Musculoskeletal Archives - Ontario Physiotherapy Association

Elevate Dry Needling Level 1: Foundations

Master the art. Understand the science. Elevate your practice.

Ready to integrate dry needling into your clinical toolbox with confidence, precision, and clinical clarity?

Elevate Dry Needling Level I: Foundations is a 2-day intensive course designed to build true competency — not just technical skill, but deep clinical reasoning behind why, when, and where to needle.

Elevate Dry Needling Level I is the first of two comprehensive courses designed to develop confident, clinically sound dry needling practitioners. Level I establishes the foundation — technical precision, uncompromising safety, and a strong clinical reasoning framework grounded in neuromuscular assessment rather than memorized protocols.

Level II: Advanced builds on this base by progressing into more anatomically complex regions, advanced integration strategies, and nuanced clinical presentations, while maintaining the same high safety standards.

Together, the two levels provide a clear pathway from foundational skill to advanced clinical application — equipping you with the depth, confidence, and reasoning to integrate dry needling at the highest level of patient care.

This course blends:
✔️ Technical precision
✔️ Neuro-muscular assessment frameworks
✔️ Evidence-informed clinical reasoning
✔️ Uncompromising safety standards

What You’ll Learn

Elevate Dry Needling Level I is a highly hands-on, clinically focused course designed to build real-world competence and confidence. Participants spend the majority of the weekend practicing assessment, anatomical landmarking, and precise needling techniques under close instructor supervision. You can expect to learn:

Safe and effective dry needling application across
- Upper extremity
- Lower extremity
- Cervical spine
- Lumbar spine
  (Thoracic spine covered in Level II: Advanced)
Detailed anatomy with clinically relevant landmarks
Indications, precautions, and contraindications
The clinical reasoning of how to determine when to needle — and when not to
Integration of Intramuscular Electrical Stimulation (IMS/e-stim) as a powerful adjunct
Practical application guided by current research

Why Choose Elevate?

Our Lead Instructors have extensive experience teaching dry needling across North America at both foundational and advanced levels. We don’t just teach needle insertion — we teach:

Clinical decision-making
Neuromuscular assessment integration
Clinical application and up-to-date evidence are woven throughout the entire weekend
Safety as the non-negotiable foundation of practice

Above all, we are committed to clinical effectiveness and the highest possible teaching quality!

Course Details: Elevate Dry Needling Level 1: Foundations

Lead Instructor:
Slav Feldman MScPT, MClSc(MT), FCAMPT, ACPAC

Dates: Nov 14-15, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (both days)

Location: CBI Markham Copper Creek: 110 Copper Creek Dr Suite 101, Markham, ON L6B 0P9

Examination: Written theoretical and practical competency evaluation included

What’s Included

✔️ Full-colour comprehensive manual (anatomy-directed needling + safety guidelines)

✔️ Lunch, snacks, and coffee both days

✔️ Lifetime access to:

- HD dry needling videos for all muscles taught

Elevate Dry Needling Level 1: Foundations is a highly practical, hands-on clinical course designed to build your confidence from day one.

You can expect:

Plenty of Hands-On Time: We emphasize maximum amount of time practising the skill of dry needling.

Learn by Doing: Expect heavy hands-on practice, high repetition, and real-time feedback from instructors.

Ready for Monday: You’ll build the muscle memory and confidence to safely treat patients right away.

If you’re ready to add a powerful, evidence-informed tool to your clinical practice — and apply it with clarity, confidence, and safety — this course is for you.

Register and learn more:
www.elevatedryneedling.com

Dizziness Decoded — Part 1: BPPV, BVL & UVL Assessment and Treatment

Part 1 of the Dizziness Decoded Series — also a complete stand-alone course.

Build clinical confidence with the vestibular patients you see most often. This hands-on, 2-day course is designed for physiotherapists who want to assess and treat dizziness with clarity, structure, and skill.

What Part 1 covers — BPPV, BVL & UVL:

Part 1 focuses on the three vestibular presentations clinicians encounter most frequently in practice. You’ll leave able to differentially assess and confidently treat:

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) — posterior, lateral, and anterior canal
Bilateral Vestibular Loss (BVL)
Unilateral Vestibular Loss (UVL)

You’ll learn:

Comprehensive vestibular history-taking and red-flag screening
Hands-on assessment: Dix-Hallpike, head impulse test, oculomotor screening, etc
Repositioning maneuvers for every canal variant of BPPV
Treatment progressions for BVL and UVL — what works, what doesn’t, and why
Clinical decision frameworks for when to treat, and when to refer out

About the instructor:

Roopali Neemuchwala, PT, FCAMPT, is a Canadian physiotherapist with 25+ years of clinical experience and over 4,000 vestibular patients treated. She holds her FCAMPT designation and is certified in vestibular rehabilitation through Emory University — one of the most rigorous vestibular programs in North America.

