Fundamentals of Neuromuscular Dry Needling: Level-1 – Live Course

An Evidence-Based Multi-Systemic Approach to Current Best Practices in Dry Needling

BENEFITS OF ATTENDING

  • A comprehensive and multi-system approach to Dry Needling
  • Detailed course manual with everything you need to review at home after the course
  • Full access to video demos of all techniques post course
  • Dry Needles provided at the seminar
  • Develop a complete rehab plan using Dry Needling as part of the process

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Dry Needling is a rapidly growing, skilled intervention using a thin myofilament needle as part of a patient’s treatment plan. It has been shown to help with the management of various movement impairments and pain reduction through various neuromuscular pathways. By inserting uniquely designed thin needles, clinicians can gain access to tissue that they simply can’t address with their hands. The American Physical Therapist Association has recognized Dry Needling as an appropriate method of treatment for Physical Therapists to utilize and currently is approved by a large number of state regulatory boards. This course is open to Physical Therapy professionals licensed in states where Dry Needling is an accepted form of practice as determined by your regulatory board.

In this extensive introduction to dry needling, you will learn a safe and best practice approach based on the most current available evidence, pain science and clinical expertise available. During the three days, you will learn various philosophical approaches to dry needling and how each of these relates to patient care. During Level 1, attendees will gain extensive knowledge in the background of Dry Needing and fundamental techniques for various body parts along with common treatment plan options. This lab-intensive course will emphasize anatomy, palpation and proper assessment to determine the need for utilizing dry needling. Not only will you leave this course with solid mechanics of DN, but you’ll gain knowledge of how to integrate learned techniques into your treatment sessions. Finally, you will gain a full understanding of how to best combine DN with other tools such as IASTM, Manual Therapy and progressive exercise/tissue loading designed to help you develop a comprehensive treatment plan for improved patient outcomes.

WHO CAN ATTEND

  • Primarily PT’s but open to any professional who is allowed to Dry Needle by their state board. Elite Healthcare is not a board authority; therefore, it is up to the individual attendee to verify if they are allowed to use Dry Needling in their state.  Elite will provide resources to help attendees find the appropriate information but strongly suggests individuals call their state board to clarify rules and requirements.
  • Elite Will verify licensure of all registered participants. Practice license information must be provided at registration

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

  • Complete both the 3-hour online prerequisite and the 25-hour live hands-on component
  • Pass an online test covering the prerequisite material with a score of 80% or greater, prior to the live seminar
  • Pass a safety and skill exam administered by the course instructor

ONLINE COURSE AGENDA

INTRODUCTION TO DRY NEEDLING (1.5 HOURS)

  1. History and Legal/Board Rulings in the US
  2. Needling as Part of the therapy program Incorporating Manual Therapy and Movement (50 min)

EVIDENCE-BASED RESEARCH REVIEW (1.5 HOURS)

  1. FSBPT Paper
  2. APTA White Paper
  3. 5 Dry Needling Research papers

INSTRUCTOR

Joe Miller, DsC, DPT, OCS, SCS, is a highly skilled orthopedic Physical Therapist who holds clinical certifications from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties in both Orthopedic and Sports Rehab. Dr. Miller received his Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sports Science with a minor in Biology from Southwest Texas State University and his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Temple University.

Noah L. Kubissa, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT, CAMT, Cert. DN, Cert. SMT, SFMA, is a Board Certified Orthopaedic Specialist and is Fellowship-Trained through the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy. Dr. Kubissa earned his Master’s Degree from Misericordia University and completed his Doctorate in Management of Musculoskeletal Disorders from Evidence in Motion.

Corey Podbielski, DPT, CSCS, Cert. DN, TPI Certified, is a distinguished clinician and speaker who brings a wealth of experience to his high-impact seminars. He graduated from Springfield College in Massachusetts with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy, as well as a Bachelor’s of Science in Health Science with a Minor in Rehab and Disability Studies.

ATTENDEE OBJECTIVES

  1. Explain the state board position on Dry Needling for the states in which you are licensed.
  2. Critically appraise the current research on dry needling and its application to your practice.
  3. Recite important anatomical landmarks critical to safe and effective dry needing.
  4. Familiarize with different models of dry needling such as the trigger point, neuro, and impairment-based models.
  5. Demonstrate safe needle insertion and handling techniques.
  6. Describe various needling techniques and the rationale for their use.
  7. Competently perform dry needling techniques for proper needle depth, angulation and advanced techniques for needle manipulation to various structures listed in the course outline.
  8. Explain the rationale for implementing electrical stimulation in combination to dry needling.
  9. Recite and explain the various contraindications and precautions for dry needling.
  10. Implement an integrative plan of care based on case studies presented.

