Advanced Triggerpoint Needling Workshop

Advanced healing with expert techniques!

Our advanced dry needling workshop is specifically tailored for certified practitioners who have completed a formal course in dry needling and is designed to provide in-depth training and practical experience to take your skills to the next level.

Why our myofascial dry needling course?

Our NTC advanced dry needling workshop is a professional development opportunity specifically designed for practitioners who have already completed the National Qualification in Myofascial Trigger Point Needling. This workshop offers a platform for practitioners to receive a detailed critique and review of their needling techniques from experienced professionals.

Through interactive discussions and question sessions, participants can engage in a clinically driven exchange of ideas, learn from each other’s experiences, and gain valuable insights. This workshop provides an ideal setting to discuss complex cases and explore advanced needling techniques that are currently practiced in the field.

By participating in this workshop, practitioners can refine their needling skills, expand their clinical knowledge, and achieve superior patient outcomes. Overall, this workshop is an excellent opportunity for certified practitioners to enhance their professional expertise and keep up with the latest trends in myofascial trigger point needling.

success stories

What our graduates say!

Some of the many unsolicited testimonials we have received from graduates of the NTC's courses

Steve Kirby

I have been in the Sports Massage and the treatment of occupational and sporting injuries profession for 26 years and have attended many courses to gain the necessary qualifications to give my very best to those in my care. I had read a book written by John Sharkey which was well written, extremely informative and an excellent reference source. I subsequently had the pleasure of meeting John and went on to register for a Neuromuscular Therapy programme. It is an excellent course with lectures of the highest standard delivering essential information and first-rate techniques. Applying them in clinical practice I have seen very positive outcomes in patients of all ages. I highly recommend NTC for all therapists at any stage in their career. You will not be disappointed.

Steve Kirby
Neuromuscular Therapy Graduate

Thanks once again for an inspiring and enlightening weekend (although my wife’s upper trapezius muscles may disagree!). Learnt loads and I am very excited about the future of my practice. Although already incredibly busy I find treating people with pain much more interesting and fulfilling than a runner with a tweaked calf. The education you have given me is truly going to develop me as a practitioner in such a dramatic way. Thanks, John. Sad the course is coming to an end but will thoroughly recommend to others and will look to do the Masters in the future.

Rob Date
Neuromuscular Therapy Graduate
Alan Devine

Can I pass on my sincerest gratitude to all the staff at NTC ? Once again you all have delivered another professional and enjoyable course that ensures a qualification that is recognised and accepted with high regard within the industry.

Alan Devine
Neuromuscular Therapy Graduate
Colin Cassidy

In April 2012 I completed the Certificate level Neuromuscular Therapy course. Since I completed the course I have had massive success and progression. I had several private clients that I attained from advertising in the gym that I was working in, and also worked on a referral basis with physiotherapist David Gardiner owner of Physiotherapyworks in Naas Co.Kildare. In August 2012 I moved to Perth, Australia where I have enjoyed even more success. I spent 8 months working at Subiaco Sports Massage and while working in this clinic I had the privilege of treating several Olympic athletes including Sir Chris Hoy of the GB cycling team and also Western Force rugby team of the super 15s competition. I really enjoyed my time at the NTC – we really had a great group and we all keep in touch.

Colin Cassidy
Neuromuscular Therapy Graduate

My experience at NTC was an enjoyable and positive one. This is where I realised my interest in Anatomy, Physiology and caring for people and is the main reason I’ve decided to go back to studying Nursing. I met some fantastic people during my time at NTC and what I learned has played a huge part in me getting a place on Nursing studies. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff and tutors for guiding me to where I am now.

Eamonn Maher
Neuromuscular Therapy Graduate
Amanda June

I’ve frequently found myself enamored by the anatomy of the human body, and have always held a desire to enter into a field of manual therapies. The NMT course has brought me to the beginning of a journey that embodies both. Beyond the comprehensive materials delivered within the course, I’ve also found that it has brought me to a community that shares in a wide breath of resources and abilities to assist in the betterment and wellness practices of life. I am so grateful for my experience with the National Training Centre; to all the staff and tutors who always made themselves readily available, for all their guidance, their rich knowledge and aptitude to help develop myself and the other students into qualified NMTs. With deep gratitude for Larry, Chris, John, Michelle and Kevin; you have all impacted my world in such a meaningful way.

Amanda June
Holistic Massage Graduate
All you need to know

Full Details for the Advanced Triggerpoint Needling workshop.

