The purpose of this course is to be able to utilize dry needling to effectively and efficiently manage any neuromuscular condition in the upper  extremity and hand . 

Dry needling has recently become an accepted treatment modality performed by Occupational and Physical Therapists to address the unique characteristics of soft tissue pain, dysfunction and loss of function.  The popularity, research and use of dry needling are increasing in the field of Occupational and Physical Therapy and there are several methods and schools of thought on how to integrate dry needling into clinical practice.   This course provides a working framework, within the scope of an Occupational and Physical Therapist’s knowledge and practice, to deliver effective and safe dry needling treatment to improve function.

This is all original content that can only be acquired through our institute

Integrative Dry Needling for the Upper Extremity and Hand will discuss:

• • Integration of dry needling as a preparation for soft tissue mobilization, functional activities and exercises to optimize human performance.
  • Specialty dry needling techniques to address local, segmental and systemic neurogenic pain.
  • Clinical safety issues for administering dry needling treatment
  • Understanding of the anatomy and physiology of soft tissue healing timeframe and dry needling technique for tissue remodeling,
  • Clinical techniques for examination and management of peripheral nerve inflammation and neuromuscular dysfunction,
  • Pre and post-symptom treatment for maximizing human performance,
  • How peripheral nervous system inflammation influences musculoskeletal dysfunction and how to manage it with Neurologic Dry Needling
  • Review of evidence-based research data.

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Activity Completion Requirements: Participants will be required to read a pre-course manual.  At the conclusion of the course participants are required to pass a written and practical examination based on a clinical case study demonstrating clinical reasoning and decision-making related to the course content.  A passing score of 80% is required to successfully complete this course.

1. Independently identify a minimum of three peripheral neuro-trigger points for a given case study.
2. Independently evaluate peripheral nerve (soft tissue) dysfunctions relating to a given musculoskeletal condition and pain.
3. Identify a strategy for the prevention and management of an adverse response to dry needling during a case study.
4. Independently choose the correct neuro-trigger point treatment sites for safe application of dry needling treatment during lab sessions and practical examination
5. Correctly defend the IDN system for treatment of musculoskeletal pain based on the unique neurology and physiology of neuro-trigger points
6. Design a plan of care using dry needling to prepare and optimize tissue healing for exercise and functional activities for a given case study.
7. Participants will develop a treatment plan based on a given case study that will utilize DN to facilitate the progression to ADLs.
8. Participants will develop a treatment plan based on a given case study that will utilize DN to facilitate the progression to ADLs.

Licensed medical professional (PT, OT, DC, ATC, MD, DO, PA, CNP) -no prior dry needling training is required.  This course will go over all the safety requirements, OHSA, and Blood borne Pathogens training required by many states.  Because this course is focused on the Upper Extremity and Hand we will  also provide advanced treatment concepts to also provide experienced clinicians a new perspective on dry needling treatment.