Prerequisites
MSKS I is the prerequisite to this course.
All 16 aforementioned HumRRO competencies apply.
Below are 16 competencies advised by HumRRO in order for PTs to dry needle in their clinical practice:
Note some of the basic didactics are acquired from entry level education, while the remainder should be accomplished from continuing education.
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Surface and deep anatomy
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Emergency preparedness for complications
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Emergency preparedness for emotional effects
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Standards for needle handling: hygiene and single-use needles.
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Factors influencing safety and injury prevention
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Personal protection procedures: protective equipment and clinician positioning Theory for dry needling and application
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Theory for dry needling and application
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Theory for combining dry needling with other therapy
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Secondary effects of complications of dry needling on other systems.
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Theoretical basis of pain sciences, including anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and relation to body structures and function.
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Contraindications and precautions related to dry needling (eg. age, allergies, disease/conditions)
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Palpation techniques as related to dry needling Needle insertion techniques
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Needle insertion techniques
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Needle manipulation techniques
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Physiological response to dry needling
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Knowledge of the physical characteristics of needles
Objectives
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Review the central nervous system
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Discuss central and segmental pain sources
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Identify appropriate patients who may benefit from central and segmental dry needling
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Examine high risk areas and demonstrate how to insert needles
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Recognize different techniques that may be used for specific
diagnoses
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Formulate an appropriate treatment session that includes dry needling
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Demonstrate different techniques as they pertain to the continuum of inflammatory process
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Discuss rationale for treatment
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Administer appropriate insertion techniques in a practical examination
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Produce MSKS I certified clinicians
Learning Environment
Dr. Middleton and Dr. Cox strive to have a conducive learning environment. We believe those standards will be met with smaller class sizes. Therefore, the class size will be maintained at 15 candidates.
Course Timeline
Once fee is paid the candidate will receive a course packet.
Course Packet consists of:
Liability Waiver
Written Exam
List of reviewable landmarks
Booklet
Written exam and liability waiver are due before the start of course
Course schedule
Day I
7:30-8:00 Registration
8:00-9:00 Evidence Based Practice: What is it?
9:00-10:00 “Is dry needling acupuncture?”, Contraindications, and Billing
10:00-10:10 MID MORNING BREAK
10:10-11:10 Dry needling and the inflammatory process, dry needling and pain modulation
11:10-12:10 Pathologies treated by dry needling, potential adverse effects, Dry needling variables, hygiene, and techniques
12:10-1:10 LUNCH
1:10-2:10 Dry needling the shoulder complex MID AFTERNOON BREAK
2:10-2:20 Dry needle shoulder complex
2:20-3:20 Dry needle the arm
3:20-4:20 Dry needle the arm
4:20-5:20 Dry needle elbow/forearm
5:20-6:20 Dry needle elbow/forearm
Day II
7:30-8:00 Registration
8:00-9:00 Dry needle the hip complex
9:00-10:00 Dry needle the hip complex
10:00-10:10 Break
10:10-11:10 Dry needle the hip complex
11:10-12:10 Dry needle the thigh
12:10-1:10 LUNCH
1:10-2:10 Dry needle thigh
2:10-3:10 Dry needle the knee
3:10-3:20 Break
3:20-4:20 Dry needle knee
4:20-5:20 Dry needle leg/ankle
5:20-6:20 Dry needle leg/ankle
Certification
There are no nationally recognized certifications for dry needling. In as much, every participant is a candidate for earning an MSKS I certification. MSKS Dry Needling and Mobilization LLC, has set standards for attendees upon completion of the course and satisfactorily meeting the requirements of the written and practical examinations that will ensure competence. Henceforth, the candidate will be MSKS I certified.
Of course, the MSKS I certification does not recuse the clinician from liability from negligence going forward.