Stand-alone or part of a series — your choice:

Part 1 is a complete course on its own. It’s also the foundation of the four-part Dizziness Decoded series:

Part 1 — BPPV, BVL & UVL (this course)
Part 2 — Differential Diagnosis (Aug 15–16, 2026)
Part 3 — Cervicogenic & Post-Concussion VRT (Nov 4–5, 2026)
Part 4 — Clinical Management (Jan 16–17, 2027)

Take Part 1 alone, take any combination, or bundle the full series for $1,999 CAD (save $301).

Format: 2 days, in-person, hands-on. Cohorts capped at 12 clinicians for direct instruction and practice time. Held at Progressive Rehab in Brampton, ON.

Date: October 3–4, 2026

Cost: $575 CAD (Part 1 only) | $1,999 CAD (full 4-part series)

Learn more and register: rehabacademy.ca/courses/p1-mastering-bppv

Bowen Therapy Techniques – 101

Bowen therapy originated in Australia and has been utilized worldwide for over 50 years to address difficult cases of sciatica, back pain, frozen shoulder, knee issues, sports injuries, trigeminal neuraliga and more. The gentle application of these techniques makes them appropriate for all ages and stages of health. Benefit from years of clinical knowledge to ensure mastery of the techniques and quicker client resolutions.

Advanced Clinical Practice in TMJ and Headache Disorders

Level UP Your Practice with the Advanced Clinical Practice in TMJ and Headache Disorders

This course is designed for Physiotherapists seeking a deeper understanding of orofacial pain, TMD, and headaches, and aiming to expand their clinical toolbox with evidence-based and hands-on techniques

Expand your practice by building referral relationships with dentists, physicians, and maxillofacial surgeons – positioning yourself as a go-to provider in this underserved niche.

What you will learn upon completion of the TMD Course:

Participants will learn how to perform a detailed TMJ and headache evaluation, developing individualized treatment strategies using manual therapy, neuromuscular re-education, soft tissue techniques, and exercise prescription.

What you will get at the end of the TMD Course:

A certificate of completion
You will be able to use the designation “CTMD” (Certified TMD Practitioner) under your title.
You will have a free lifetime listing on our website for patients, insurance companies, physicians and employers to verify and find you and your current place of practice.
CTMD Merchandise

Prerequisites: Registration with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario

In-Person Learning:

1 Intensive Weekend In Person: 20 hours total

Fee: $695.00 plus HST

Course Location:

Lifemark Physiotherapy Wortley Village,

190 Wortley Rd, Suite 207, London ON N6C 4Y7

Course Dates:

11, 12 July, 2026

Instructor:

Ashish Vora, PT, BPT, FCAMPT, CFIMS, CGIMS, MClSc (Adv. Practice)

2023 CPA Mentorship Award Recipient,

Adjunct Lecturer, Department of Physical Therapy, UofT.

Anatomy Refresher

Presented by the London District of OPA

In partnership with Western University we are offering an opportunity to attend a 4 hour workshop in the anatomy cadaver lab to refresh your anatomy knowledge.

The workshop will take place on Western Campus on June 19 from 12-4pm. It will be guided as well as have time for self-directed learning.

This is the first time this anatomy lab has been opened to the community and we are thrilled to share this experience with you!

Instructors

Dorota Klubowicz

Dorota Klubowicz is a physiotherapist and owner of St. Marys Physiotherapy Rehabilitation Clinic with a special interest in women’s health, education, and mild traumatic brain injury. She co-leads the Virtual Concussion Program, a fully funded initiative supporting individuals with mild traumatic brain injuries, and is working on developing a new brain injury program for women survivors of domestic violence. In addition to working on completing her PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences, focusing on women’s health and pain, Dorota actively contributes to her community as VP of Finance for the Ontario Physiotherapy Association’s London District and as a board member for the St. Marys Wellness Center.

Tina Ziebart

Tina Ziebart is an Assistant Professor at Western University in the School of Physical Therapy. She is also a physiotherapist. Tina has built her career around teaching exercise to people with osteoporosis, both through research and clinically. Dr. Ziebart’s research program is looking to further understand the benefits of exercise in people with osteoporosis, exercise adherence in older adults, and the influence of disuse in special populations on the bones.

Cost

The London District of OPA is generously covering half of the cost to access this learning opportunity.

$60+HST for OPA members

$75+HST for non-members

Registration deadline is June 15. There are limited spots available. There will be a waitlist to ensure all the spots are filled by June 19.

