ON-Point Dry Needling
By: National University of Health Sciences

Course Description

Dry Needling (DN) is a technique chiropractors, physical therapists, PTA’s, and ATC’s use (where allowed by state law) for the treatment of pain and movement impairments. The technique uses a "dry" needle, one without medication or injectable, (acupuncture like) inserted through the skin into TrP areas of the muscle.

The Dry Needling Procedure (DNP) is becoming a common method of treating various adverse presentations of patients with neuromusculoskeletal pain syndromes as well as functional tissue adaptations (with or without pain). What this OPDN program addresses is the proverbial myofascial trigger point as described by Travell, Simons and others and their references of pain patterns although the reliability of these previous “X” marks the spot and the patterns manifested have been all but debunked. A clear grasp of this concept is vital for the practitioner to obtain optimal outcomes with the DNP particularly from the pain model perspective. We understand that with the “pain” model approach there is most likely going to be concomitant structural adaptations yet these adaptations or changes in posture/structure can be present with or without pain. Further, we as primary care practitioners must realize the differential diagnosis of the myofascial TrP v. a more serious visceral condition is critical in practice. This Level I will also present the Radiculopathic Model (Gunn, et al, l) dealing with the segmental level of innervation pertaining to the pain pattern presentation by the patient. Sufficed to say that the DNP is classified as a soft tissue mobilization procedure, and yet another tool in the bag of the experts of manual/manipulation (adjustment) practitioner.

The main GOAL of the ON-Point Dry Needling (OPDN) Level I, 20 Hr. is to successfully develop a systematical, confident, competent, efficient, and effective skillful dry needling practitioner who understands the practical application of the “PLAN” as described throughout the program and at the same time develop a skillful “Needler” to achieve success with this needling procedure.

The OBJECTIVES to achieve these goals include:

1. Have an understanding and an appreciation of the evolution of dry needling as well as similarities and differences between the various approaches to the dry needling procedure (DNP).

2. Be able to describe the differences between acupuncture and dry needling.

3. Understand the NeuroMetrix Model of Pain (Melzak and beyond) as and the central v. peripheral sensitization of pain.

4. Be able to describe the difference subjectively and objectively of the Latent v. Active TrP

5. Differentiate between Fibromyalgia Pain and Myofascial Pain Syndrome

6. Have a clear understanding of what the treatment site set up might look like as well as the proper biomechanics for the practitioner as well as the patent.

7. Have a clear understanding of how the Dry Needling procedure might inhibit pain.

8. Have a clear understanding of how the DNP can correct static and dynamic postural adaptations.

9. Be able to competently perform the DNP (beginning to end, “The Plan”)

10. Be able to recognize and discuss all adverse effects of the dry needling procedure (DNP).

11. List all contraindications to the dry needling procedure (DNP).

12. Summate the “Traffic Lights” of the dry needling procedure (DNP).

13. Be able to recognize and discuss management of the pneumothorax in dry needling.

14. Continue to Practice, practice, practice all techniques on all muscles covered this weekend.

15. Unlike other programs you will be using your newfound skill, the DNP, upper & lower body on Monday.

16. It is the hope of OPDN that the participants will line up a “live patient” for class observation and participation in determining protocol and application thereof**.


Course Details

  • ON-Point Dry Needling
  • By:    National University of Health Sciences
  • Instructor:    John Merrick, PT
  • Total CE Hours:    20.0
  • Course Format:     Live In Person Seminar
  • Course Start:    03/23/2024   09:00am
  • Course End:    03/24/2024   04:00pm
  • Time Zone:    Eastern
  • Location State:    New Hampshire
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  • Course Categories:     DC Continuing Education
  • Course Subjects | CE HOURS:
    • Adjunctive/Modalities  -20.0 CE Hours
  •    Course Outline