This 27-hour, 2 or 3-day seminar covers the practical aspects of foundational dry needling to the entire neuromusculoskeletal system. This includes the craniocervical, upper extremity, upper/lower thorax, abdominopelvic, and lower extremity systems. The primary emphasis will be on the practitioner effectively placing needles to treat neuromusculoskeletal conditions. Inclusive to this will be discussions on applicable randomized trial evidence, safety aspects, needle size/diameter considerations, and treatment paradigms. IMMT’s emphasis will be on applying any treatment paradigm (including acupuncture trials) to the relevant anatomy affected. However, course participants will not be taught how to practice Oriental Medicine in any capacity. When taken with ADN: Advanced, this course will satisfy all relevant requirements to practice dry needling in compliance with allowing U.S. state physical therapy practice acts.
**If a state requires 30 hours to begin practicing dry needling (e.g., Colorado), IMMT will ensure you complete the extra 3 hours as part of your training.
Course Objectives
At the completion of this course, the participants will be able to:
- Define dry needling and be able to explain the primary differences between it and the practice of traditional acupuncture.
- Understand the proposed mechanisms and confirmatory evidence for clinical improvements from dry needling.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the contraindications and precautions to foundational dry needling practice for the craniocervical, upper extremity, upper/lower thorax, abdominopelvic, and lower extremity systems.
- Demonstrate an understanding of needle diameter sensitivity and insertional depth for craniocervical, upper extremity, upper/lower thorax, abdominopelvic, and lower extremity systems, as well as its implications for clinical practice.
- Demonstrate an understanding of relevant RCT and systematic review literature pertaining to dry needling clinical practice.
- Demonstrate competency in foundational needling procedures for myofascial trigger point pain syndromes of the craniocervical, upper extremity, upper/lower thorax, abdominopelvic, and lower extremity systems.
- Demonstrate competency in foundational needling procedures for bursopathy, tendinopathy, and peri-neural pain syndromes of the craniocervical, upper extremity, upper/lower thorax, abdominopelvic, and lower extremity systems.
Course Schedule
ADN: Foundational | Day 1 (10 hours)
7:45 am Sign-in
8:00 am History of Dry Needling and Comparison to Acupuncture
8:30 am Safety, Contraindications, Adverse Effects, Needle Handling & Disposal
9:00 am Cranium and Abdomen Evidence, Foundational Needle Insertion, and Practice
11:30 am Scientific Theories as Basis of Treatment
12:15 pm Lunch
1:15 pm Anterior Brachium and Posterior Thigh Evidence, Foundational Needle Insertion, and Practice
4:00 pm Posterior Upper Thorax and Anterior Lower Leg/Foot Evidence, Foundational Needle Insertion, and Practice
7:00 pm Conclusion of Day 1
ADN: Foundational | Day 2 (10 hours)
7:45 am Sign-in
8:00 am Facial and Gluteal Evidence, Needle Insertion, and Practice
10:30 am Posterior Antebrachium/Hand and Posterior Lower Leg/Foot Evidence, Foundational Needle Insertion, and Practice
12:30 pm Lunch
1:30 pm Anterior Upper Thorax and Anterior Thigh Evidence, Foundational Needle Insertion, and Practice
4:00 pm Anterior Antebrachium/Hand, Posterior Brachium and Lower Thoracic/Lumbar Evidence, Foundational Needle Insertion and Practice
7:00 pm Conclusion of Day 2
ADN: Foundational | Day 3 (7 hours)
7:45 am Sign-up
8:00 am Cervical and Sacrum/Pelvic Floor, Foundational Needle Insertion, and Practice
11:00 am Review
1:00 pm Lunch
2:00 pm Testing
4:00 pm Testing Ends, Conclusion of Day 3