Day 1

Introduction to Dry Needling- Literature Review

1. Define terminology, physiology, and theory of dry needling.
2. Review and synthesize the current body of clinical research available for and against dry needling for neuromusculoskeletal conditions.
3. Explain the role of dry needling in the military medical system and the legal aspects of provider liability.
4. Describe documentation to provide this treatment modality and physical therapy.

Palpation & Assessment Lab

1. Identify areas of soft tissue dysfunction, often referred to as "trigger points", and their potential symptom referral patterns which may benefit from dry needling intervention.
2. Describe a review of important anatomical structures to consider when conducting dry needling.

Orientation to Needles

1. Demonstrate safe handling of acupuncture needles during the intervention of trigger point dry needling.
2. Describe and identify the safety considerations associated with needling techniques related to various anatomical structures.

Anterior Thigh Dry Needling Lab

1. Explain the indications, assessments and techniques for dry needling the anterior thigh.
2. Demonstrate safe and appropriate use of needling techniques for anterior thigh musculature reviewed in the course.
3. Discuss practical applications in treating this area for specific medical conditions.

Adductors and Posterior Thigh Dry Needling Lab

1. Explain the indications, assessments and techniques for dry needling the posterior thigh.
2. Demonstrate safe and appropriate use of needling techniques for posterior thigh musculature reviewed in the course.
3. Discuss practical applications in treating this area for specific medical conditions.

Day 2

Hip/Pelvis Dry Needling Lab

1. Explain the indications, assessments and techniques for dry needling the hip and pelvis.
2. Demonstrate safe and appropriate use of needling techniques for proximal hip and pelvis musculature reviewed in the course.
3. Discuss practical applications in treating this area for specific medical conditions.

Lumbar Spine Dry Needling Lab

1. Explain the indications, assessments and techniques for dry needling the lumbar spine.
2. Demonstrate safe and appropriate use of needling techniques for lumbar spine musculature reviewed in the course.
3. Discuss practical applications in treating this area for specific medical conditions.

Distal Lower Extremity Dry Needling Lab

1. Explain the indications, assessments and techniques for dry needling the distal leg.
2. Demonstrate safe and appropriate use of needling techniques for distal leg musculature reviewed in the course.
3. Discuss practical applications in treating this area for specific medical conditions.

Shoulder Dry Needling Lab

1. Explain the indications, assessments and techniques for dry needling the shoulder complex.
2. Demonstrate safe and appropriate use of needling techniques for shoulder complex musculature reviewed in the course.
3. Discuss practical applications in treating this area for specific medical conditions.

Day 3

Cervical Spine Dry Needling Lab

1. Explain the indications, assessments and techniques for dry needling the cervical spine region.
2. Demonstrate safe and appropriate use of needling techniques for cervical spine musculature reviewed in the course.
3. Discuss practical applications in treating this area for specific medical conditions.

Distal Upper Extremity Dry Needling Lab

1. Explain the indications, assessments and techniques for dry needling the upper extremity region (hand, wrist, elbow).
2. Demonstrate safe and appropriate use of needling techniques for the upper extremity musculature reviewed in the course.
3. Discuss practical applications in treating this area for specific medical conditions.

Clinical Application of Dry Needling: Case Scenarios & Application of Techniques

1. Discuss and review relevant case studies that apply directly to clinical practice for specific common orthopedic conditions.
2. Describe safety precautions, indications and contraindications of the dry needling skills learned during the course and how to apply them in the clinic.

Course Comprehensive Written and Lab Practicum Testing

1. Explain critical foundational knowledge in written format that is required to conduct safe and effective dry needling in the clinical setting.
2. Needle 3 muscle groups and demonstrate safe needle handling, standard precautions/infection control, palpation, and treatment techniques.
3. Demonstrate effective communication skills with informed consent to patients on the risks, benefits, and expected outcomes of dry needling with safe treatment techniques based on clinical presentation in the practical examination required to prepare for clinical preceptorship.