Level 2: Expert Level Dry Needling for the Lower Quadrant

LEVEL II: EXPERT LEVEL DRY NEEDLING – Lower Quadrant

PREREQUISITE Course Work:

Participants are required to successfully complete SPTE’s Introduction to Dry Needling -Hybrid Level I course or have completed another level I dry needling course. SPTE will review the previous educator’s content to determine SPTE Level 2 qualification. Please contact SPTE at spteducation@gmail.com with any questions prior to signing up for our Level 2 courses.

Course Description:

This Dry Needling (DN) – Hybrid Level 2 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 soft tissue impairments and nerve paths in the lower extremity and spine. Using a Case based teaching approach, this course builds on our Level 1 course with more anatomically sensitive treatment areas as well clinical integration into a variety of patient cases. Participants will further investigate the emerging evidence of treatment effectiveness, proposed mechanisms of action, and the legal and safety considerations surrounding the use of dry needling.

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 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 of 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:

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 (15 hours for 2-day onsite lecture/laboratory session, 3 hours of pre-course online content)

Prerequisites:

Dry Needling (DN) – Hybrid Level 1

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 the ongoing updates to state board position statements and practice acts regarding the education and utilization of dry needling as an intervention.

2. Review and define the different utilizations of DN in patient care.

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 in muscles or patient positions not covered in level 1 and 2 courses.

6. Understand how to effectively manipulate a dry needle in obtaining different clinical outcomes.

7. Integrate the use of DN into a comprehensive treatment plan for patients with lower extremity dysfunction that may include joint mobilization/ manipulation, manual and tool assisted soft tissue mobilization, manual stretching, and therapeutic exercise.

8. Demonstrate appropriate safety precautions and articulate legal issues regarding DN.

Instructor Biographies:

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.

Dr. Josh Bruner, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS is currently a board certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist and holds a certification as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). He’s a full-time physical therapist at The Orthopedic Institute at Southwest Health in Platteville, WI. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program in 2014 and completed an orthopedic residency with Specialized Physical Therapy Education (SPTE) in 2017. Since completing the residency training, Dr. Bruner has been a clinical mentor for the program as well as a guest lecturer for a Physical Therapy Assistance program. He’s also been an instructor for several continuing education courses varying from dry needling to the management of various physical therapy disorders. Outside of the residency program, he has received additional training in analyzing and treating movement impairments as a certified performance specialist and implementing sports performance programs for high school and collegiate athletes. Prior to the physical therapy profession, Dr. Bruner spent time working as a strength and conditioning coach for Auburn University’s football program.