Diagnostic Ultrasound & Percutaneous Tenotomy Foundations Course (Home Study)

COURSE INFORMATION

Description

This comprehensive 3.0 NJ CEU online course, led by ultrasound educator Glenn Flaming, delivers a practical and accessible introduction to diagnostic ultrasound with dry needling. Designed for clinicians looking to integrate imaging into their practice, the course covers everything from ultrasound physics and probe handling to real-time diagnostics, image interpretation, and guided interventions like percutaneous dry needling for tendon regeneration. Through clear video modules, clinical case studies, and real-world application tips, learners will gain a solid foundation in musculoskeletal ultrasound, with a focus on movement-based assessment and consistent imaging technique. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to sharpen your skills, this course provides the tools to confidently bring ultrasound into your clinical workflow.

Purpose

The purpose of this home study course is to introduce clinicians to diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging as a highly effective, non-invasive diagnostic tool that complements manual therapy, dry needling, and regenerative interventions.

Through a combination of lecture, video demonstration, and clinical case studies, participants will build confidence in tissue identification, understand pathology progression, and learn how ultrasound-guided percutaneous tenotomy stimulates tissue healing in chronic tendinopathies.

Content
  • Musculoskeletal ultrasound physics and principles
    • Understanding image echogenicity (anechoic, hyperechoic, hypoechoic)
    • Knobology and image optimization techniques
    • The “5 Ps” for repeatable and consistent imaging
    • Identification of normal vs pathological tissues:
      • Tendons
      • Ligaments
      • Muscles
      • Nerves
      • Cartilage
      • Vasculature
    • Real-time dynamic imaging examples (shoulder, knee, elbow, Achilles)
    • Histology of tendinopathy and enthesis dysfunction
    • Percutaneous needle tenotomy (PNT) theory and application
Agenda

Module 1: Welcome to Diagnostic Ultrasound Foundations
An introduction to the Diagnostic Ultrasound Foundations course, highlighting its hands-on format and practical applications in clinical settings. The instructor shares their journey with ultrasound-guided dry needling and outlines what students can expect from the course.

Module 2: The Case for Ultrasound in Physical Therapy
This module builds the case for incorporating ultrasound into PT practice. It explores APTA recommendations, the advantages of real-time imaging, and how ultrasound can enhance diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes.

Module 3: Ultrasound Physics, Probes & Knobology
Dive into the physics behind ultrasound, including probe types and the concept of “knobology.” Learn how piezoelectric crystals create detailed musculoskeletal images and how to select and manipulate probes for optimal results.

Module 4: Real-Time Imaging & Motion-Based Diagnostics
Explore real-time ultrasound imaging and dynamic diagnostics. Understand how pulse-echo mechanisms translate into live images and learn techniques for manipulating pulse frequency, amplitude, and depth to assess movement-based pathology.

Module 5: Reading the Image: Grayscale & Echogenicity
This session covers how to interpret ultrasound images using grayscale and echogenicity. Understand concepts like attenuation, hyperechoic vs. anechoic signals, and how tissue composition affects image clarity and diagnostic value.

Module 6: The 5 Ps of Consistent Imaging
Consistency is key in imaging. This module introduces the “5 Ps”: Patient Position, Provider Position, Probe Position, Parameters, and Picture. Learn the strategies that ensure image reproducibility and reliability across users and time.

Module 7: Tendons & Tendinopathy Explained
A deep dive into tendon structure and pathology. Understand the enthesis, blood supply, and how normal vs. abnormal tendon images appear. Learn to distinguish tendinosis and understand the importance of identifying “normal” first.

Module 8: Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Tenotomy
Learn about the clinical and physiological basis of percutaneous needle tenotomy (PNT) and dry needling for tendinopathy. Research-backed insights demonstrate how fenestration disrupts degenerative tissue to stimulate healing.

Module 9: Case Studies and Clinical Outcomes
Review compelling case studies showing the real-world effects of ultrasound-guided interventions. Track structural changes and symptom improvement over time, validating the clinical effectiveness of PNT and dry needling techniques.

Learning Objectives

At the completion of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the physics behind diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound.
  • Identify normal and abnormal tissue structures in ultrasound images.
  • Perform proper patient and probe positioning for optimal image acquisition.
  • Recognize ultrasound findings related to tendinopathy and enthesis dysfunction.
  • Explain the principles of ultrasound-guided percutaneous tenotomy.

Appreciate the clinical application of regenerative dry needling under ultrasound guidance.

Prerequisite

Must be a licensed healthcare provider (PT, DC, DO, MD, NP, PA, OT, ATC)

SAVE UP TO 30%

Purchase more than one Dry Needling Home Study Course and save up to 30%!

Diagnostic Ultrasound & Percutaneous Tenotomy Foundations Course (Home Study)

$75
  • Learn from the comfort of home, on your schedule with unlimited content access.
  • NJ Physical Therapists Earn 3 of the 10 required CE Hours
  • Buy 2 or more courses and save up to 30%!

    Click Buy Now to learn more!

Does This Home Study Course offer New Jersey academic/theory CEU credits?

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LEARNING ACTIVITIES

This self-paced online course blends essential theory with detailed ultrasound demonstrations, giving you a clear, practical understanding of diagnostic imaging and guided needling techniques.

Designed for licensed clinicians, the format supports immediate application in clinical practice.

  • Recorded video lectures and demonstrations

    Learn key concepts through concise, clinician-led videos with scanning demos.

  • High-quality ultrasound image interpretation examples

    Review annotated image examples to sharpen your ability to spot normal and pathological tissues.

  • Downloadable course manual

    Get a practical, downloadable manual to support your learning and future reference.

  • Dry needling recertification requirements

    Use this course to fulfill Con Ed credits toward your NJ Dry Needling recertification requirement.

QUESTIONS?

Have additional questions after the course? No problem -we got you! Your registration in any IDN course provides you unlimited access to our Professional Discussion Forum. You can get your questions answered by an IDN instructor or another IDN practitioner.

It is a great place to ask, answer and network with other IDN practitioners and instructors!

BONUS

  • Learn from real clinical cases Glenn has personally treated

    Gain insight from actual cases Glenn has treated, offering real-world context to the techniques and principles taught.

  • Pre- and Post-Treatment Imaging

    See the difference ultrasound-guided interventions can make through before-and-after images that highlight tissue remodeling.

  • Build Patient Trust

    Use ultrasound visuals to show progress over time—helping patients better understand their condition and treatment outcomes.

Note: This home-study course provides you 3 of the 10 required CE hours for dry needling recertification every 2 years.

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