(Remember there's even more info in the FAQ section below)

SYLLABUS

The practical session for this advanced dry needling workshop will include muscles that are often the culprits or major pain contributors to conditions such as:

  • Headache
  • Toothache
  • TMJD
  • Facet dysfunction
  • Low back and pelvic pain
  • Elbow/Shoulder pathologies
  • Carpal and tarsal tunnel syndromes
  • Knee, hip, plantar and pedal pain
  • Compartment syndromes
  • Pelvic floor pain
  • Review of NTC dry needling principles, standards and guidelines
  • Discussion of advanced clinical applications and case studies
  • Participant driven clinical discussion
  • Current research review and discussion
  • Review and critique of dry needling techniques
  • Advanced skills specific to the following regions:
    • Sub-occipital
    • Pelvic
    • Facial muscles
    • Muscles of mastication
    • Para-spinal
    • Hands
    • Feet
  • Demonstrations and further practical in response to group requests

FEES

The cost of participation on this Advanced Myofascial Trigger Point Needling workshop is €495.00. An earlybird discounted rate of €395.00 is available for registrations received at least one calendar month prior to workshop date. There is an additional 10% discount off the workshop cost for ANMT members – www.anmt.ie

Full payment is required to book a place.

ELIGIBILITY

This workshop is exclusively open to all graduates of the National Qualification in Myofascial Triggerpoint Needling course who have a minimum of 3 months experience in myofascial dry needling application.

Due to the potential for serious injury when dry needling is incorrectly administered, and as no other trigger point needling course has been submitted for CPD approval to NTC we are not in a position to assess the ability, or lack thereof, of graduates of other courses as tutors and content are unknown to NTC. Therefore all participants must hold the National Qualification in Trigger Point Needling from the National Training Centre.

All participants are expected to participate in the hands-on portion of the workshop.

Locations, Schedule and Booking

Information about schedules, locations and start dates for the course

Good Availability

DUBLIN

National Training Centre, Dublin 7

One Weekend

JUNE 14th 2025

Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 5pm
June 14th & 15th 2025
Please note that although unlikely, dates may be subject to change

Meet The Team

Only fully qualified tutors deliver the Advanced Triggerpoint Needling workshop with each having extensive expertise in their individual field.

John Sharkey
John Sharkey, MSc
John Sharkey

John Sharkey, MSc

John Sharkey is a well-known international educator, author, and expert in various fields such as Clinical Anatomy, Exercise Physiology, human movement, and manual treatment of chronic pain using European Neuromuscular Therapy. He is a graduate of the University of Dundee, University of Liverpool, and University of Chester, completing both undergraduate and post-graduate studies in Exercise Physiology and Clinical Anatomy. He also holds a post-graduate certificate in education.

John is a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Life Sciences at the University of Chester/NTC, Dublin. Additionally, he serves as the programme leader for the highly acclaimed series of Human Anatomy Dissection programmes , delivered past, present and future at King’s College London (England), The University of Dundee (Scotland), The Ohio State University (USA), Trecchi Human Academy (Italy) and The University of Witwatersrand School of Anatomical Sciences (South Africa). These courses are delivered teaching the geometry of anatomy and movement from the unique perspective of Biotensegrity-Anatomy for the 21st Century. His presentations are informative, entertaining, respectful, and insightful.

John is a proponent of the “Biotensegrity-Anatomy for the 21st century” model, which incorporates the groundbreaking work of his mentor, Dr. Stephen Levin MD. John is recognised as one of the foremost experts in the world on fascia and Biotensegrity. He specialises in teaching European Neuromuscular Therapy using living anatomy to address chronic pain conditions. Furthermore, he serves on the editorial board of professional journals such as the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies (JBMT) and the International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine.

Cristopher Alejandro, MSc.

Cristopher Alejandro, MSc.

Cristopher’s journey to becoming a Physiotherapist began in the Philippines, where he pursued his undergraduate degree. After completing his studies, he began working at a rehabilitation center, where he gained valuable experience working with patients with a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. His passion for helping people heal and achieve optimal physical function led him to pursue further education.

Over the years, Christopher has become an expert in his field, and his area of speciality in myofascial triggerpoint dry needling has become a sought-after technique by many. This is a technique that involves the insertion of thin needles into trigger points within the body’s muscles to alleviate pain and promote healing. With years of experience and a deep understanding of the human body, Christopher is skilled at identifying trigger points within the muscles and applying the appropriate techniques to promote healing.