TUITION FEES

Early-bird: $949

Standard: $999

WHAT TO BRING

It is recommended that individuals bring the following items with them to the seminar

  • Dress comfortably in gym type clothes
  • Anatomy Atlas of their choice (Trail Guide for the Body is one example)
  • Anatomy App for smart phone or tablet of your choice
  • If you have a latex allergy, bring latex free gloves. We will have gloves available but you may choose to bring your own to ensure you do not have a reaction.
  • Portable electric stim unit with alligator clips (If available). We will have a limited amount available.
  • Bring a towel
  • Portable treatment table (If available)

WAIVERS & CONSENT:

  • All participants will be required to consent to and sign a waiver of liability form in order to participate.
  • It is important that the course participants gain a full understanding of DN from both the clinician and patient point of view. With this in mind, participants will be both practicing the techniques and experiencing them during the live portion of this course.  If there is a reason you cannot have needling performed on you, please contact Elite prior to the course.
    • Women who are pregnant will not be allowed to have needling performed on them due to contraindications. You will still be allowed to take the course, just not experience the needling techniques.
    • Any individuals with recent surgical procedures or any other medical issues that preclude them from being needled please notify us prior to the class.
    • Any other circumstances where dry needling is contraindicated.
  • Attendees will be provided a sample “Consent to Treat” form at the end of the course that they can use in their clinical practice. 

LIVE COURSE AGENDA

SECTION 1: BACKGROUND/THEORIES (Day 1: 8:00am – 2:30pm)

INTRO TO DRY NEEDLING & REVIEW OF ONLINE CONTENT

EVIDENCE REVIEW OF DRY NEEDLING

  1. Define EBM-three pillars and integration
  2. What the best available evidence says
  3. Critical Appraisal of the available evidence and its relationship to treatment

NEEDLE SAFETY, NEEDLE HANDLING, OSHA & GENERAL PRECAUTIONS

  1.  Infection Control and Disposal of Needles
  2. Contraindications and Precautions
  3. Proper/safe use of DN
  4. Needle insertion technique and Practice

INTRODUCTION TO TECHNIQUES

  1. Indications for needling use
  2. Clinical reasoning for technique
  3. Superficial static
  4. Deep static
  5. Needle manipulation: Pistoning and Twisting
  6. Electrical Stimulation Needling

INTRODUCTION & REVIEW OF RECENT ADVANCES OF PAIN SCIENCE

  1. Neurophysiology of Dry Needling
  2. Mechanical changes of Dry Needling

DIFFERENTIATING BETWEEN DRY NEEDLING THEORIES

  1. Gunn, Ma and Travell/Simon Theories
  2. Combining theories for best practice

SECTION 2: UPPER QUARTER (Day 1: 2:30pm-5:30pm & Day 2: 8:00am-12:30pm)

ANATOMY & PALPATION REVIEW OF THE UPPER QUARTER

TECHNIQUE DEMONSTRATIONS & LABS:

  1. Upper Trapezius
  2. Anterior Deltoid, Posterior Deltoid and Infraspinatus
  3. Upper Arm – Biceps Brachii and Triceps
  4. Pec Major
  5. Latissimus Dorsi
  6. Wrist Extensors and Wrist flexor
  7. Supinator

TREATMENT PLANS/CASE STUDIES

  1. Shoulder Impingement/Rotator Cuff
  2. Elbow Pain
  3. Thumb Pain

SECTION 3: LOWER QUARTER (Day 2: 1:15p-5:15p & Day 3: 8:00a-11:00a)

ANATOMY & PALPATION REVIEW OF THE LOWER QUARTER

TECHNIQUE DEMONSTRATIONS & LABS:

  1. Glute Max, Med, Min
  2. Quadriceps (lateral quad, VM/VMO,)
  3. Hamstrings
  4. Gastroc and Soleus
  5. Adductor Group and Gracilis

TREATMENT PLANS/CASE STUDIES

  1. Patellar Femoral Syndrome
  2. Achilles Tendinopathy
  3. Hip Impingement

SECTION 4: LUMBAR SPINE (11:00a-3:00p)

ANATOMY & PALPATION REVIEW OF THE LUMBAR SPINE

TECHNIQUE DEMONSTRATIONS & LABS:

  1. Lumbar Spine Multifidus
  2. Paraspinals
  3. Quadratus Lumborum

MECHANICAL LOW BACK PAIN TREATMENT PLAN/CASE STUDIES

  1. Shoulder Impingement/Rotator Cuff
  2. Elbow Pain
  3. Thumb Pain

TECHNIQUE DEMONSTRATIONS & LABS:

  1. Lumbar Spine Multifidus
  2. Paraspinals
  3. Quadratus Lumborum

MECHANICAL LOW BACK PAIN TREATMENT PLAN/CASE STUDIES

SECTION 5: REVIEW AND COMPETENCY EXAM (3:00p-4:30p)

  1. Course Review/Questions/Discussion
  2. The “Economy of Dry Needling”
  3. Lab Competency Exam
  4. Written Exam to be completed online

*Instructor will break in the morning & afternoon as well as 45 minutes for lunch

CLICK ON THE COURSE LINK BELOW TO REGISTER FOR A LIVE EVENT:

Register Now City State Start Date End Date Instructor
Register Now New Orleans LA 10/18/19 10/20/19 Noah Kubissa
Register Now Kansas City KS 10/18/19 10/20/19 Joe Miller
Register Now Oklahoma City OK 11/8/19 11/10/19 Joe Miller
Register Now Little Rock AR 12/6/19 12/8/19 Noah Kubissa
Register Now Richmond VA 12/6/19 12/8/19 Corey Podbielski
Register Now Dallas TX 12/6/19 12/8/19 Joe Miller