Expert Level Dry Needling Practitioner

International Physical Therapy Academy

IPTA

 

Standard Program Description Document

  Program Information:

Program Title

Dry Needling – Expert Level Practitioner

Program Code

IPTA-DN-EXP-v1.0-2025

Version

2.0 (October 2025)

Program mode

Face to Face ( In person )

Duration (Days)

4 Days

Total Hours

16  hours

Developed by

IPTA

Reviewed By

IPTA Review Committee

Review Cycle

3 Years

  Executive Summary:

This intensive two‑day expert program advances licensed physiotherapists from advanced dry needling proficiency to expert‑level clinical reasoning and hands‑on mastery. Building on prior basic and advanced DN training, the course focuses on neural dry needling sub‑types (peripheral nerve mobilization needling, segmental DN, supraneural DN), electro‑dry needling (EDN) mechanisms and parameters, and robust risk management. Through high‑fidelity labs and complex case practicums (e.g., radiculopathy, shoulder impingement with adhesive capsulitis, headaches/TMD, CRPS, knee OA, piriformis syndrome, Achilles/plantar fasciitis, CTS, post‑stroke spasticity, fibromyalgia/CFS, facial palsy), participants refine technique precision, documentation, and emergency response to deliver safer, measurable outcomes.

  Program Introduction & Rationale

Dry needling (DN) is a contemporary, evidence‑informed intervention targeting neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction. At expert level, practitioners must integrate advanced neurophysiology, pain science, and movement analysis with precise needling to address complex presentations while upholding stringent safety, consent, and cultural considerations. This program formalizes expert competencies around neural DN, EDN parameterization, and risk mitigation (sterility, vasovagal episodes, broken needles, emergency protocols). The curriculum aligns with IPTA/IDNB standards to protect patients and standardize expert practice.

 

 

 

Program Objectives & Learning Outcomes

General Objectives

·      Deepen understanding of advanced anatomical and neurophysiological principles relevant to DN.

·      Refine precision, depth judgment, and safety across neural DN sub‑types and EDN applications.

·      Strengthen clinical reasoning for complex cases and multimodal planning (manual therapy, exercise, education).

·      Implement rigorous risk management, documentation, and outcome tracking.

·      Demonstrate ethical, culturally sensitive communication and informed consent.

 

Specific Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

·       Differentiate neural DN approaches: Peripheral Nerve Mobilization Needling (PNMN), Segmental DN, Supraneural DN (SDN).

·       Explain EDN mechanisms (neuromodulation, microtrauma/healing, gate control), parameters (frequency, pulse width, intensity, patterns), and electrode placement strategies.

·       Describe risk stratification, contraindications, sterile technique, cross‑contamination prevention, and emergency responses (vasovagal, broken needle).

·       Summarize evidence for DN/EDN in musculoskeletal, neurological, and chronic pain conditions.

Attitude

·       Prioritize patient safety, dignity, and culture; respect local norms during mixed‑gender labs.

·       Practice transparent risk/benefit communication with documented informed consent.

·       Commit to continuous quality improvement via audit and reflective practice.

Practice

·       Perform neural DN and EDN with precise landmarking, safe angulation, and depth control.

·       Select EDN parameters and create safe circuits tailored to goals (analgesia vs. motor re‑education).

·       Manage complex cases through stepwise assessments and integrated plans, documenting outcomes and adverse events.

·       Execute emergency protocols, including management of vasovagal episodes and broken needles.

 

 

 

Curriculum & Modules:

Module Title

Hours

Mode

Learning Outcomes

Assessment

M1. Orientation, Safety & Ethics

0.5

In‑person

Program briefing, consent, sterility, lab conduct, COI.

Readiness check

M2. Advanced DN Foundations

1.5

In‑person

Pain mechanisms; neurophysiology; advanced anatomy & landmarking.

Short quiz

M3. Risk Management & Emergency Response

1.5

In‑person

Contraindications, sterile technique, cross‑contamination; vasovagal & broken needle protocols.

