Acupuncture Canada’s Dry Needling Level 1

Plan now to add dry needling to your treatment toolbox, with a fall course or one in early 2026. Acupuncture Canada’s Dry Needling program is offered regularly in the Toronto area.

Dry Needling training and certification starts with Acupuncture Canada’s Dry Needling Level 1 (DN1) course. Dry Needling Level 1 presents the concepts and theories regarding myofascial trigger points and the mechanism of action of dry needling from a clinical and evidence-informed approach. A selection of common conditions will be addressed with skills applications of selected muscles. Safety guidelines are emphasized throughout.

Using the trigger point approach, Dry Needling Level 1 addresses treatment of conditions including: strain of hip flexors, rotators, piriformis syndrome, hamstring strain, Achille’s tendinitis, strain from immobilization in casts, posterior rotator cuff, ankle strain/sprain, shin splints, and knee strain.

The DN1 course starts with a 3-week online study component, including videos, narrated PPTs, quizzes and case management plans. Online study is followed by a 3-day intensive in-person component where students work in small groups with experienced instructors, to learn safe, effective needling techniques. You will be able to start simple treatment of pain problems, with an emphasis on musculoskeletal pain, within your scope of practice.

Upcoming courses will be held in Toronto:

• November 7-9, 2025 (online start date of October 17^th)
• February 6-8, 2026 (online start date of January 16^th)
• May 29-31, 2026 (online start date of May 8^th)

What do our students say?

“Pace of course facilitated learning very well – not overwhelming.”

“The one on one. Instructor/student ratio was excellent. Lots of time for practice/instruction.”

“I thought the course and instructors were great. Definitely worth it.”

Course fee: $1,499 plus tax ($1,399 for Acupuncture Canada members). ON-based physio residents can register.

For more details visit www.acupuncturecanada.org  or call 416-752-3988.

DN1 is the first of three courses in the Dry Needling Program. The Acupuncture Canada curriculum has been carefully designed to incorporate on-line learning components along with hands-on skills sessions to provide the best opportunity for students to build their knowledge and their clinical skills. DN1 is followed by Dry Needling Level 2 and Dry Needling Level 3: Advanced Techniques.