Learn the Goal Orient Classification System to effectively screen and select patients who would benefit from manipulation in the Cervical Thoracic region

The focus of this course is to help understand how to classify patients with cervical/ thoracic pain into different categories to guide treatment- stop using the same exercises for every patient with neck pain. Physiotherapists will be able to understand and use the Goal Oriented Classification System for guiding treatment.

In-person 2 day course PLUS online pre-course learning.

This two-part course will review the theoretical knowledge and background learning related to manual therapy and manipulation of the cervical and thoracic spine with a 4- week on-line distance-learning program. The focus of the on-line courses are safety and theoretical preparation for the practical component. Then the participant will attend a practical, in-person course that will help them gain psycho-motor skill competency in the practice of manipulation of the cervical and thoracic spine. This course contains content that addresses the requirements (theory, practice and final evaluation) that enable participants to SEEK authorization for the spinal manipulation roster in Ontario, Saskatchewan and Alberta.

The on-line course consists of 9 audio-power point presentations which include:

1. Vascular Risk in Cervical Manipulation and Treatment
2. Red Flags for Cervical Manipulation and Treatment
3. Introduction to Manipulation and Proposed Effects of Manipulation
4. Manipulation of the Cervical and Thoracic Spine- Efficacy
5. Cervical and Thoracic Manipulation- The Process
6. Yellow Flag Screening
7. Introduction to the Treatment-Based Classification (TBC) System of the Cervical Spine
8. Legislative Requirements for Manipulation
9. Anatomy and Pathology in the Cervical and Thoracic Spine

In-person Learning: Will focus on the clinical reasoning and motor learning required to effectively integrate manual physical therapy examination and intervention techniques into the clinical management of these individuals. Safety and screening for appropriate candidates to discuss manipulation as an option are reviewed in detail. The evidence-based assessment of the cervical/thoracic region will be illustrated and practiced by participants to help classify patients into a treatment based category. The four categories include Mobility, Directional Preference, Exercise/Endurance and Pain Control.

The focus of the course will be on effective and safe assessment of patients to identify those patients who would most likely benefit from manipulation. Participants will have the opportunity to practice Cervical/Thoracic area manipulations including supine, side-lying and seated techniques. The techniques covered include but are not restricted to the manipulations listed above. Once students have been guided in the refinement of the motor strategies for manipulation, they will be asked to demonstrate competency for each manipulation covered in the course prior to having their skills checklist marked as competent. Audio-visual, demonstration, instructor guided application, peer-review feed-back and case studies will be employed to promote learning prior to assessment of competency.

This course will provide 14 hours of direct contact teaching related to the skill acquisition of manipulation.

The focus of this course is to help understand how to classify patients with lumbar / thoracic pain into different categories to guide treatment- stop using the same exercises for every patient with neck pain. Physiotherapists will be able to understand and use the Goal Oriented Classification System for guiding treatment.

2 day in-person with pre-course online modules

Lumbar Sacral Manipulation and Management

This course contains content that addresses the requirements (theory, practice and final evaluation) that have allowed Physiotherapists to apply to roster in Ontario, Alberta and Saskatchewan- This course will cover the material you need to effectively screen and select patients eligible for manipulation in the Lumbar Sacral region and you will be taught how to effectively deliver manipulation in this area. You will be using the “reversed classroom” to participate in this course. First, you will learn the theory on-line, at home at your own pace. Second, you will come to a weekend intensive course where 80% of your learning will be hands on so that you DO NOT have to listen to theory, you can practice the techniques you will use Monday morning.

You will be given access to 8 on-line units that will cover the theory and background necessary to safely and effectively utilize manipulation. These units will include:

1. An Introduction to Manipulation
2. The Risks Associated with Manipulation
3. Discussion of the Application of Manipulation
4. Chronic Pain Management in the Lumbar/Pelvic Region
5. Management of Hypermobility
6. The SIJ
7. Overview of Objective Exam Screen Tests
8. Discussion of the Legislation, Rostering and Informed Consent related to Lumbar/Sacral Manipulation

There will be quizzes to assess your knowledge acquisition following every two or three units.

An additional 2 units on anatomy and pathology are included as well.

Following completion of the on-line module, participants will attend a two-day weekend intensive course. On this course, screening and assessment of the lumbar/sacral region will be reviewed. The evidence-based assessment of the lumbar/sacral region will be illustrated and practiced by participants to help classify patients into a Goal Oriented Category. These categories include Directional Preference, Stabilization (hypermobility), Chronic Pain and Manipulation.

The focus of the course will be on effective and safe assessment of patients to identify those patients who would most likely benefit from manipulation. Participants will have the opportunity to practice lumbar/sacral area manipulations including supine, side-lying and prone techniques. The techniques covered include but are not restricted to the lumbar side-lying gap manipulation, the Chicago technique and Sacral manipulations. Once students have been guided in the refinement of the motor strategies for manipulation, they will be asked to demonstrate competency for each manipulation covered in the course prior to having their skills checklist marked as competent. Audio-visual, demonstration, instructor guided application, peer-review feed-back and case studies will be employed to promote learning prior to assessment of competency.

This course will provide 14 hours of direct contact teaching related to the skill acquisition of manipulation.

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: Dec 5-6, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST (both days)

Location:
Anatomy Physiotherapy Stittsville – 5703 Hazeldean Rd #3, Stittsville, ON K2S 0P8

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