Level 1 Dry Needling – Foundations for Physiotherapists, Chiropractors, Osteopaths and OT’s
PEAK’s Exercise-Led Prevention Classes are run by AHPRA-registered physio coaches. Each class combines strength, mobility, Pilates, and cardio—tailored to your goals to help improve quality of life.
Category:
Dry Needling
Course Level:
Intro
For:
Physiotherapists, Chiropractors, Osteopaths, OT’s
Course Overview: Level 1 Dry Needling
This Level 1 Dry Needling course is designed for physiotherapists, chiropractors, and osteopaths seeking a structured introduction to the assessment and treatment of myofascial pain and dysfunction across both acute and chronic musculoskeletal presentations.
The course provides a clinically grounded framework for understanding how the neuromuscular system contributes to pain, movement restriction, and dysfunction. Drawing on decades of real-world clinical experience alongside contemporary research, the program integrates multiple established dry needling concepts into a practical, cohesive approach that can be applied immediately in clinical practice.
Participants will learn how trigger point dry needling can be used as both an evaluative and therapeutic tool. Introductory-level musculature is covered in depth, with a strong emphasis on clinical reasoning, safety and appropriate technique selection. Key dry needling models are explored conceptually and practically, allowing clinicians to understand not just how to needle but why and when to apply specific approaches.
The course is delivered via a blended format, consisting of online pre-course theory (including a knowledge assessment) followed by an intensive 2 day face-to-face practical component. Practical sessions include regional anatomy review, live demonstrations and a high volume of supervised hands-on practice to support skill development and confidence.
Given the practical focus of the course, participants are expected to take part as both clinician and patient during training, including receiving dry needling. Ongoing supervision and feedback are provided throughout, with a supportive practical assessment to ensure safe and competent application of techniques by course completion.
By the end of the course, participants will have a solid foundation in dry needling principles, enhanced clinical reasoning and the practical skills required to safely integrate dry needling into musculoskeletal care.
Duration & delivery format: Two day course | Pre-course workbook + Quiz
Online learning component: Precourse workbook with quiz sent via email, completed course workbooks must be sent back one week before the course start date
Category:
Dry Needling
Course Level:
Intro
Course Level:
Intro
Course Objectives & Learning Outcomes
The goal of this course is to teach:
- Foundational principles of dry needling for the evaluation and treatment of myofascial pain and dysfunction
- Safe and effective application of trigger point dry needling for introductory-level musculature: gastroc, soleus, peroneals, thigh, hip musculature, quadratus lumborum, trapezius, infraspinatus, deltoid, forearm musculature and much more!
- Clinical reasoning to determine when, why and how dry needling should be integrated into musculoskeletal care
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Assess neuromyofascial contributors to pain and movement dysfunction and determine suitability for dry needling
- Safely perform trigger point dry needling techniques on introductory-level musculature
- Integrate dry needling into clinical practice using sound clinical reasoning, safety principles, and appropriate technique selection
Course Requirements & Participant Expectations
Prerequisites: This course is intended for registered physiotherapists, chiropractors and osteopaths. No prior dry needling experience is required.
Scope of Practice: Participants are expected to practise within their professional scope, governing body regulations and individual professional indemnity insurance requirements. Techniques taught are limited to those appropriate for Level 1 training and introductory-level musculature.
Practical Participation Requirements: This is a highly practical course. Participants are expected to actively engage in hands-on training, including palpation, needle handling and dry needling practice under supervision. Attendees will act as both clinician and patient and should expect to receive dry needling throughout the 2-day practical component.
Course Assessment & Accreditation
Pre-course Quiz:
- Online pre-course theory assessment
Practical Assessment:
- Ongoing practical observation and competency assessment during face-to-face training
CPD Accreditation:
- This course is eligible for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours in accordance with relevant professional body requirements. Course contact time is 20 hours
Example Agenda
1.
Welcome & Course Overview
2.
Dry Needling Principles, Safety & Scope
3.
Needle Handling Practice
4.
Lower Limb Anatomy & Palpation
5.
Practical Dry Needling Techniques
4.
Soleus, Gastroc, Flexor Hallucis Longus, Tibialis Posterior/Anterior, Abductor/Flexor Hallucis Brevis, Thigh and Hip Musculature
6.
Clinical Application & Competency Assessment
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need prior dry needling experience to attend this course?
A.
No. This course is designed as an introductory program and does not require any previous dry needling training.
- Will I be required to both give and receive dry needling?
A.
Yes. This is a hands-on course and participants are expected to practise techniques on fellow attendees and to receive dry needling as part of the learning process.
- Is this course within the scope of practice for podiatrists?
A.
Yes. All techniques taught are specific to the lower limb and are designed to be applied within podiatry scope, subject to individual state regulations and professional indemnity insurance.