Intricate Art Dry Needling 1 is a 3-day, 27-hour introductory course designed for physical therapists in clinical practice. Since New Jersey approved dry needling for licensed physical therapists in 2022, this course provides the perfect opportunity to master the technique and expand your treatment options in the state.

Course Overview

This course covers the entire body, with less emphasis on the hands, feet, and face, which are explored in-depth in Dry Needling 2. You can begin with either DN 1 or DN 2 based on your preference.

To ensure a personalized, hands-on learning experience, we limit our class sizes. The course starts with a comprehensive overview of dry needling history, safety protocols, and the latest evidence-based research. We dive deep into treating neuromusculoskeletal impairments, discussing common signs, symptoms, and potential treatment routes using dry needling.

Throughout the course, we explore physiologic responses to needling different structures, including (but not limited to):

• Periosteum

• Ligaments

• Tendons

• Muscle

• Scar tissue

Our methodology focuses on treating patients across the spectrum—from high-level athletes to geriatric populations. You’ll also learn about safety precautions and OSHA guidelines, including handling blood-borne pathogens.

New Jersey-Specific Considerations

Since New Jersey physical therapists gained the ability to use dry needling in 2022, this course is an essential step toward compliance with state regulations and expanding your clinical practice. We’ll guide you through the best practices for safely and effectively incorporating dry needling into your treatments, adhering to New Jersey’s specific legal and regulatory requirements.

Course Highlights

You’ll receive an introduction to manipulative therapy and its use alongside dry needling to enhance patient outcomes. This combination of techniques has proven to significantly improve results.

Our unique needling system focuses on balancing the autonomic nervous system by depressing sympathetic activity and elevating parasympathetic responses. You will leave the course with a thorough understanding of this method and its application to a variety of patient impairments.

Advanced Topics Covered:

• Electric auricular vagus nerve needling

• Impact on the gut-brain axis and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis

• Electrical needling for enhanced efficacy and patient comfort

• Advanced neurophysiology and its role in achieving homeostasis

Hands-On Learning

The primary method of instruction is hands-on, allowing students to practice dry needling on lab partners. Clinical anatomy is reviewed extensively, and students will practice needling techniques for each tissue and system covered. A waiver is required for participation, and students who cannot be needled are encouraged to contact us before the course.

You’ll also learn the art of “needle palpation,” identifying different tissues with the tip of the needle to improve treatment efficacy.

After completing the course, you’ll have access to both instructors via phone or email to discuss any clinical questions or concerns you may have.

Course Atmosphere

We believe in creating a laid-back, relaxing atmosphere, which fosters better learning and application of techniques. Our students frequently comment on how enjoyable and effective this approach is in improving patient outcomes.

Instructors:

• Jason Schuster, PT, DPT, MTC, IAMTC, IADN Cert. Specialist

• Angela Carlson, PT, DPT, GCS, IAMTC, IADN Cert. Specialist, ASTYM cert.

• Gabriel Pallante PT, DPT, IADN Cert. Specialist

Continuing Education Units (CEUs):

• 27 CEUs for PTs and DCs

• 27 contact hours (2.7 CEUs) for OTs

• 27 Category A Live units for ATs

Course Fee:

$895 (all materials included)

Who Should Take This Course:

This course is ideal for physical therapists (PTs), physical therapy assistants (PTAs), occupational therapists (OTs), physicians (MDs), athletic trainers (ATs), chiropractors (DCs), physician assistants (PAs), and nurse practitioners (NPs), as long as dry needling falls within your state board or supervising agency’s scope of practice. For New Jersey practitioners, dry needling has been within the scope of practice since 2022.

Prerequisites:

• Active malpractice insurance

• Compliance with New Jersey’s practice act regarding dry needling

Refund Policy:

All purchases are final. Refunds may be considered on a case-by-case basis before class offerings, with the possibility of receiving a course credit for future use.