Register Today!

OPA Members: Login prior to registering for member pricing.

Non-Internal Introductory Pelvic Health Course

Participants who register for this course have the option to attend the course live-online and/or watch the recording later. The recording will be available to all registrants for a 6-week period and access is provided on the next business day following the course. This allows participants who may not be able to attend live-online to still benefit from the course content.

To Kegel or Not: That is the Question!!

Pelvic floor problems are prevalent in more than 2/3 of women with LBP/PGP, and 1/3 of men with LBP

Is this an important fact affecting your outcomes for chronic LBP?

Course Description

Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) can include increased tone and decreased tone muscle problems. It is not all about Kegels! How can you tell if your patient is over-recruiting their pelvic floor if you cannot do an internal exam? Not all clinicians want to perform this type of exam, or it may not be in your scope of practice. Learn what the evidence says about linking pelvic floor dysfunction to chronic low back pain, pelvic girdle pain, and hip pain, and learn what you can do about it in your practice. Help your patients to regain control of these important muscles! Sexual function and bladder/bowel function are arguably some of the most important activities of daily living that your patients need to recover. Don’t let your discomfort be the barrier to your patient’s recovery; we will make it fun and non-threatening!

Support resources are included in the cost of this course.

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

Understand the relevance of Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) when treating orthopaedic conditions- specifically LBP, SIJ dysfunction, PGP, and hip pain
Learn basic anatomy of the pelvic floor musculature and physiology of the lower urinary tract system (LUTS)
Understand pelvic floor conditions as they relate to a weak pelvic floor and an overactive pelvic floor
Learn how to ask patients important questions about sexual function
Learn non-internal management strategies for pelvic floor retraining
Create an individualized exercise program and progression for clients with increased or decreased pelvic floor tone
Use behavioural techniques to help retrain a variety of dysfunctions of the urinary and bowel system
Practice externally driven techniques for assessing and treating pelvic floor dysfunction
Understand when to refer to a specially trained physiotherapist for incontinence, prolapse, and pelvic pain

Audience: This course is open to all healthcare and wellness professionals.

Prerequisite: None

Date/Time: June 14, 2026, from 10:30am-6:30pm ET (Toronto). Please convert to your local time zone.

Rehabilitative Ultrasound Imaging for Pelvic Health

Course Description:

Ultrasound imaging allows for valid, reliable, efficient and non-invasive measurement of motor control deficits of the deep stabilizing muscles that are associated with neuromusculoskeletal disorders in the Lumbopelvic region. The ability to qualitatively assess motor control as well as visually train muscle function has been shown to lead to improved clinical decision-making and patient performance.

Participants in this one-day remote course will be instructed in the basic science and clinical evidence for the use of rehabilitative ultrasound imaging (RUSI) for addressing lumbopelvic dysfunction. We will explore the relevant anatomy, landmarks, and ultrasound probe technique required for evaluation of tissue morphology, motor control behaviors, as well as motor pattern training for the anterior and lateral abdominal wall, pelvic floor, and lumbar multifidus. The pelvic floor, bladder and midline contents of the pelvis will be addressed in two ways including transabdominal and transperineal approach for male and female patients. This course offers live lectures followed by live-model demonstrations providing interaction, questions, and real-time observation of RUSI. Participants must have a solid grasp of pelvic floor function and rehabilitation of the muscles of local control, prior ultrasound experience or equipment is not required.

Goals and Objectives

Understand current clinical applications of rehabilitative ultrasound imaging (RUSI) in the scope of physical therapy
Understand basic imaging principles and terminology
Understand how RUSI can be utilized for evaluation of aberrant motor control strategies
Understand the basic science and equipment required to perform rehabilitative ultrasound imaging
Be able to Identify relevant sonographic landmarks for the abdominal wall, pelvic floor, bladder and lumbar multifidus on an ultrasound image
Understand how RUSI can contribute to clinical decision making to improve the management of patients with a variety of lumbopelvic dysfunctions

Audience: This course is open to registered health professionals for whom the use of ultrasound techniques are within the scope of practice.

Prerequisite: Good working knowledge of the muscles of local control. Access to ultrasound equipment OR experience with ultrasound is not required.

Date/Time: June 28, 2026, from 10:00am – 7:30pm ET (Toronto). Please convert to your local time zone.

Level 1: The Physical Therapy Approach For Anyone Experiencing Urinary Incontinence – Hybrid (Live-Online/In-Person)

Two-part format course:

The lecture component of the course will take place live-online July 3-4, 2026, from 10:30am to 7:00pm ET (Toronto). By attending live, you’ll be able to harness the benefits of live discussions, timely feedback, and a collaborative environment.

