Course Overview
Dry Needling Certification
Lower Quadrant Dry Needling by ICE Physio brings a modern approach to dry needling education with contemporary methods and tactical e-stim applications for the lower quadrant. This weekend lab intensive course will initially focus on safe and effective dry needling technique for the thoraco-lumbar spine, hip, anterior and posterior thigh, and lower leg; and then highlight strategic e-stim applications for common lower quadrant conditions. Quickly become a confident and proficient dry needling practitioner equipped with the tools, training, and knowledge to help your patients with everything from pain relief, to improved function and mobility, to athlete recovery.
Participants will also have access to pre-course lecture content including an introduction to dry needling, safety standards, current research-based rationale of therapeutic mechanisms, and advocacy; as well as video demonstration prep materials for the lab intensive component.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE 2-DAY AND 3-DAY COURSE?
Depending on your state, you may be required to have at least 27 hours of in-person dry needling training before you are legally allowed to perform techniques in clinic. We hold the 3-day version of our course in states that have a higher contact hour requirements. You may elect to attend a 2-day course held in another state, but you are ultimately responsible to ensure you have the mandatory minimum amount of training to use dry needling in the clinic.
2-day courses are approved for 27 hours (Two, nine-hour days in-person and 9 hours of online content).
3-day courses are approved for 36 hours (Three, nine-hour days in-person and 9 hours of online content).
3-Day Course Itinerary
DAY ONE
8:00am - 8:15am
Welcome
8:15am - 8:45am
Intro to DN lecture
8:45am - 9:30am
DN basics lab
9:30am - 9:45am
DN safety lecture
9:45am - 12:00pm
Anterior thigh lecture & lab
12:00pm - 1:00pm
LUNCH
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Anterior hip lecture & lab
3:00pm - 6:00pm
Posterior thigh lecture & lab
DAY TWO
8:00am - 8:15am
Welcome back!/Q&A
8:15am - 9:15am
Round robin review
9:15am - 9:30am
E-stim for pain modulation lecture
9:30am - 11:00am
Lower leg: part 1 lecture & lab
11:00am - 12:00pm
Lowr leg: part 2 lecture & lab
12:00pm - 1:00pm
LUNCH
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Lower spine lecture & lab
3:00pm - 6:00pm
Posterior hip lecture & lab
DAY THREE
8:00am - 8:15am
Welcome back!/Q&A
8:15am - 9:15am
Round robin review
9:15am - 10:30am
Foot lecture & lab
10:30am - 10:45am
E-stim for neuromuscular changes
10:45am - 11:30am
Neuromuscular stimulation lab
11:30am - 12:00pm
Competency check
12:00pm - 1:00pm
LUNCH
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Alternative positions lab
3:00pm - 3:15pm
E-stim for fluid dynamics
3:15pm - 4:15pm
Recovery lab
4:15pm - 6:00pm
Clinical chat & wrap-up
2-Day Course Itinerary
DAY ONE
8:00am - 8:15am
Welcome
8:15am - 8:45am
Intro to DN lecture
8:45am - 9:30am
DN basics lab
9:30am - 9:45am
DN safety lecture
9:45am - 11:30am
Anterior thigh lecture & lab
11:30am - 12:00pm
Anterior hip lecture
12:00pm - 1:00pm
LUNCH
1:00pm - 2:30pm
Anterior hip lab
2:30pm - 4:00pm
Posterior thigh lecture & lab
4:00pm - 6:00pm
Lower leg lecture & lab
DAY TWO
8:00am - 8:15am
Welcome back!/Q&A
8:15am - 9:15am
Round robin review
9:15am - 9:30am
E-stim for pain modulation
9:30am - 10:30am
Posterior hip lecture & lab
10:30am - 12:00pm
Lower spine lecture & lab
12:00pm - 1:00pm
LUNCH
1:00pm - 1:15pm
E-stim for neuromuscular changes
1:15pm - 1:45pm
Neuromuscular stimulation lab
1:45pm - 2:30pm
Competency check
2:30pm - 3:30pm
Alternative positions lab
3:30pm - 3:45pm
E-stim for fluid dynamics
3:45pm - 4:45pm
Recovery lab
4:45pm - 6:00pm
Clinical chat & wrap-up
Objectives
- Examine how our updated, research-based understanding of dry needling mechanisms fit into pathomechanistic models of function, pain, and rehab
- Examine research trends associated with dry needling from early use to current state
- Investigate some of the research-based treatment effects of dry needling in the context of targeted and specific treatment intent
- Identify contraindications and precautions along associated with dry needling for the lower quarter
- Identify relevant lower quarter myofascial and neurovascular anatomy associated with proper and effective application of dry needling
- Discuss minor and major adverse events associated with dry needling and strategies to manage, mitigate, and minimize these risks with proper dry needling technique
- Discuss and execute clean needle handling associated with dry needling techniques
- Demonstrate safe and effective dry needling techniques to specified lower quarter anatomical tissue targets
- Demonstrate strategic and effective execution of indwelling electrical stimulation circuits for the clinical management of lower quarter conditions
Additional Information
PREREQUISITES
- None
EDUCATION LEVEL
- Entry-level
HOW DO I KNOW IF I'M ALLOWED TO DRY NEEDLE? WHAT REQUIREMENTS DOES MY STATE HAVE?
In the United States, only physical therapists (PT), medical doctors (MD), doctors of osteopathy (DO), and chiropractic physicians (DC) are allowed to perform dry needling. The ability for these providers to perform dry needling depends entirely on state. Please read the list below and reference the map to know if you are allowed to dry needle, and what your requirements may be. These are the requirements for physical therapists. If you are a provider from another profession, contact your state board or association to learn more. YOU ARE ULTIMATELY RESPONSIBLE TO KNOW THE LEGALITIES SURROUNDING DRY NEEDLING IN YOUR STATE AS WELL AS THE EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS NEEDED TO PERFORM DRY NEEDLING WITH PATIENTS. If you are unsure of your requirements or if you practice in multiple states, contact your state association or board to clarify requirements.
Please note: our dry needling courses require pre-course homework & exams prior to the beginning of the first day of class. Course emails are sent 4 weeks ahead of class to give you time to complete this work. For this reason, once you receive the course email with access to material, a refund is no longer possible. You may transfer to another dry needling course instead.
Welcome to the PT Dry Needling Requirements Guide
This interactive resource helps physical therapists find out what each state requires before you can dry needle: minimum training hours, any experience or supervised-session requirements, and links to the licensing board where you apply. Search for your state below or click it on the map to see the details.
| Course details | Experience / supervised practice | Other notes | Where to apply |
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