Description

Fundamentals of Neuromuscular Dry Needling: Level 1

An Evidence Based Multi-Systemic Approach to Current Best Practices in Dry Needling

This is part one of the MMIM Neuromuscular Dry Needling Certification. Following successful completion of all required elements practitioners will be credentialed with the MMDN-1 designation. Medical Minds in Motion is not a board authority; therefore, it is up to the individual attendee to verify if they are allowed to use Dry Needling in their state.   This MMIM certification does not release the practitioner from state specific board requirements. It is the responsibility of the individual clinician to understand their regulatory board rules and guidelines regarding Dry Needling before implementing learned techniques and guidelines into his/her practice. 

THIS COURSE IS LIMITED TO 24 PARTICIPANTS. 

MMIM strives to achieve a 12:1 student to teacher ratio for this course. As a result there may be multiple instructors for your location. 

TUITION & GROUP DISCOUNTS

Number of Students            *Early-Rate       Standard-Rate

Single Registrant:                    $945                  $995

2-4 Registrants:                       $920                  $970

5+ Registrants:                        $895                  $945

*Early-Rate expires 30 days prior to the course NO EXCEPTIONS.  All group registrations must be made via phone or fax to receive the group discount.  Phone: 1-888-989-MMIM (6646) or Fax: 201-266-5356

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Complete the 3 Hour Pre-course online content

​• Complete the 25 Hours of Live, Hands-on Training

• Pass the written test and lab assessment: Must have 75% score on each test and demonstrate proper safety at all times

• Designation: Level 1 – “MMDN-1”

DESCRIPTION

Dry Needling is a rapidly growing, skilled intervention using a thin myofilament needle as part of a patient’s treatment plan. It has been shown to help with the management of various movement impairments and pain reduction through various neuromuscular pathways.  By inserting uniquely designed thin needles, clinicians can gain access to tissue that they simply can’t address with their hands.  The American Physical Therapist Association has recognized Dry Needling as an appropriate method of treatment for Physical Therapists to utilize and currently is approved by a large number of state regulatory boards.   This course is open to Physical Therapy professionals licensed  in states where Dry Needling is an accepted form of practice as determined by your regulatory board.

In this extensive introduction to dry needling, you will learn a safe and best practice approach based on the most current available evidence, pain science and clinical expertise available.  During the three days, you will learn various philosophical approaches to dry needling and how each of these relates to patient care.  During Level 1, attendees will gain extensive knowledge in the background of Dry Needing and fundamental techniques for various body parts along with common treatment plan options.  This lab-intensive course will emphasize anatomy, palpation and proper assessment to determine the need for utilizing dry needling.  Not only will you leave this course with solid mechanics of DN, but you’ll gain knowledge of how to integrate learned techniques into your treatment sessions. Finally, you will gain a full understanding of how to best combine DN with other tools such as IASTM, Manual Therapy and progressive exercise/tissue loading designed to help you develop a comprehensive treatment plan for improved patient outcomes.

OBJECTIVES:

1. Explain the state board position on Dry Needling for the states in which you are licensed.
2. Critically appraise the current research on dry needling and its application to patients with neuromuscular dysfunction.
3. Recite 6 important anatomical landmarks of the upper extremity, lower extremity and the spine that are critical to safe and effective when dry needling patients with pain and mobility dysfunction.
4. Describe 3 different models of dry needling such as trigger point, neuro and impairment based models to treat patients with neuromuscular dysfunction.
5. Demonstrate safe needle insertion and handling techniques for the upper extremity, lower extremity and spine.
6. Describe needling techniques and the rationale for their use in the upper extremity, lower extremity and spine.
7. Competently perform dry needling techniques for proper needle depth, angulation and advanced techniques for needle manipulation to 30 structures or clinical cases of the upper extremity, lower extremity, and spine as listed in the course outline.
8. Explain the rationale for implementing electrical stimulation in combination to dry needling for patients with shoulder pain, knee pain, and idiopathic lumbar pain.
9. Recite and explain the 10 contraindications and precautions when treating patients utilizing dry needling techniques.
10. Implement an integrative plan of care, given the findings of case studies, for shoulder, elbow, wrist/hand, hip, knee, foot and lumbar pain.

COURSE SCHEDULE

     Day 1: 8am to 5:30pm

     Day 2: 8am to 5:15pm

     Day 3: 8am to 4:30pm

ONLINE COURSE OUTLINE

3 Hours Online Education

Online Pre-Course Content (Released 30 Days Prior to Seminar)

1. Introduction to Dry Needling (1.5 Hours)

• History and Legal/Board Rulings in the US
• Needling as Part of the therapy program

2. Evidence Based Research Review (1.5 Hours)

• FSBPT Paper
• APTA White Paper
• 5 Dry Needling Research papers

LIVE COURSE OUTLINE

25 Hours Live Education

Section 1: Background/Theories - Day 1: 8:00 - 2:30

1. Introduction to Dry Needling and Review of Online Content (8-8:30)

2. Evidence Review of Dry Needling (8:30-9:30)

• Define EBM-three pillars and integration
• What the best available evidence says
• Critical Appraisal of the available evidence and its relationship to treatment

3. Needle Safety, Needle Handling, OSHA and General Precautions (9:30-11:15)

• Infection Control and Disposal of Needles
• Contraindications and Precautions
• Proper/safe use of DN
• Needle insertion technique and Practice

