Advanced Level Trigger Point Dry Needling Course

17-18th October 2026, Dublin

Advanced Level Course in Trigger Point Dry Needling

CPD Hours: 14

COURSE OVERVIEW & CONTENT:

The course will cover trigger point dry needling of muscles in the following regions:

• TMJ muscles and sternocleidomastoid muscles.
• Pectoral muscles, muscles of the arm, forearm, and hand.
• Abdominal muscles, Iliopsoas and popliteus.
• Muscles of the anterior and lateral compartments of the leg, and intrinsic muscles of the foot.

Additional topics include:

• Electro-dry needling of trigger points.
• Dry needling of non-contractile tissue trigger points.
• Review and revision of selected muscles covered in the Introductory Level course (time permitting)

Upon completion, clinicians will have developed greater confidence and competency in treating complex presentations using advanced trigger point dry needling techniques.

LEARNING OUTCOME:

Upon completion, participants should be able to 

• Identify myofascial trigger points of the muscles covered during the course and recognise their referral pattern.
• Understand the role of trigger points in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) musculature and their contribution to orofacial pain, headaches, and TMJ dysfunction.
• Understand the involvement of the sternocleidomastoid and other cervical muscles in chronic neck pain, post-whiplash syndromes, and related conditions, and apply appropriate trigger point deactivation and rehabilitation strategies.
• Understand the upper limb symptoms including shoulder dysfunctions caused directly or indirectly by trigger points of pectorals and other upper limb muscles.
• Manage conditions like tennis elbow, arthritic hands differently.
• Integrate dry needling and related techniques into the management of lower-limb, ankle, and foot conditions alongside biomechanical interventions where appropriate.
• Understand indications, contraindications and procedures of Electro-Dry needling.
• Understand & gain skills in dry needling of non-contractile tissue trigger points.

COURSE PREREQUISITES:

This is an advanced-level course. Participants must have successfully completed a minimum of 21 hours of Introductory/Foundation-Level Trigger Point Dry Needling training in accordance with current ISCP guidelines. Participants are expected to have a sound understanding of the foundational principles of trigger point dry needling prior to attending and hence the following topics will NOT be covered in detail:

• Fundamental trigger point concepts.
• Pathophysiology and neurophysiology of trigger points.
• General safety procedures and precautions, basic contraindications and infection control procedures, basic dry needling techniques and needle handling.

All participants must hold valid Professional Indemnity Insurance that covers the training and clinical practice of dry needling. Evidence of insurance may be requested before or during the course. Participants will also be required to sign a declaration acknowledging the practical nature of the course and agreeing to indemnify the course lecturer, course assistants, and host. 

COURSE FEE: €390