Course Overview
Dry Needling Certification
Upper Body Dry Needling by ICE Physio brings a modern approach to dry needling education with contemporary methods and tactical e-stim applications for the upper quadrant. This weekend lab intensive will initially focus on safe and effective dry needling technique for the cervico-thoracic spine, anterior and posterior shoulder girdle, upper arm, and forearm; and then highlight strategic e-stim applications for common upper 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.
3-Day Course Itinerary
DAY ONE
8:00am - 8:15am
Welcome/Course intro
8:15am - 8:45am
Introduction to dry needling lecture
8:45am - 9:45am
Dry needling basics lab
9:45am - 12:00pm
Upper arm dry needling lab
12:00pm - 1:00pm
LUNCH
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Posterior shoulder lab
3:00pm - 6:00pm
Anterior shoulder lab
DAY TWO
8:00am - 8:30am
Welcome back and Q&A
08:30am - 10:30am
Forearm lab
10:30am - 12:00pm
Spine lab
12:00pm - 1:00pm
LUNCH
1:00pm - 2:00pm
E-stim lecture
2:00pm - 4:30pm
Shoulder e-stim lab (anterior/posterior/seated)
4:30pm - 6:00pm
Round robin
DAY THREE
8:00am - 8:30am
Welcome back and Q&A
10:30am - 10:30am
Cervical spine e-stim lab
10:30am - 12:30pm
Elbow & wrist e-stim lab
12:30pm - 1:30pm
LUNCH
1:30pm - 3:30pm
Upper quarter recovery & e-stim lab
3:30pm - 4:30pm
Review lab
4:30pm - 5:00pm
Clinical commentary and final Q&A
5:00pm - 6:00pm
Course wrap-up & next steps
2-Day Course Itinerary
DAY ONE
8:00am - 8:15am
Welcome/Course intro
8:15am - 8:45am
Introduction to dry needling lecture
8:45am - 9:45am
Dry needling basics lab
9:45am - 12:00pm
Upper arm dry needling lab
12:00pm - 1:00pm
LUNCH
1:00pm - 2:45pm
Posterior shoulder lab
2:45pm - 4:00pm
Anterior shoulder lab
4:00pm - 5:15pm
Forearm lab
5:15pm - 6:00pm
Round robin
DAY TWO
8:00am - 8:30am
Welcome back and Q&A
8:30am - 9:30am
E-stim lecture
09:30am - 11:30am
Spine dry needling & e-stim lab
11:30am - 12:30pm
Cervical e-stim circuit lab
12:30pm - 1:30pm
LUNCH
1:30pm - 3:15pm
Shoulder e-stim lab (anterior & posterior)
3:15pm - 3:30pm
Peripheral nerve stimulation lecture
3:30pm - 4:30pm
Elbow & wrist e-stim lab
4:30pm - 5:30pm
Upper quarter recovery e-stim lab
5:30pm - 6:00pm
Course wrap-up & next steps
Objectives
- Demonstrate safe and effective dry needling techniques to specified upper quarter anatomical tissue targets
- Demonstrate strategic and effective execution of indwelling electrical stimulation circuits for the clinical management of upper quarter conditions
- 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 associated with dry needling for the upper quarter
- Identify relevant upper 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
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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