Dr. Jan Dommerholt is the co-founder and President/CEO of Myopain Seminars, the company that pioneered dry needling education in the United States, initially in Spain in 1996 and the USA in 1997. Dr. Dommerholt is a globally renowned expert in the fields of dry needling and myofascial pain, chronic pain conditions, including Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, external focus exercise, and performing arts physiotherapy.
As a prolific author, Dr. Dommerholt has made significant contributions to the literature, with four books, nearly 100 textbook chapters, and over 150 scientific articles. His works, some of which have been translated into multiple languages, delve into topics ranging from myofascial pain to complex regional pain syndrome, demonstrating his profound understanding and expertise in these areas. He is an International Collaborator at the University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Neuromusculoskeletal Rehabilitation Research Center, Tehran, Iran, and Honorary Faculty and Advisor to the Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Rehabilitation, Tehran, Iran.
Dr. Dommerholt’s impact extends beyond academia, as evidenced by his numerous accolades and recognitions. He has received prestigious awards, including the Henry O. and Florence P. Practice Award from the American Physical Therapy Association, the Janet G. Travell Excellence in Education Award from the National Association of Myofascial Trigger Point Therapists, and honorary memberships from the Polish Association of Invasive Physiotherapy and the Iranian Physiotherapy Association.
In addition to his scholarly pursuits, Dr. Dommerholt is an active participant in the global healthcare community. He has conducted over 500 courses and about 100 lectures worldwide, sharing his knowledge and insights with audiences across the United States, Europe, Australia, India, Central and South America, and the Middle East. His expertise has earned him numerous invitations to serve as a keynote speaker at prominent conferences.
Dr. Dommerholt’s commitment to advancing the field is further demonstrated through his editorial roles and service on advisory boards for leading journals in physical therapy and manual therapy. He is also recognized for his role as an expert witness, providing invaluable insights for cases related to physical therapy, biomechanical trauma, and low-speed motor vehicle accidents.
Dr. Jan Dommerholt is the owner of a post-graduate education company, Myopain Seminars, and a specialized physiotherapy practice, Bethesda Physiocare, both in the US. He is the co-founder of the International Dry Needling Education & Training Advisory Group based in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Bethesda Physiocare is one of only 38 clinics worldwide recognized as an Ehlers-Danlos Society Core Network of Excellence!
Jan is a Dutch-trained physical therapist who holds a Master of Professional Studies degree with a concentration in both Biomechanical Trauma and Healthcare Administration from Lynn University (Boca Raton, FL, USA), and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (St. Augustine, FL, USA).
He is a member of the
- Society of Automotive Engineers
- American Academy of Orofacial Pain
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists
- American Academy of Pain Medicine
- American Association for the Advancement of Science
- American Physical Therapy Association
- American Physical Therapy Association of Maryland
- Performing Arts Medicine Association
Key Professional Credentials
- Global Authority: Authored or edited over 150 articles and approximately 100 book chapters on dry needling, myofascial pain, and manual therapy.
- Pivotal Research: Lead author of the definitive textbook, Trigger Point Dry Needling: An Evidenced and Clinical-Based Approach.
- Specialized Focus: Expertise includes Myofascial Trigger Point Pain, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Craniomandibular Pain, and Performing Arts Medicine.
- Teaching Reach: Taught and lectured at over 100 international conferences across multiple continents.
Prestigious Awards & Recognition
- 2016: Janet G. Travell Excellence in Education Award (National Association of Myofascial Trigger Point Therapists).
- 2014: Henry O. and Florence P. Kendall Practice Award (American Physical Therapy Association).
- Honorary Membership: Iranian Physiotherapy Association and Polish Association of Invasive Physiotherapy.
Education and Affiliations
- Degrees: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences and Master of Professional Studies (MPS).
- Editorial Role: Serves on the editorial board for the Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy and Invasive Physiotherapy and Musculoskeletal Medicine.
- Selected Affiliations: American Academy of Orofacial Pain (AAOP), American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists (AAOMPT), and the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).