The College of Health Sciences (COHS), Gulf Medical University, successfully conducted a two-day Dry Needling Training Event in collaboration with Deraya Medical Academy on 12–13 September 2026 at Lab 1, Gulf Medical University. The training brought together 21 participants, including 17 Gulf Medical University students—14 Bachelor of Physiotherapy students and 3 Master of Physical Therapy students.
The specialized training was designed to enhance students’ practical knowledge and clinical skills in dry needling and advanced physiotherapy techniques. Students from Gulf Medical University were also provided with a special participation discount as part of the collaboration.
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being; SDG 4: Quality Education; SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Dry Needling Training: Hands-On Learning in Upper and Lower Limb Techniques
Day 1: September 12, 2026 – Upper Back and Upper Limb Dry Needling
The first day of the training focused primarily on upper-limb dry needling techniques, combining foundational theoretical knowledge with hands-on practical training of the upper quadrant.
The sessions commenced with an overview of the science of myofascial trigger points, including the energy crisis theory and taut band formation. Participants were introduced to the six diagnostic criteria of myofascial trigger points: tender spot, referred pain, twitch response, pain recognition, limited range of motion (ROM), and jump sign. The theoretical concepts were subsequently applied during the practical sessions.
The muscles addressed included the deltoid, upper trapezius, pectoralis major, levator scapulae, rhomboids, and sternocleidomastoid. Each muscle was needled using either a pincer or flat grip, with participants working in side-lying, prone, or supine positions and using 0.25 × 30–40 mm needles.
The training then progressed to the rotator cuff and shoulder-girdle muscles, including the infraspinatus, supraspinatus, teres major, and latissimus dorsi. Particular emphasis was placed on the pneumothorax risk zone, with participants being made aware that the lung apex is located approximately 2.5–4 cm from the skin in areas near the upper trapezius and supraspinatus.
Practical sessions involving the elbow, forearm, and hand covered the biceps and triceps brachii, brachioradialis, extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis, extensor digitorum, adductor pollicis, and abductor digiti minimi. Particular attention was given to avoiding the radial, ulnar, median, and musculocutaneous nerves, as well as the neurovascular bundle.
Safety protocols were emphasized throughout all practical laboratory stations. These included the use of sterile, single-use needles, a gloved palpation hand, proper skin disinfection, and an eight-step risk-mitigation strategy for high-risk anatomical sites.
The upper-limb dry needling training was successfully completed, providing participants with practical exposure to relevant techniques under the guidance of instructors from Deraya Medical Academy.
Day 2: September 13, 2026 – Lower Back, Lower Limb, Facial and Neck Muscles, Ultrasound and Electro Dry Needling
The second day of the training focused on lower-limb dry needling techniques and introduced participants to additional advanced clinical modalities.
The sessions shifted to the posterior chain and craniofacial region. Lumbar and gluteal techniques covered the quadratus lumborum, longissimus/iliocostalis, gluteus medius and maximus, and piriformis. Explicit attention was given to anatomical safety considerations, including the proximity of the kidneys at a depth of approximately 7–9 cm, the spinal canal at 20–40 mm, and the sciatic nerve at approximately 10–15 cm. These areas were identified as requiring particular caution and were indicated for advanced use.
Lower-limb practical sessions addressed the vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, vastus intermedius, hamstrings, adductor longus, adductor magnus, gastrocnemius, peroneus longus, tibialis anterior, tibialis posterior, and intrinsic muscles of the foot, including the quadratus plantae and abductor digiti minimi.
Each technique was accompanied by appropriate safety precautions concerning the tibial, common peroneal, and saphenous nerves, as well as the popliteal artery.
The craniofacial practical sessions covered the sub-occipital muscles, masseter, and temporalis, with particular attention to the facial nerve, superficial temporal artery, and parotid gland.
The training concluded with two advanced modalities: ultrasound-guided tendon fenestration and electro dry needling. Ultrasound-guided tendon fenestration is a percutaneous needle tenotomy technique involving repeated puncturing of degenerative tendon tissue, including areas such as the Achilles tendon, lateral elbow, and plantar fascia, with the aim of initiating a fresh inflammatory and collagen-remodelling response.
Electro dry needling involves connecting an electro-stimulation unit to inserted needles. Low-frequency/high-intensity or high-frequency/low-intensity currents may be used to prolong analgesia through endorphin and enkephalin release and descending pain inhibition. The technique is supported by evidence relating to neuromodulation and sciatic nerve stimulation for neuropathic pain.
The laboratory and equipment were prepared in advance to facilitate the practical demonstrations and hands-on training, ensuring a structured and effective learning environment throughout the programme.
Techniques Covered
The training included:
- Lower-limb muscle dry needling techniques.
- Ultrasound-guided tendon fenestration.
- Patellar tendon-guided fenestration.
- ECRB tendon percutaneous tendon electrolysis.
- Sciatic nerve electrolysis using galvanic current intramuscularly.
Student Participation and Professional Development
The training provided students with valuable opportunities to connect theoretical knowledge with supervised practical learning. Second-year MPT students Ms. Mehak Gulati and Mr. Balaabishek actively participated throughout the two-day programme and also supported the organization and coordination of the laboratory sessions.
Their responsibilities included assisting with laboratory preparation, treatment-bed arrangements, equipment requirements, housekeeping coordination, safe handling and disposal of Hazardous materials, and restoration of the laboratory following the training.
The programme strengthened participants’ understanding of contemporary physiotherapy interventions while providing exposure to clinical educators and specialized equipment used in advanced musculoskeletal practice.
Dr. Praveen Kumar , Dean of the College of Health Sciences, GMU Said “We are pleased to have facilitated this specialized Dry Needling Training in collaboration with Deraya Medical Academy. Such initiatives provide our students with valuable opportunities to complement their academic learning with practical exposure to contemporary clinical techniques. The collaboration also reflects our commitment to strengthening partnerships with professional organizations and creating meaningful opportunities for clinical learning and professional development. We appreciate Deraya Medical Academy for contributing its expertise and supporting our students in developing skills that will complement their future practice as physiotherapists.”
The successful completion of the two-day programme reflects COHS’s continued commitment to experiential learning, advanced clinical education, and strategic academic–industry collaboration, preparing students for evolving professional practices in physiotherapy and healthcare
