategies to address commonly encountered pathologies in orthopedic and sports rehabilitation.
Learn Dry Needling (SFDN1) in Dallas, TX on Nov 7th, 2025
Children’s Health Andrews Institute - Plano 7211 Preston Rd, Plano, TX, United StatesIn Dallas, TX, on November 7-9, 2025, 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 Dec 5th, 2025
OrthoArizona 9219 E. Hidden Spur Trail, Scottsdale, AZ, United StatesIn Phoenix, AZ, on December 5-7, 2025, 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 San Antonio, TX on Dec 12th, 2025
Methodist Healthcare - San Antonio Northwest Parkway, San Antonio, TX, United StatesIn San Antonio, TX, on December 12-14, 2025, you can learn dry needling with our Foundations in Dry Needling for Orthopedic Rehab and Sport Performance (SFDN1) course. In this 27-hour lab-based course, clinicians will learn a diagnosis-focused approach to dry needling. They will acquire fundamental skills essential for safe and proper needle insertion and removal, and learn effective strategies to address commonly encountered pathologies in orthopedic and sports rehabilitation.
Learn Dry Needling (SFDN1) in Nashville, TN on Dec 12, 2025
Lipscomb University Athletics One University Park Drive-Allen Arena/Hall of Fame Room, Nashville, TN, United StatesIn Nashville, TN, on Dec 12-14, 2025, you can learn dry needling with our Foundations in Dry Needling for Orthopedic Rehab and Sport Performance (SFDN1) course. In this 27-hour lab-based course, clinicians will learn a diagnosis-focused approach to dry needling. They will acquire fundamental skills essential for safe and proper needle insertion and removal, and learn effective strategies to address commonly encountered pathologies in orthopedic and sports rehabilitation.
Learn Dry Needling (SFDN1) in Boston, MA on Feb 20th, 2026
Furnace Brook Physical Therapy - Boston 104 Quarry St, First Floor, 104 Quarry St, First Floor, MA, United StatesIn Boston, MA, on February 20-22, 2026, you can learn dry needling with our Foundations in Dry Needling for Orthopedic Rehab and Sport Performance (SFDN1) course. In this 27-hour lab-based course, clinicians will learn a diagnosis-focused approach to dry needling. They will acquire fundamental skills essential for safe and proper needle insertion and removal, and learn effective strategies to address commonly encountered pathologies in orthopedic and sports rehabilitation.
Foundations in Dry Needling for Orthopedic Rehab and Sport Performance SFDN1
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.
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/
Course Mode: Blended
Course Workload: PT27H
Duration: PT27H
Repeat Count: 2
Repeat Frequency: Daily
Course Type: Paid
Course Currency: USD
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