Basic Dry Needling Training for Lower Quadrant (2.5 days, 20hrs)

Introduction

This course is designed to provide physiotherapists with practical, evidence-informed knowledge and skills in the safe and effective application of dry needling for common lower-quadrant musculoskeletal conditions. Participants will learn key safety requirements, palpation techniques, needling methods, and clinical integration strategies supported by current research.

Aims

– To equip participants with foundational and advanced knowledge of dry needling principles, anatomy, and safety.
– To train participants in practical palpation, needling techniques, and risk management for lower-quadrant conditions.
– To develop clinical reasoning for integrating dry needling within physiotherapy practice.

Outline

The course content is divided into the following areas:

1. Fundamentals of dry needling and acupuncture
2. Safety, indications, contraindications, and risk management
3. Mechanisms and therapeutic effects of dry needling
4. Clinical reasoning for integration in physiotherapy
5. Overview of the meridian system and its clinical relevance
6. Practical skills: palpation, surface anatomy, and dry needling techniques for the hip, thigh, knee, ankle, and lower leg

Full curriculum here.

Target Audience

It is aimed at practicing physiotherapists seeking a career head start and experienced clinicians with or without prior dry needling experience who want to expand or refine their clinical skills with the latest evidence (musculoskeletal focus recommended).

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to:

• Perform dry needling in accordance with safety requirements and standard procedures.
• Apply aseptic technique and manage risks/adverse events in dry needling.
• Identify safe landmarks, depth/angle, and necessary precautions for lower-quadrant structures.
• Palpate and needle key muscles of the lumbar spine, pelvis/hip, thigh, leg, ankle, and foot.
• Apply dry needling using sound clinical reasoning within physiotherapy practice.
• Demonstrate competence in basic dry needling through successful completion of both written and practical assessments.

Assessment

• Written quiz
• Practical competency checklists