Dry Needling Lower Quarter

dry needling plantar fasciitis
dry needling knee
dry needling leg
dry needling calf

Course Details

Entry-point DN course focused on safety, anatomy, and first-principles clinical reasoning for the LQ.  

Dry Needling Lower Quarter is an introduction to dry needling. Students are introduced to the risks of DN, safety of needle handling, and anatomy review. Students apply knowledge in performing DN under the watchful eye of experts in the field. Additionally, evidence to support DN is discussed and case-based learning is utilized. 

For: PTs, OTs, ATCs. Check with your practice act regarding your state’s stance on DN. 

General schedule (individual course iterations may vary- check the schedule carefully before booking)

  • Friday 8:00 AM - 6:30 PM

  • Saturday 8:00 AM - 6:30 PM

  • Sunday 8:00 AM - 6:30 PM

CEU: 28 hours

You’ll learn how to:

  • Apply dry needling safely using anatomy-driven decision-making and clear risk-mitigation strategies

  • Select appropriate patients and muscles using test–treat–retest and clinical reasoning frameworks

  • Perform accurate palpation, needle handling, and stimulation techniques (including pistoning, coning, and e-stim integration)

  • Identify precautions, contraindications, and regional neurovascular risks in the lower quarter

  • Integrate dry needling into a broader plan of care alongside exercise, education, and manual therapy

  • Interpret and apply current evidence for dry needling across hip, knee, foot, ankle, and lumbar conditions

Discounts are available (student physical therapists, University of Utah employees, UU alumni) - contact us @ pureperformancerehab@gmail.com

Muscles instructed:

Quadriceps

  • Vastus Intermedius

  • Vastus Lateralis

  • Vastus Medialis

  • Rectus Femoris

Hamstrings

  • Semimembranosus

  • Semitendinosus

  • Biceps Femoris

Hip & Pelvis

  • Gluteus Maximus

  • Gluteus Medius

  • Gluteus Minimus

  • Piriformis

  • Tensor Fasciae Latae (TFL)

Adductors

  • Adductor Magnus

  • Adductor Longus

  • Adductor Brevis

  • Gracilis

Prerequisites: None

Lower Leg – Posterior Compartment

  • Gastrocnemius

  • Soleus

  • Tibialis Posterior

  • Flexor Digitorum Longus

  • Flexor Hallucis Longus

Lower Leg – Anterior / Lateral Compartment

  • Tibialis Anterior

  • Extensor Digitorum Longus

  • Extensor Hallucis Longus

  • Fibularis (Peroneus) Longus

Intrinsic Foot Muscles

  • Abductor Hallucis

  • Quadratus Plantae

  • Flexor Digitorum Brevis

  • Interossei (Dorsal & Plantar)

Lumbar / Trunk

  • Lumbar Multifidus

  • Superficial Erector Spinae (Iliocostalis, Longissimus)

Course Offerings

Salt Lake City

University of Utah

May 15-17, 2026

Register Here
Cancellation Policy