LEVEL 2- Dry Needling for the UPPER Quadrant

Becoming and Expert in the Application of Dry Needling Techniques for the Upper Quadrant

PREREQUISITE Course Work: 

Participants are required to successfully complete SPTE’s Introduction to Dry Needling course or have completed another introductory (level 1) dry needling course. SPTE will review the previous educator’s content to determine appropriate qualification to attend this course. Please contact SPTE at spteducation@gmail.com with any questions prior to signing up for this course.

Course Description: 

This Dry Needling (DN) – hybrid course is designed to further develop and reinforce the use of specific examination and treatment skills that facilitate the reduction of pain and dysfunction in patients with general neuro-musculoskeletal disorders. Instruction focuses on the use of dry needling (DN) techniques using solid filament needles directed at select trigger points and soft tissue impairments in the upper extremities and cervical and thoracic spine. This course builds on our introductory course with more anatomically sensitive treatment areas of the upper extremity, as well as, neural pathways. Participants will further investigate the emerging evidence on treatment effectiveness, proposed mechanisms of action, and the legal and safety considerations surrounding the use of dry needling. The utilization of case-based examples will be utilized during this course to develop critical reasoning process for the implementation of dry needling in a plan of care.

Review of each extremity’s anatomy/Precautions 

Case: Rotator cuff syndrome:

• Deltoid
• Coracobrachialis
• Brachialis
• Infraspinatus
• Teres Minor / Major
• Supraspinatus
• Subscapularis
• Pectoralis Major
• Pectoralis Minor

Case: Persistent arm Pain

Scapulothoracic muscles:

• Levator Scapulae
• Rhomboids
• Thoracic Multifidi
• Cervical Multifidi
• UE Nerve pathways

Case: Cervicogenic Headaches and TMJ pain

• Sternocleidomastoid
• Deep Cervical Multifid
• Intermediate Cervical: Semispinalis Capitus & Cervicus
• Sub Occipitals- Rectus Capitus Posterior Major, Superior / Inferior Obliquus Capitus
• TMJ- Temporalis,Masseter

Case: Lateral Epicondyalgia

• Supinator
• Extensor Wad: EDL, ECRL/B, ECU
• Lateral elbow – tendon – pecking

Instructional Approach:

This course is delivered in a lecture and lab-based format, combining some pre-course readings, videos, quizzes and on-site learning experiences to facilitate participant learning. Pre-course readings are provided to participants at least 14 days in advance of an intensive on-site laboratory training session.  On-site objectives will reinforce 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 techniques targeted at soft tissue impairments. Discussion will include the integration of DN techniques into an overall treatment regimen that includes the use of manual interventions (manual and 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. A written pre-test and on-site skill assessment are used to reinforce course objectives and assess skill acquisition/competency. Successful completion of this course requires 80% or higher on post-test, 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.

 

Target Audience:

Intermediate level course open to licensed physical therapists and other Medical/Allied health Care providers who meet required Intermediate level course.

CEUs:

18 contact hours (16 hours for 2-day onsite lecture/laboratory session, 2 hours of pre-course online content)

 

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).

Objectives: 

Upon completing this course, you'll be able to:

1. Investigate state board position statements and practice acts regarding the education and utilization of dry needling as an 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.

Course Content:

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 in advance of onsite course.

Participants must achieve >80% to be able to attend Live Course instruction.