As a teacher, Christopher has been involved in several NTC bodywork educational programs, sharing his expertise and knowledge with students. His unique approach to teaching has helped to shape the way course content is taught, and his students benefit from his practical approach to learning. He is passionate about teaching and empowering students to help their patients achieve optimal health and wellness.

In addition to his teaching work, Christopher also runs a private practice where he provides treatment for a variety of conditions, including chronic pain, sports injuries, and post-surgical rehabilitation. He takes a holistic approach to treatment, considering the whole person and tailoring his approach to meet the individual needs of his patients.

Christopher’s dedication to his work and his passion for helping people heal has made him a highly respected member of the healthcare community. Through his expertise in myofascial triggerpoint dry needling and his commitment to teaching, he has made a significant contribution to the field, and he continues to inspire and help others every day.

Answers at your fingertips

Frequently Asked Questions

The National Training Centre have been delivering respected educational programmes since 1985 and during that time we have had many questions asked by potential students before registration. Here you can find the answers to the questions we receive most often.

Still have questions?

Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Contact us!

Yes. Due to the potential for serious injury when dry needling is incorrectly administered, and as no other trigger point needling course has been submitted for CPD approval to NTC, this workshop has been designed exclusively for all practitioners that have completed the National Qualification in Myofascial Trigger Point Needling.

The Advanced Myofascial Triggerpoint Dry Needling workshop is delivered at the National Training Centre in Dublin.

The National Training Centre’s code of ethics requires that all NTC graduates who are actively working with the public, hold a professional indemnity insurance policy which covers them against legal action taken by a client as a result of an injury which was received by following the graduate’s professional advice. Graduates who are working on private premises may also need to hold public liability insurance if such cover is not held by the owners of the premises.

The National Training Centre have a customised insurance scheme with discounted rates available exclusively to those who have qualified with NTC. The policy is one of the broadest available including many important features that other policies may not offer.

The policy has been arranged through Balens Ltd and the insurer for the scheme is the Zurich and DAS Legal Expenses.

Balens are a very well established, fourth generation family-run business dedicated to looking after health professionals. They are built on solid roots going back to 1950 and are pioneers in the development of top quality cover for all types of health professionals with special rates and industry leading cover that has been developing and improving over 22 years in this speciality.

The scheme will cover thousands of other therapies/activities you may require cover for and many at no extra premium subject to suitable qualification held.

Some of the features covered in the policy consist of Medical Malpractice, Professional Indemnity, Public Liability, Product Liability, Loss of Reputation, Breach of Intellectual Property, Client Confidentiality Protection, Loss of Documents cover, First Aid cover as well as Good Samaritan Acts.

The indemnity limit is €4,000,000 per claim for the Republic of Ireland.

Unlike some other policies on the market, an unlimited number of claims may be made for any year and unlimited legal defence costs are also included.

Also included, at no extra charge, is retroactive cover to pick up any previous insured work.

Temporary cover abroad (excluding USA/Canada which is available on request) is available with no time restrictions and at no additional premium as long as you are a UK/Ireland resident.

If you cease to practice Balens include unlimited run off cover which means the policy will always be in place if a claim was made after you stop the policy running and this is also free of charge.

For further information or proposal form, please contact Balens directly on 00441684 580771 or e-mail- info@balens.co.uk

Still have questions?

Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Contact us!

ONSITE LESSONS
Practical classes take place either at NTC or SPORTSCO, Ringsend, Dublin 4
Saturday from 10:30am to 1pm and 2pm to 4:30pm

July 2025 –  26th♦
August 2025 – 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th
September 2025 – 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th
October 2025 – 4th, 11th, 18th♦, 25th
November 2025 – 1st, 8th♦, 15th, 22nd, 29th, 30th
December 2025 – 6th & 7th
Examinations and/or class will start at 9:30am on dates indicated with ♦

ONLINE LESSONS
Tuesday and Thursday Evenings from 7pm to 9pm
(Recordings available afterwards)

July 2025 –  29th, 31st
August 2025 –  5th, 7th, 12th, 14th, 19th, 21st, 26th, 28th
September 2025 –  2nd, 4th, 9th, 11th, 16th, 18th, 23rd, 25th, 30th
October 2025 –  2nd, 7th, 9th, 14th, 16th, 21st, 23rd

OPTIONAL FREE COURSE
National Qualification in Kettlebell Training

November 2nd, 2025 – Sunday from 10:00-17:00

PLEASE NOTE
Dates are provisional and, although unlikely, NTC reserve the right to make changes to the timetable if and when necessary
National Training Centre, Dublin
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