NAT Advanced Skills Course · 18 Hours CE/CPD
Build a structured, safety-focused foundation in trigger point dry needling for musculoskeletal and rehabilitation practice.
Presented by neuromusculoskeletal physiotherapist Paul Townley, this comprehensive online course combines trigger point theory, assessment, palpation, clinical reasoning and needling safety with detailed practical instruction across the major muscle groups. It is intended for qualified professionals where dry needling falls within their legal and professional scope of practice.
What you will learn
Course content
Explore the development and behaviour of myofascial trigger points, their potential relationship with pain and movement dysfunction, and the clinical principles that underpin trigger point dry needling.
Presented by Paul Townley MSc PTDevelop a structured approach to case history, physical assessment and palpation. Learn how tissue response, symptom behaviour and clinical findings contribute to responsible patient selection and treatment planning.
Presented by Paul Townley MSc PTExamine essential precautions, contraindications, anatomical risks, hygiene considerations and professional responsibilities associated with dry needling practice.
Presented by Paul Townley MSc PTConnect assessment findings with appropriate clinical decisions. Learn foundational handling, positioning and introductory needling approaches while maintaining a clear emphasis on safety and informed professional judgement.
Presented by Paul Townley MSc PTFollow step-by-step video demonstrations covering the major muscle groups. Tutorials reinforce anatomy, palpation, positioning, needle direction, depth awareness and relevant safety considerations.
Presented by Paul Townley MSc PTWhat is included?
Dry needling regulation varies significantly by profession and location. Completing this online course does not independently confer a legal right to perform dry needling. Before enrolling or applying any technique, confirm the current requirements with your licensing board, professional association, employer or regulatory authority.
This course provides continuing professional education and does not replace any supervised practical training, professional qualification, licence or jurisdiction-specific requirement that may apply where you practise.
Your presenter
Neuromusculoskeletal physiotherapy
Paul Townley is an experienced neuromusculoskeletal physiotherapist and educator with more than 20 years of clinical experience in musculoskeletal rehabilitation, manual therapy, dry needling and elite-sport consultancy.
He holds a master’s degree in Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine and maintains professional memberships with the Manipulative Association of Chartered Physiotherapists and the International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists. He has also worked as an extended-scope practitioner and university lecturer.
Paul’s teaching combines detailed anatomy and practical instruction with a strong emphasis on assessment, clinical reasoning, patient selection and safe professional practice.