In-Person Labs – to be completed in-person on July 5, 2026, at various set locations. Attendance of both sessions (lecture and practical) is mandatory.

Course Description:

This comprehensive course focuses on the assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of adults experiencing incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. Designed for physiotherapists and other health professionals seeking to expand their knowledge in pelvic health, this course will equip participants with Level 1, Grade A evidence-based strategies to properly rehabilitate the pelvic floor. The course will help participants gain skills, beyond teaching externally driven pelvic floor exercises, to help enhance client outcomes.

This 3-day course is designed to evaluate the pelvic floor by learning specific examination and treatment techniques for these conditions, including vaginal and anal palpation. This course begins with two-days of live-online online lecture, featuring comprehensive videos of all techniques, followed by an in-person practical session (practical locations available are listed above).

Support resources, including assessment forms and patient handouts are included in the course cost.

Through completion of this course, participants will:

Acquire knowledge of anatomy and physiology of micturition, as well as pertinent pathologies for the different types of incontinence (stress, urge, mixed)
Acquire knowledge of the different types of pelvic organ prolapse (cystocele, rectocele, uterine/vaginal vault prolapse)
Acquire knowledge of the urodynamic and urological investigation procedures, as well as medical and surgical treatments for urinary incontinence and prolapse
Become familiar with the proper terminology used in assessment and treatment of the pelvic floor; learn to differentiate the difference between increased and decreased pelvic floor muscle tone
Incorporate informed consent, trauma-informed care, and a culturally sensitive approach into all patient interventions
Discuss proper infection control techniques involved in pelvic floor muscle evaluation
Incorporate outcome measures for various conditions
Discuss precautions and contraindications for specific modalities
Perform an evaluation of the pelvic floor vaginally and rectally
Establish appropriate patient centered goals and develop an evidence-based treatment plan and its progression for the management of incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse
Gain skills in a variety of treatment techniques, including patient education, pelvic floor exercises, functional training, biofeedback, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, manual therapy, behavioural interventions, and lifestyle modifications
Recognize the need for medical consultation and referral for conditions and presentations outside of your scope of practice
Integrate these learnt concepts with the use of case studies
All content covered will be immediately applicable in clinical practice

Join us for an immersive learning experience that will empower you to provide effective interventions for individuals dealing with incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse, ultimately enhancing their quality of life and overall well-being.

During the practical session, attendees will work in small groups, taking on roles as both the clinician and patient. With an excellent ratio of lab assistants to participants, attendees will receive guidance throughout the trauma informed practical portion in a safe and supportive environment. Lab assistants will be available to answer questions and ensure a supportive learning environment.

If you are unable or uncomfortable acting as a patient model for any reason, you are required to bring someone (such as a friend, family member, or colleague) to practice on, as there is no guarantee that another participant will volunteer to act as a model more than once. Please notify info@pelvichealthsolutions.ca if you will be bringing someone to practice on.

Audience: This course is open to physiotherapists, physiotherapy students, naturopathic doctors, naturopathic students, registered nurses, midwives and medical doctors. Labs include internal palpation.

Prerequisites: None – beginner level course

University of Alberta Faculty of Rehab Medicine Online Micro-Courses

Elevate your practice this Fall with the University of Alberta Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine. Starting September 2026, we are offering a wide selection of specialized 6-week online micro-courses designed for the busy clinician.

New for Fall 2026:

Introduction to Dry Needling in Rehab Practice

Expand Your Expertise In:

Vestibular & Concussion Management
Neurorehabilitation
Women’s Pelvic Health
Chronic Pain Management
Spinal Cord Injury Management
Common Conditions in Pediatric Rehab … and more!

Advance your career with flexible, evidence-based learning from a leader in rehabilitation education.

Learn More & Register: uab.ca/pd

Questions? Contact us at frmcpe@ualberta.ca

APTEI: Temporo-Mandibular Disorders (TMD)

This 1-day course will enable you to gain a practical knowledge of the possible anatomical factors leading to TMJ pain & dysfunctions.

The course will review basic TMJ evaluation and effective muscular retraining exercises & manual therapy.

An important note regarding the TMJ all Physical Therapists need to be aware of:

Many dentists & physicians are in need of referring their patients with persistent headaches, earaches, and facial pains related to the TMJ to other health care professionals; however they are unaware that some PTs can effectively evaluate and treat the TMJ.

There are great opportunities for PTs to assist their local dentists and help many individuals who suffer from persistent and disabling TMJ conditions. Management includes education on condition, highly effective home exercise programs and gentle mobilizations.

Please view these 2 short videos prior to the course.