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. Kevin Wait, PT, DPT, OCS, SCS, CSCS served as the former co-course coordinator for Evidence In Motion’s Trigger-Point Dry Needling Continuing Education Course Series. He is currently the Rehab Manager at Prairie Ridge Health in Columbus, WI. He previously has worked in a variety of settings and initially learned dry needling back in 2012 while serving as Clinical Faculty at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, MS. Dr. Wait completed residency training at Gundersen Health Sports Medicine in La Crosse, Wisconsin, after which he became a board certified sports clinical specialist (SCS). He has worked with collegiate and professional sports teams for consulting and dry needling education. He received his orthopedic clinical specialist (OCS) in 2018 to begin mentoring orthopedic residents. He earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine in 2010. Dr. Wait has presented at national orthopedic, sports, and education meetings. He can be contacted via e-mail at kevinwait@gmail.com.

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

7:30 Registration

8:00 Orientation; Introductions; Course Expectations

8:30 Safe Needling Procedures and technique variations

9:30 Break

9:45 DN for Anterior Thigh Muscles

11:30 DN for Anteriolateral Lower Leg Muscles

12:00 Lunch

1:00 DN for Posterior Lower Leg / Foot Muscles

1:45 Patient Case / Round Robin

2:45 Break

3:00 DN for Posterior Thigh, Lumbar, Hip Muscles

4:45 Round Robin – Day 1 Check Offs

5:45 Neural Pathways – Estim Demonstration / Post needling discussion

6:00 End of Day 1

Day 2

8:00 Day 1 review / Questions / Round Robin

9:30 Break

9:45 DN for Shoulder/Upper Arm, Hand Held Estim demonstration

11:45 Break

12:00 DN of Wrist and Forearm Muscles

12:30 Round Robin

1:30 Interactive Discussion Points: 1) Communicating with referral sources and patients, and 2) Advanced Clinical Decision Making

2:00 Wrap up