Course Summary
The course, "Dry Needling for Neurological Disorders," is an emerging evidence-informed dry needling application to reduce spasticity
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Full Course Description
In recent years, dry needling has been used increasingly to manage spasticity in patients with stroke, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, and cerebral palsy, among other conditions. Dry needling effectively reduces spasticity, improves function and active voluntary movements, and increases range of motion, bringing this course into the scope of stroke rehabilitation, pediatrics, and neurological occupational and physical therapy, among others.
In this completely revised and updated two-day course, Dr. Pablo Herrero, professor in the Physiotherapy Department at the University of Zaragoza and Head of the iHealthy Research Group in Spain, will introduce the history of dry needling in neurological patients and present evidence supporting its use. Students will learn the rationale for using dry needling in neurological patients and different treatment protocols. For example, in this course, we will revisit the concept of trigger points from a neuro perspective and introduce the concepts of stiffness and local irritability. What are the diagnostic trigger point criteria in a neuro context? How can you combine dry needling with other modalities and treatment approaches? This course concludes with a demonstration of incorporating US guidance as a new clinical strategy to improve safety and precision in some muscles; however, using US is not essential in the clinic.
At the end of this course, students will be comfortable and confident in treating patients with neurological conditions with dry needling.
Prerequisites
Completion of any dry needling course is preferred but not required.
Required Reading
Suggested reading.
Course Schedule
Actual times may vary with each program at the discretion of the instructors.
Day 1
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08:30–09:00 |
Registration |
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09:00–10.00 |
Block 1 (I) Lecture: Introduction to DN in neurological patients.The history of DN in neurological patients and the evidence supporting its use. The frequency of treatments, is it an issue? |
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10:00–11:00 |
Block 1 (II) Lecture: Revisiting the concept of TrPs from a neuro perspective: concept of stiffness + local irritability:
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11:00–11:15 |
Questions & Answers |
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11:15–12:30 |
Block 2 (I) Practical: Application protocol of DN in neurological patients: practical demonstrations and practice (example of protocols in distal muscles). Protocol for flexor digitorum superficialis and profundus |
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12:30 - 01:30 |
Lunch | |
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01:30–02:30 |
Block 2 (II) Practical: Application protocol of DN in neurological patients: practical demonstrations and practice (example of protocols in distal muscles). Protocol for gastrocnemius |
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02:30–04:00 |
Block 3 (I) Practical: DN upper limb muscles: teres major, latissimus dorsi |
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04:00–04:15 |
Questions & Answers |
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04:15–06:00 |
Block 3 (II) Practical: DN upper limb muscles: pectoralis major, biceps brachii |
Day 2
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09:00–10.30 |
Block 3 (III) Practical: DN upper limb muscles: pronator teres, adductor pollicis, and first dorsal interossei.Practical: US evaluation for the gastrocnemius, soleus, and posterior tibialis posterior muscles (for medial approach + anterior approach) |
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10:30–10:45 |
Questions & Answers |
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10:45–12:30 |
Block 4 (I) Practical: DN of lower limb muscles (i): rectus femoris, gracilis, semitendinosus |
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12:30-01:30 |
Lunch |
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01:30–03:00 |
Block 4 (II) Practical: DN of lower limb muscles (i): soleus, flexor digitorum longus and tibialis posterior (media approach) |
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03:00–03:45 |
Block 5 (I) Lecture: Introduction to the use of ultrasound to evaluate TrPs and guide DN |
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03:45–04:00 |
Questions & Answers |
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04:00–05:00 |
Block 5 (II) Practical: Demonstration of US-guided approach for tibialis posterior (anterior approach). Alternatives and complements to dry needling for neurological patients: the use of percutaneous needle neuromodulation for selective stimulation and guidance for deep muscles |
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05:00–06:00 |
Block 6: Clinical cases: videos and/or real patients |
Who Should Attend
For Practicing Clinicians
The Dry Needling for Neurological Conditions course is designed for a broad spectrum of healthcare professionals seeking to enhance their therapeutic skills through dry needling. This includes:
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Physical Therapists
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Physicians
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Chiropractors
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Physician Assistants
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Occupational Therapists
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Nurses and Nurse Practitioners
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Acupuncturists
Gain valuable insights and practical skills to apply in their clinical practice, enhancing patient care and expanding their treatment options for neurologic patients with spasticity.
Course CEUs
Maryland State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners: Earn 16 contact hours, equivalent to 16 CEUs
Course Discounts
Elevate your expertise in dry needling and enjoy savings tailored to your professional growth.
Group Discount
10% off for groups of 3+ registering for the same course.
Special Discounts
10% off for new graduates, active military/veterans, residents, and full-time university faculty.
Note: Only one discount applies per registration.
Course Objectives
- Discuss at least two principle differences between dry needling of trigger points and dry needling to reduce spasticity.
- Discuss whether the generally accepted definitions of active and latent trigger points are valid for neuro patients.
- Demonstrate dry-needling methods for reducing spasticity in eight different muscles.
- Demonstrate the use of percutaneous needle neuromodulation at the muscle and peripheral nerve levels
- Compare and contrast regular dry needling and ultrasound-guided dry needling