Modern Dry Needling Anatomical Neuropathic Intramuscular Stimulation (AN-IMS) – Toronto April 4-7 2025

Course Description

AN-IMS 1 is an intensive course created for practitioners who have not taken any IMS/Dry needling courses previously or are new to this application of dry needling. This includes those who have previous acupuncture training.

AN-IMS 1 trains participants in the neuropathic clinical reasoning framework for the safe and effective application of dry needling as a treatment modality. In this course participants will investigate the anatomical and physiologic mechanisms of neuropathic theory as they apply to the clinical application of dry needling.

AN-IMS 1 is taught by instructors with extensive experience in IMS/dry- needling as well as anatomy, physiology and manual therapy. All of our instructors also have experience or are currently teaching at Canadian post-secondary Physiotherapy programs.

CEU’s:
70 Hours online pre-study
40 hours in person on site

Course Hours:
110 total hours

During this course you will learn:

• Theoretical framework of the physiologic mechanisms underlying the application of dry needling. These will include but are not limited to the neurophysiology of neuropathic pain to a cellular level, trigger points and myofascial pain syndromes.
• Clinical reasoning framework for the application of dry needling as a treatment modality for pathologies found in the human body.
• Extensive investigation of relevant anatomical structures and regional precautions for all areas to be needled.
• Extensive, supervised hands-on training and application of dry needling to the spine and extremities.
• Clean needle technique, precautions, contraindications, and emergency management protocols.
• Supporting literature for the application of dry needling in treating neuropathic myofascial pain and dysfunction.

Following this course you will:

• Understand the theoretical framework surrounding the application of dry needling including but not limited to the neurophysiology and physiology surrounding neuropathic pain and trigger points.
• Through clinical reasoning and assessment understand appropriate patient selection for the application of dry needling.
• Be able to safely, effectively and efficiently apply dry needling to patients.
• Understand all of the anticipated outcomes, contraindications/precautions to the application of dry needling.
• Be able to evaluate efficacy of your treatment.
• Understand how to integrate exercise into your treatment regimen.

Course Outline:

Anatomical Neuropathic IMS 1 includes a combination of pre-study assignments, case studies, lecture and laboratory based learning throughout the duration of the course. The course also includes two written exams, one on anatomy and one on theory as well as practical evaluation including but not limited to safe needle technique, precautions/contraindications, technical application of dry needling, and clinical reasoning.

All class participants will be required to participate in all laboratory sessions as both a practitioner and patient. At FHE we believe it is vital to experience the treatment modality as a patient to better understand its application to your clients in clinic.

Examinations

There are 3 examinations during the course. Participants must be successful in all 3 exams to receive a course completion certificate that will enable them to apply for needle rostering in their province.

Written Theory exam

This exam is based on the online/pre-study material and new concepts introduced in the on site portion of the course. It is completed on the final day of the course.

Written Anatomy Exam

This exam is a comprehensive anatomy exam that is taken on the first day of course. It will cover all the online/pre-study anatomy material for the course.

Practical examination

There are two components to the practical examination. There is ongoing practical evaluation by all instructors of each participant as well as a formal practical examination of each participant.

Cancellation Policy:

• Upon successful registration you have secured a spot in Foundations of AN-IMS1
• Cancellation up to 30 days prior to the published course start date will receive a full refund minus a $500 CAD administration fee.
• Foundations Health Education (FHE) will not be able to provide a refund of course fees if cancellation occurs within 30 days of the course start date or if the participant has been given access to the pre-study material.
• Withdrawal from the course once it has started is not subject to any refund of course fees.
• Continuation of the course depends on a minimum number of participants and FHE reserves the right to reschedule a course in the case of insufficient registration.
• In the event of insufficient registration FHE will hold or transfer your registration to another course or provide a full refund of course fees at that time.
• FHE reserves the right to cancel a course due to unforeseen or unavoidable circumstances. If this occurs a full refund of your course fees will be provided. FHE is not responsible for any charges expenses incurred by the course participant outside of the course registration fee.

Course Accreditation:

For a certificate of accreditation a participant is required to:

• Hand in completed Pre-Study module(s) prior to the start of the course. This is sent to registrants 2 months prior to the course start date.
• Pass both of the Anatomy and Theory exams with a minimum score of 75%. Anatomy Exam – Day 1, based on pre-study module(s). Theory Exam – Day 4, based on pre-study module(s) and on-course material.
• Pass ongoing Practical Evaluation by all instructors throughout the duration of the course.
• Pass Practical Examination during the course.
• Following completion of this you will be issued a certificate of completion.
• Submit required documentation to the appropriate college to be placed on the dry needling roster

(Please consult your provincial and/or state needling guidelines for accreditation guidelines in your area as each region is different.)