4. Introduction to Techniques (11:15-12:45) (Day 1: Break for Lunch -12:45-1:30)

• Indications for needling use
• Clinical reasoning for technique
• Superficial static
• Deep static
• Needle manipulation: Positioning and Twisting
• Electrical Stimulation Needling

5. Introduction and Review of Recent Advances of Pain Science (1:30-2:00)

• Neurophysiology of Dry Needling
• Mechanical changes of Dry Needling

6. Differentiating Between Dry Needling Theories (2:00-2:30)

• Gunn, Ma and Travel/Simon Theories
• Combining theories for best practice

Section 2: Upper Quarter - Day 1: 2:30-5:30 and Day 2: 8:00-12:30 (Day 2: Break for Lunch-12:30-1:15)

1. Anatomy and Palpation Review of the Upper Quarter
2. Technique Demonstrations and LABS

• Upper Trapezius
• Anterior Deltoid, Posterior Deltoid and Infraspinatus
• Upper Arm – Biceps Brachii and Triceps
• Pec Major
• Latissimus Dorsi
• Wrist Extensors and Wrist flexor
• Supinator

3. Treatment Plans/Case Studies

• Shoulder Impingement/Rotator Cuff
• Elbow Pain
• Thumb Pain

Section 3: Lower Quarter - Day 2: 1:15-5:15 and Day 3: 8:00-11:00

1. Anatomy and Palpation Review of the Lower Quarter
2. Technique Demonstrations and LABS:

• Glute Max, Med, Min
• Quadriceps (lateral quad, VM/VMO,)
• Hamstrings
• Gastroc and Soleus
• Adductor Group and Gracilis

7. Treatment Plans/Case Studies

• Patellar Femoral Syndrome
• Achilles Tendinopathy
• Hip Impingement

Section 4: Lumbar Spine - 11:00-3:00 (Day 3: Break for Lunch - 12:30-1:15)

1. Anatomy and Palpation Review of the Lumbar Spine
2. Technique Demonstrations and LABS:

• Lumbar Spine Multifidi
• Paraspinals
• Quadratus Lumborum

8. Mechanical low back pain treatment plan/Case Studies

Section 5: Review and Competency Exam (3:00-4:30)

• Course Review/Questions/Discussion
• The “Economy of Dry Needling”
• Lab Competency Exam
• Written Exam to be completed online

MMIM Neuromuscular Dry Needling: Policies and Procedures

Fundamentals of Neuromuscular Dry Needling Level 1

Section 1: Who Can Attend?

• Primarily licensed Physical Therapists but open to any professional who is allowed to Dry Needle by their state board.  Medical Minds in Motion is not a board authority; therefore, it is up to the individual attendee to verify if they are allowed to use Dry Needling in their state.  Medical Minds will provide resources to help attendees find the appropriate information, but strongly suggests individuals call their state board to clarify rules and requirements.
• MMIM Will verify licensure of all registered participants.  Practice license information must be provided at registration.

Section 2: Course Progression to Full Certification

• Medical Minds in Motion will offer two levels of Dry Needling Education equaling 50 hours of live education.  Some pre-course reading/online education will be required, but the 50 hours of live education will satisfy most state board education requirements. It is the responsibility of the individual clinician to understand their regulatory board rules and guidelines.

• Participants must complete Level 1 prior to taking Level 2 and are required to have completed 200 treatment sessions prior to the start of level 2 (a treatment log is required).  If you have previous needling experience and would like to just take Level 2 please contact Rick Daigle at Medical Minds in Motion and we’ll determine on a case by case basis.  Email: Rick@medicalmindsinmotion.com

Section 3: Certification Requirements

Level 1 Certification:

• Successful completion of all 25 live hours and pre-course material
• Pass the written test and lab assessment: Must have 75% score on each test and demonstrate proper safety at all times
• Designation: Level 1 – “MMDN-1”

Section 4: Post-Course Access to Instructors/Information

• All attendees will receive the instructor and lab assistants direct email address for communication and mentorship
• All attendees will receive an invitation to a private group on FB for discussion and collaboration between instructors and other participants.
• Attendees will receive periodic updates on course content and any important news regarding dry needling

Section 5: Course Materials

• Pre-Course content, course manual and any other associated documents will be provided 30 days prior to the seminar
• All necessary course materials (needles, gloves, etc.) will be provided at the seminar
• It is recommended that individuals bring the following items with them to the seminar
  • Anatomy Atlas of their choice (Trail Guide for the Body is one example)
  • Anatomy App for smart phone or tablet of your choice
  • If you have a latex allergy, bring latex free gloves though we will have some
  • Portable electric stim unit with alligator clips though we will have a limited amount at the course.

Section 6: Waivers and Consent

• All participants will be required to consent to and sign a waiver of liability form in order to participate.
• It is important that the course participants gain a full understanding of DN from both the clinician and patient point of view.  With this in mind, participants will be both practicing the techniques and experiencing them during the live portion.  If there is a reason you cannot have needling performed on you, please contact MMIM prior to the course.
  • Women who are pregnant will not be allowed to have needling performed on them due to contraindications.  You will still be allowed to take the course, just not experience the needling techniques.
  • Any individuals with recent surgical procedures or any other medical issues that precludes them from being needled please notify us prior to the class.
  • Any other circumstances where dry needling is contraindicated.
  • Attendees will be provided a sample “Consent to Treat” form at the end of the course that they can use in their clinical practice.