Lower Limb Dry Needling Melbourne (August 2026)

Lower Limb (Podiatry) Dry Needling Course (2 Days)

An introductory course for evaluation and treatment of neuromyofascial pain and dysfunction present in both the acute and chronic orthopedic population.

Robert De Nardis has put this program together based on his 30 years of clinical experience working with elite teams of all levels as well as establishing the Melbourne Whiplash Centre. Robert brings this clinical experience, with the most relevant research and combines it with the world’s most effective Dry Needling models to form the GEMt approach.

This course carries two significant guarantees:

1. It will change the way you view the human body and
2. If you are already a needler it will take your needling skills to the next level.

Instruction will include evaluation and application of dry needling of neuromyofascial trigger points for musculature which is considered appropriate at the introductory level of training.

Online learning commences as soon as you register. After successful completion of online modules, this two-day course consists of a combination of lecture and theory, regional anatomy review, needle demonstration followed by a large amount of hands-on supervised practical sessions.

There is also a (non-intimidating) practical test to ensure adequate transfer of knowledge to all course participants.

Trigger point dry needling (TDN) will be presented as a tool to evaluate and treat the neuromuscular system. The Travell & Simons’ techniques will be discussed and demonstrated. Supporting research will be presented and discussed.

Courses are fully catered for with a comprehensive colour manual, video access to techniques and ongoing clinical support available. Treatment safety will be evaluated throughout the course.

Course Outcomes

• Define trigger points, motor banding, and neurological presentations of neuromuscular dysfunction
• Review literature supporting efficacy and treatment rationale of TDN
• Instruct application of TDN for orthopedic and neuromuscular conditions
• Review anatomy of regions to be taught in Podiatry 1 course
• Discuss safety
• Discuss indications and contraindications for treatment

Treatable Muscles After Completion

• ​The Hip, including Gluteals and TFL
• Lower Extremity, including extensor hallucis longus and tibialis posterior
• Gastroc/Soleus/Tib Ant and more
• Thigh-anterior, medial and posterior

Online Learning Modules

GEMt dry needling courses begin with online modules for safety, theory, and anatomy. Access to the online learning platform is provided via email once you have completed course registration. Completion of the online modules is a requirements before attending the course, and you should allow sufficient time to complete them before the course starts.

Module 1: Safety, Theory and Anatomy Involving:

• Safety Section from the GEMt manual
• 6 articles
• GEMt pain slides
• Anatomy slides of all muscles covered in the course
• Safety Video (23 mins)
• Needling Demonstration Video (27 mins)
• Needle Theory Video (1 hour, 15 mins)
• Neuro-myofascial Pain Video (19 mins)
• Theory test (45 mins)

Total = 5-6 hours

Course Eligibility

A degree qualification in either:

• Podiatry, Physiotherapy, Osteopathy, Chiropractic, Physical Therapy or a Medical Doctor who work with patients suffering from acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions.
• You must be a registered clinician with Professional Indemnity Insurance to enter this course
• Course participants are required to act as subjects as required for the duration of the course.
• This course is not advisable for anyone who is pregnant (unless they are prepared to bring a friend willing to be needled on their behalf)

Refunds, Transfers & Credits

If a course is cancelled for any reason by GEMt then as much notice as possible will be given to course participants. In this instance, course fees only will be returned in full as soon as possible. For International courses, GEMt accepts and refunds course fees in AUD. We are not accountable for fluctuations in exchange rates. NB. GEMt is not liable nor responsible for any other out of pocket expenses incurred by registrants due to course cancellations or venue changes; this may include flights, accommodation or bank fees on financial transfers.

Regions are defined as:

• Australia / New Zealand
• Malaysia
• Singapore

Transfers within the same region:

If you wish to transfer to another GEMt course within the same region, the following fees will be incurred:

• Outside of 30 days of course commencement = FREE transfer to the requested course
• Under 30 days of course commencement = 25% administration charge

Transfers between regions incur the following charges:

• Outside of 30 days of course commencement = 25% administration charge
• Under 30 days of course commencement = 50% administration charge

Cancellation:

• Outside 30 days of course commencement = 25% administration charge
• Under 30 days of course commencement = 75% administration charge
• Under 14 days of course commencement = 100% administration charge, i.e. no refund

Inability to Participate in needling.

• If for any reason a course participant is unable to take needles for the duration of the course e.g. Pregnancy / Religion / Needle Phobic/ Metal allergies… arrangements must be made to bring a friend along to take needles in their place.
• There will be costs involved to cover all catering and prior contact must be made to course co-ordinator at time of registration to arrange such payment.

Those Clinicians that have done other courses

• If you have already completed another dry needling course, you are entitled to a 50% discount on the full course fee on Australian held courses. (Not available for Essentials, Upper Limb, Lower Limb or guest courses)