Multiple research studies show the effectiveness of trigger point dry needling for reducing pain. Studies on headache, myofascial pain, lower and upper quadrant conditions all show dry needling is an effective treatment option. Dry needling through active myofascial trigger points relieves pain by releasing the trigger point and allows restoration of muscle length and strength.
Building on Dry Needling Level 1 and Level 2, Acupuncture Canada’s Dry Needling Level 3: Advanced Techniques (DN3) teaches the theory and hands-on skills for treating the most difficult muscles and riskiest areas of needling. It also introduces students to electrical stimulation as a treatment option.
DN3 explains myofascial pain syndrome and the trigger point mechanism of action, as well as identifying precipitating and perpetuating factors of trigger points. The course explains the etiology and pathophysiology of trigger points. In DN3 you will learn the physiology of referred pain and identify referred pain patterns for specific muscles, including muscles in these regions:
• Cervical spine
• Temporomandibular joint
• Hand
• Back
• Abdominal Wall
• Hip
• Foot
You will learn:
• Identification of the responsible muscles and their presenting myofascial referred pain pattern
• proper patient positioning
• location and palpation origins, insertions, and trigger points for specific muscles
• needle-handling skills and competency
• application of the proper technique of trigger point dry needling for specific muscles, and to apply correct and safe needle techniques.
Safety is emphasized throughout. Students are taught to practice safe needling, ensure they have informed consent, identify contraindications and precautions to dry needling, practice clean technique, manage adverse reactions to dry needling, and manage risk to the practitioner.
With completion of Dry Needling Level 3, students will be able to treat conditions such as:
• TMJ
• suboccipital headaches
• thoracic pain
• hand pain including thumb arthritis
• foot pain including bunions and plantar fasciitis.
In addition, DN3 will teach treatment options for more subtle muscles and improve treatment of low and mid-back pain using the abdominal points.
Dry Needling Level 3 combines online and in-person learning. A three-week online component teaches theory through narrated PPTs, videos and research. Theoretical knowledge is tested through an online written test and case management assignment. Online is followed by three days of in-person learning focused on developing hands-on needling skills. The third day of the in-person course includes a practical examination of skills learned, to ensure students are ready to head back to practice.
Online: 3 weeks @ 9-10 hours per week = 27-30 hours
Onsite: 3 days of in-person = 24 hours
Course fee: $1359.00 + tax for Acupuncture Canada members OR $1449.00 + tax for non-members
Please review our cancellation policy before you register. If you are unable to be needled for any reason eg. pregnant, you must bring a needling partner for all 3 days of the in-person. Please contact Acupuncture Canada to make arrangements. If you are attending a course in a province where you are not licensed to practice, you may need a courtesy or temporary registration. Please contact the local regulatory college where you are going for your training. Courtesy registration can take weeks to arrange, so begin the process early.