Expert Level Dry Needling Practitioner
EXPERT DRY NEEDLING PRACTITIONER PROGRAM (EDNP)
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PROGRAM INFORMATION------------------------------------------------------------------------
Program Code: IPTA-DN-EXP-v1.0-2025
Version: 2.0 (October 2025)
Mode: Face to Face (In-Person)
Duration: 2 Days · 16 Hours
Accreditations: UKRLP · CPDG-UK · ISO 21001:2018 · IDNB · UKEQM
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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 dry needling training, the course focuses on neural dry needling sub-types — peripheral nerve mobilization needling (PNMN), segmental DN, and supraneural DN (SDN) — electro-dry needling (EDN) mechanisms and parameters, and robust risk management. Through high-fidelity labs and complex case practicums, participants refine technique precision, documentation, and emergency response to deliver safer, measurable outcomes.
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01. 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 sub-types, EDN parameterization, and risk mitigation — including sterility protocols, vasovagal episode management, broken needle response, and emergency escalation. The curriculum aligns with IPTA and International Board of Dry Needling (IDNB) standards to protect patients and standardize expert-level practice globally.
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02. TARGET AUDIENCE------------------------------------------------------------------------
Primary Audience: Licensed physiotherapists who have completed both Basic and Advanced Dry Needling training from a recognized provider
Career Stage: Mid-career to senior practitioners with active dry needling clinical practice
Program Level: Expert
Who Should NOT Attend: Practitioners who have not completed recognized Basic and Advanced DN training — please see IPTA's foundational and advanced DN programs first
Geographic Scope: International — open to practitioners worldwide
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03. PROGRAM OBJECTIVES & LEARNING OUTCOMES------------------------------------------------------------------------
General Objectives
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· Deepen understanding of advanced anatomical and neurophysiological principles relevant to dry needling.
· Refine precision, depth judgment, and safety across neural DN sub-types and EDN applications.
· Strengthen clinical reasoning for complex cases and multimodal treatment planning.
· Implement rigorous risk management, documentation standards, and outcome tracking systems.
· Demonstrate ethical, culturally sensitive communication and formal informed consent practices.
Knowledge (Cognitive Domain)
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· Differentiate neural DN approaches: Peripheral Nerve Mobilization Needling (PNMN), Segmental DN, and Supraneural DN (SDN).
· Explain EDN mechanisms, parameters (frequency, pulse width, intensity, patterns), and electrode placement strategies.
· Describe risk stratification, contraindications, sterile technique, cross-contamination prevention, and emergency response protocols.
· Summarize current evidence for DN and EDN in musculoskeletal, neurological, and chronic pain conditions.
Skills (Psychomotor Domain)
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· Perform neural DN and EDN with precise anatomical landmarking, safe angulation, and depth control.
· Select appropriate EDN parameters and design safe electrode circuits tailored to treatment goals.
· Manage complex cases through stepwise assessment and integrated treatment planning with documented outcomes.
· Execute emergency protocols including vasovagal episode management and broken needle response.
Attitudes & Professional Behaviours (Affective Domain)
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· Prioritize patient safety, dignity, and cultural sensitivity; respect local norms in mixed-gender lab settings.
· Practice transparent risk/benefit communication with documented informed consent before every needling session.
· Commit to continuous quality improvement through clinical audit and reflective practice.
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04. CURRICULUM & MODULES------------------------------------------------------------------------
M1 — Orientation, Safety & Ethics
Hours: 0.5 hr
Mode: In-person
Assessment: Readiness check
M2 — Advanced DN Foundations — Neurophysiology, Pain Science & Anatomy
Hours: 1.5 hrs
Mode: In-person
Assessment: Short quiz
M3 — Risk Management & Emergency Response
Hours: 1.5 hrs
Mode: In-person
Assessment: Scenario mapping
M4 — Neural Dry Needling — PNMN, Segmental DN, Supraneural DN
Hours: 2.5 hrs
Mode: Lab
Assessment: Practical checklist
M5 — Electro-Dry Needling (EDN) — Parameters, Electrode Placement & Circuit Design
Hours: 2.0 hrs
Mode: Lab
Assessment: Practical checklist
M6 — Complex Cases I — Radiculopathy/LBP · Shoulder Impingement · Headaches/TMD
Hours: 2.0 hrs
Mode: Lab
Assessment: Mini-OSCE
M7 — Complex Cases II — CRPS · Piriformis · Knee OA · Achilles/Plantar Fasciitis
Hours: 2.0 hrs
Mode: Lab
Assessment: Mini-OSCE
M8 — Special Populations & Neuro — Fibromyalgia · Post-Stroke · Facial Palsy · CTS
Hours: 1.0 hr
Mode: Lab
Assessment: Skills check
M9 — Measurement, Documentation & Outcomes
Hours: 1.0 hr
Mode: In-person
Assessment: Portfolio review
MF — Consolidation & Final Examination
Hours: 2.0 hrs
Mode: In-person
Assessment: Written + OSCE
Total: 16 contact hours across 2 intensive days.
