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:

1. Physiologic Effects of Dry Needling. Barbara Cagnie
   • Cagnie, B, Dewitte, V, Barbe, T, Timmermans, F, Delrue, N, and Meeus, M. Physiologic Effects of Dry Needling. Curr Pain Headache Rep 17, 2013
2. Dry needling: a lit review with implications for clinical practice. James Dunning
   • Dunning J, Butts R, Mourad F, Young I, Flannagan S, Perreault T. Dry needling: a literature review with implications for clinical practice guidelines. Phys Ther Rev. 2014 Aug;19(4):252-265.
3. Dry Needling vs. Acupuncture: The Ongoing Debate. Kehua Zhou
   • Zhou K, Ma Y, Brogan MS. Dry needling versus acupuncture: the ongoing debate. Acupunct Med J Br Med Acupunct Soc. November 2015. doi:10.1136/acupmed-2015-010911.
4. Adverse Events Associated with Therapeutic Dry Needling. David Boyce
   • Boyce D, Wempe H, Campbell C, Fuehne S, Zylstra E, Smith G, Wingard C, Jones R. Adverse Events Associated with Therapeutic Dry Needling. Int J Sports Ther 2020 Feb; 15(1) 103-113

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. 3^rd Edition.
• Trail Guide to the Body 6th Edition.

Required Course Supplies:

1. Portable Electrical Stimulation (e-stim) machine, we recommend ordering one of these units (Use coupon code SAF15 for 15% off)
   • https://www.lhasaoms.com/ito-es-130
   • https://www.lhasaoms.com/e-stim-ii
   • https://www.lhasaoms.com/pointer-excel-ii-lt-stimulator
   • https://www.lhasaoms.com/ito-es-160
2. 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:

1. Any course specific instructions such as a location and event reminder, parking instructions, and course check-in time.
2. Log-in information and instructions can be found on our online education platform
   1. This log in information will allow you to access the Foundations course power points, resources, course certificate, etc.

Upcoming Courses