Introduction to Dry Needling - Level 1

Course Description:

Emerging evidence continues to support the utilization of dry needling techniques in improving pain and function in patients with a variety of diagnoses. In this course we will discuss and demonstrate various methods in how to use a needle as an extension of a practitioner’s hands in facilitating the reduction of pain and dysfunction in patients with general neuro-musculoskeletal disorders. Instruction focuses first on recognizing the different theoretical paradigms behind the use of a dry needle complimented with the clinical reasoning and decision making behind how to safely and effectively use the needle within your patient care. Using a multi-modal approach to patient care, participants will be able to integrate the use of dry needling into their current practice patterns immediately following this course.

Approach:

This course is delivered in a lecture and lab-based format, combining pre-course readings, viewings and on-site learning experiences to facilitate participant learning. Pre-course readings and viewings are provided to participants 30 days in advance of an intensive on-site laboratory training session.  Pre-course readings will include a post assessment evaluation prior to onsite training to ensure universal basic knowledge of safe and effective techniques. On-site objectives will reinforce pre-course materials and investigate the therapeutic effects, mechanisms, safety and legal issues involved with dry needling.  A 2-day onsite lab intensive schedule is designed to satisfy the training requirements of most state practice acts (Participants are responsible for knowing their practice act requirements).  All participants will receive hands-on demonstration and practice of selected DN. A heavy focus will be placed on the integration of DN techniques into an overall treatment regimen that includes the use of manual interventions (manual and optional tool assisted soft tissue mobilization, joint mobilization/manipulation, and manual stretching) and exercise.  The course will have a student to faculty ratio of no greater than 12:1. An on-site skill assessment is used to reinforce course objectives and assess skill acquisition/competency.  Successful completion of this course requires skills assessment and attendance at each onsite day.

Method of Assessing Participant Learning:

Following the completion of the pre-course materials, the participants will be given a written multiple-choice quiz which will require a passing score of 80% to be admitted to the hands-on course. This onsite course will be successfully completed with participants exhibiting competency during live skills checks in a laboratory setting throughout the course. Time will be devoted to allow for 1:1 technique observation and a formal skills check will be completed for each muscle instructed. Participants will be required to identify safety parameters, contraindications, and demonstrate the technique using their partner’s muscle and the instructor will assess their ability to safely perform dry needling at each muscle.

Method for Verification of Attendance

Participants will be required to sign-in and out on an attendance sheet for both days of this course.

Target Audience:

Licensed Physical Therapists and other Medical/Allied health Care providers who's state practice acts permit the use of dry needling in practice.

Credits:

18 contact hours (18 hours for 2-day onsite lecture/laboratory session)

Appropriate dress:

Participants are asked to bring appropriate attire for lab sessions (i.e. shorts and t-shirts and sports bras for women) and air-conditioned environments throughout the day (i.e. warm-up or work-out clothes).

Prerequisites:

None

Objectives:

1. Discuss the ability and appropriateness of physical therapists in providing trigger point dry needling to patients with musculoskeletal disorders.  Review the APTA, AAOMPT, and state board position statements regarding this intervention.
2. Review and define the concept of trigger points and their contribution to myofascial pain syndromes.
3. Compare and contrast the differences in acupuncture and dry needling in terms of eastern vs. western treatment philosophies, needling technique, and goals of intervention.
4. Discuss the evidence surrounding the proposed mechanisms of action, treatment effectiveness, and relative safety for DN.
5. Perform and develop proficiency/competency in using safe and appropriate application of DN.
6. Demonstrate the appropriate integration of DN into a comprehensive treatment plan for patients with lower/upper extremity dysfunction that may include joint mobilization/manipulation, manual and tool assisted soft tissue mobilization, manual stretching, and therapeutic exercise.
7. Demonstrate appropriate safety precautions and articulate legal issues regarding DN.

Instructor Biography:

Dr. MATT HABERL, PT, DPT, ATC, CSCS is a Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist and Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists. He currently practices as a Physical Therapist and is co-owner of Dynamic Physiotherapy, LLC.  Here Dr. Haberl sees a variety of patients from patients having persistent migraines, low back or neck pain, to various neurological disorders and high performing athletes. His focus includes restoring and optimizing functional movement with the utilization of various physical therapy treatments including therapeutic dry needling, joint mobilization and manipulation, neuromuscular re-education complimented with patient specific corrective exercises and therapeutic activities. In addition to patient care he is co-owner and Residency Director of Specialized Physical Therapy Education’s Orthopaedic Residency program. As an advocate for residency and fellowship education her serves as a mentor and lead faculty of Specialized Physical Therapy’s Orthopaedic Residency, and Clinical Mentor for Evidence in Motion’s Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy Fellowship Program. He now serves as the current President of the Orthopaedic Residency and Fellowship Special Interest Group of the Orthopaedic Section of the APTA to continue the advancement of residency and fellowship education.

Hybrid Level 1 Course Schedule:

Prior to Course (Est completion time of 3 hours):

• Complete Pre-Reading and Presentation Assignments provided on Moodle Learning Platform
• Complete Online Quiz at least 24 hours prior to onsite course.
• Participants must achieve >80% to be able to attend Live Course instruction.

Day 1

2:30 Registration

3:00 Orientation; Introductions; Course Expectations

3:30 Safe Needling Procedures and technique variations

4:30 Break

4:45 DN for Anterior and Medial Thigh Muscles

5:30 DN for Anteriolateral Lower Leg Muscles

6:00 DN for Posterior Lower Leg / Foot Muscles

7:00 Round Robin / Post needling discussion

8:00 Day 1 Wrap up

Day 2

8:00 DN for Posterior Thigh Muscles

9:00 DN for Posterior Hip Muscles

10:00 Break 

10:15 DN for Lumbar muscles

11:15 Neural Pathways – Estim Demonstration 

12:00 Lunch 

12:30 Patient Case Discussion

1:30 Round Robin – Day 1 Check Offs

2:30 Break

2:45 DN for Shoulder/Upper Arm, Hand Held Estim demonstration

3:45 DN of Wrist and Forearm Muscles

4:30 Round Robin

5:45 Interactive Discussion Points: 1) Communicating with referral sources and patients, and 2) Advanced Clinical Decision Making

6:00 Wrap up Day 2