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05. PROGRAM SCHEDULE------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day 1: M1 Orientation, Safety & Ethics · M2 Advanced DN Foundations · M3 Risk Management & Emergency Response · M4 Neural Dry Needling (PNMN, Segmental DN, SDN) · M5 Electro-Dry Needling (mechanisms, parameters, electrode placement & circuit design)
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 + Plantar Fasciitis) · M8 Special Populations & Neuro (Fibromyalgia/CFS; Post-Stroke Spasticity; Facial Palsy; CTS; Parascapular MPS) · M9 Documentation & Outcomes · MF Consolidation & Final Exam (Written + OSCE)
Daily hours: 08:30 – 16:30 | 8 contact hours including scheduled breaks | Prayer and lunch break observed locally
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06. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS------------------------------------------------------------------------
Minimum Qualification: Physiotherapy degree
Prerequisites (Mandatory): Completion of both Basic and Advanced Dry Needling training from a recognized provider. Enrollment will not be accepted without evidence of prior DN training.
Language: English — translation support available where local arrangements permit
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07. PARTICIPANT PREPARATION------------------------------------------------------------------------
Participants must bring the following personal items to all practical sessions:
· Single-use sterile needles (varied lengths: 25–75 mm) with guide tubes.
· Personal electro-needling (EDN) machine with leads and electrodes.
· Alcohol swabs, skin prep, disposable gloves, hand gel, gauze, plasters, sharps containers, clinical waste bags, tweezers, and skin markers.
· Emergency kit: first aid supplies, access to oxygen per venue policy, charged communication device for emergency escalation.
Note: Exact tool specifications will be confirmed by the program tutor at least one week before commencement. Plinths, pillows, bolsters, towels, sheets, mirrors, resistance bands, and dowels are provided at the venue.
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08. FACULTY------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lead Tutor: Dr. Ahmed Habeeb Alsiddig Mohamed
Qualifications: 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)
IPTA Rank: Senior Tutor
Specialty Endorsement: Dry Needling (all levels) · Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
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09. ASSESSMENT & CERTIFICATION------------------------------------------------------------------------
Formative Assessment (Ongoing — Days 1 & 2)
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Continuous in-session skills checks, scenario mapping exercises, module-level short quizzes, mini-OSCEs per complex case module, and portfolio reviews with structured tutor feedback throughout both days.
Certificate: IPTA Electronic Certificate — Expert Dry Needling Practitioner (EDNP) — with QR verification code, issued within 48 hours. Verifiable at www.ipta.academy/verify
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10. CPD & ACCREDITATION VALUE------------------------------------------------------------------------
This program is delivered by IPTA — a fully recognized UK learning provider (UKRLP No. 10096105), an approved international CPD provider by CPDG-UK (No. 782156), accredited under ISO 21001:2018 (IAC), accredited by UKEQM, and specifically accredited as a Dry Needling training provider by the International Board of Dry Needling (IDNB — www.idnb.world). This dual accreditation (IPTA + IDNB) makes this one of the most credentially robust dry needling programs available internationally.
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11. QUALITY ASSURANCE------------------------------------------------------------------------
All IPTA programs are subject to a structured quality assurance framework. Program content is reviewed and endorsed by the IPTA Scientific Council and peer-reviewed by independent subject-matter experts at each revision cycle. All tutors hold current IPTA Tutor Accreditation. Participant feedback is collected after every delivery and fed into the program improvement cycle. All summative assessments are moderated by a second IPTA-accredited assessor before results are issued.
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12. ETHICS & PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT------------------------------------------------------------------------
· All participants complete the IPTA Code of Ethics declaration prior to program commencement.
· Conflict of interest disclosures are submitted to IPTA Scientific Affairs by all faculty members.
· Formal informed consent is obtained before every needling practical session — no exceptions.
· Patient and volunteer safety briefings are conducted and documented before each lab session.
· The program adheres to IPTA's Equal Opportunity Charter and respects local cultural norms in lab settings.
· Data protection compliance is maintained in accordance with applicable regulations.
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For registration and further information:
www.ipta.academy · contact@ipta.academy
2nd Floor, College House, 17 King Edwards Road, Ruislip, London, HA4 7AE, United Kingdom
Registration No. 17084556-UK
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