To provide clinicians with advanced knowledge and skills in managing chronic and systemic pain conditions through neurologic dry needling, grounded in contemporary pain science and clinical evidence. The course aims to bridge theory and practice to improve patient outcomes in challenging pain cases.

The course content combines video lectures, clinical examples and case studies to provide a comprehensive learning experience, supported by updated informed consent forms and curated research articles.

• Video lectures with clinical insights
• Course-specific literature and research references
• Updated informed consent forms
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Module 1: Introduction to Pain Mechanisms and the Role of Needling
An overview of how the NIH-driven shift toward precision pain management emphasizes understanding mechanisms like nociception and central sensitization. This module introduces how dry needling integrates with these pain pathways to inform targeted treatment.

Module 2: Understanding Chronic Pain Pathophysiology and the Clinical Relevance of Needling
Explores the link between chronic pain pathophysiology and dry needling, highlighting how systemic and neurologic influences from conditions like concussions or whiplash shape the treatment approach.

Module 3: Neurologic Framework of Dry Needling for Chronic Pain
Covers the neurologic dry needling model, contrasting it with traditional trigger point approaches. The importance of homeostatic and paravertebral points is emphasized, alongside the broad systemic impact of treating chronic pain.

Module 4: Mechanisms of Peripheral and Central Sensitization
Dives into the foundational understanding of peripheral and central sensitization, explaining how inflammatory mediators, neurogenic inflammation, and superficial versus deep tissue involvement shape clinical presentations and treatment strategies.

Module 5: Chemical and Structural Changes in Central Sensitization
Explains the chemical (glutamate, glial cells) and structural (motor cortex, limbic areas) changes associated with central sensitization, and how dry needling can be paired with exercise and CBT to reinforce neurologic changes.

Module 6: Diagnostic Classifications and Assessment in Chronic Pain
Details the diagnostic framework of chronic primary versus secondary pain and how dry needling can be tailored based on these categories. The discussion includes clinical interviews and considerations like sleep, comorbidities, and fear-avoidance behaviors.

Module 7: Screening Tools for Chronic Pain Mechanisms
Presents validated tools such as the Central Sensitization Inventory and LANSS to help clinicians identify pain mechanisms, and introduces the importance of contextual and psychosocial factors in chronic pain assessment.

Module 8: Systemic Needling Effects and Neurophysiology in Chronic Pain
Focuses on the systemic impact of dry needling, especially regarding autonomic balance, microcirculation, and cortical activation. It explores how dry needling can create widespread physiological effects beyond the point of insertion.

Module 9: Clinical Considerations and Safety in Chronic Pain Needling
Provides key safety and clinical guidelines for needling in chronic pain patients, particularly those with surgical histories, immune dysfunction, dysautonomia, or high medication sensitivity. It emphasizes gentle needling strategies and autonomic modulation.

Upon completion, participants will have a comprehensive understanding of chronic pain mechanisms and will be able to apply neurologic dry needling effectively to various complex pain syndromes.

• Define and differentiate pain types

• Evaluate sensitization clinically

• Apply dry needling based on pain presentations

• Utilize neuro-trigger points strategically

• Treat chronic widespread pain conditions

• Understand inflammation-CNS interactions

There are no formal prerequisites. However, this course is best suited for clinicians with a working knowledge of musculoskeletal anatomy, neurology, and foundational experience in dry needling.