Scenario mapping

M4. Neural Dry Needling

2.5

Lab

PNMN, Segmental DN, Supraneural DN; cues, depth control, safety zones.

Practical checklist

M5. Electro‑Dry Needling (EDN)

2.0

Lab

Mechanisms; parameters (Hz/μs/mA); pulse patterns; electrode placement; circuit setup.

Practical checklist

M6. Complex Cases I

2.0

Lab

Radiculopathy LBP; shoulder impingement + adhesive capsulitis; headaches/TMD.

Mini‑OSCE

M7. Complex Cases II

2.0

Lab

CRPS; piriformis; knee OA 9‑point EDN protocol; Achilles + plantar fasciitis.

Mini‑OSCE

M8. Special Populations & Neuro

1.0

Lab

Fibromyalgia/CFS; post‑stroke spasticity; facial palsy; CTS; parascapular MPS.

Skills check

M9. Measurement, Documentation & Outcomes

1.0

In‑person

PROMs/logs; parameter recording; adverse event reporting; case portfolios.

Portfolio review

M10. Consolidation & Exam

2.0

In‑person

Synthesis, Q&A, ethics refresh; summative exam.

Written + OSCE

M1. Orientation, Safety & Ethics

0.5

In‑person

Program briefing, consent, sterility, lab conduct, COI.

Readiness check

  Admission Requirements:

Minimum Qualification

Completion of Basic and Advanced Dry Needling training (recognized provider)

License Required

Completion of Basic and Advanced Dry Needling training (recognized provider)

Language Proficiency

N/A

Experience preferred

N/A

  Faculty & Tutors:

Tutor Name

Dr. Ahmed Habeeb Alsiddig Mohamed

Qualification

Physiotherapy Consultant & Lecturer; Dean—Faculty of Physiotherapy (NU); BSc PT 2014; MSc 2018; Professional DPT 2022; PhD (candidate); Certified DN (2016); COMT; CSMT; Advanced Professional Tutor.

IPTA Rank

Senior Tutor

IPTA tutor accreditation Number

 

Specialty Endorsement

Dry Needling

 

 

 

Assessment & Certification:

Assessment Methods

Formative

N/A

Summative

N/A

Pass Mark

N/A

Re-assessment

N/A

 

Certificate

IPTA E Certificate

  Program Schedule

Day

Content

Day 1

M1 Orientation, Safety & Ethics • M2 Advanced DN Foundations • M3 Risk Management & Emergency Response • M4 Neural DN (PNMN, Segmental, SDN) • M5 EDN (mechanisms, parameters, electrode placement)

Day 2

M6 Complex Cases I (Radiculopathy LBP; Shoulder Impingement + Frozen Shoulder; Headaches/TMD) • M7 Complex Cases II (CRPS; Piriformis; Knee OA 9‑point EDN protocol; Achilles + PF) • M8 Special Populations & Neuro (Fibromyalgia/CFS; Post‑Stroke; Facial palsy; CTS; Parascapular MPS) • M9 Documentation & Outcomes • M10 Consolidation & Exam (Written + OSCE)

Daily timing: 08:30–16:30 (8 contact hours incl. short breaks; prayer/lunch observed locally).

Required lab items:

·       Single‑use sterile needles (varied lengths 25–75 mm), guide tubes; EDN unit with leads/electrodes.

·       Electro-Needling Machine

·       Alcohol swabs/skin prep, gloves, hand gel, gauze/cotton, plasters, sharps containers, clinical waste bags – Tweezers – Markers .

·       Plinths, pillows/bolsters, towels/sheets, mirrors; resistance bands/dowels for functional integration.

·       Emergency kit: first aid supplies; access to oxygen per venue policy; communication device for rapid escalation.

 (Exact tools will be specified by the program tutor ).

  Ethics & Professional Conduct:

Document

Evidence

Adherence to IPTA Code of Ethics 

Signed

Conflict of Interest Disclosure submission

Submitted to Scientific Affairs

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

Aligned with IPTA Equal Opportunity Charter