PAANZ Courses 2025

The Advanced Dry Needling course for the Lower Half of the Body aims to teach course participants how to needle myofascial components from T7 down. This is a practical course, including the teaching of advanced techniques around the thoracolumbar region, pelvis, and lower limbs with particular emphasis on safety and efficacy. One of the major goals is for participants to integrate the use of dry needling into their clinical reasoning process and their clinical approach to treating common (and uncommon) lower body conditions.

Case studies will be discussed to further enhance the clinical reasoning behind the use of dry needling, and its integration with other physiotherapy skill sets, such as manual therapy, muscle balancing, exercise prescription, and postural advice.

Having taught over 200 introductory and advanced courses for AUT, PAANZ, the APA of Australia and Asia over the last 9 years, Trevor brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his teaching in this specialty area.

Course Prerequisites:

Attendance requires completion of one of the following courses: PAANZ Foundation Dry Needling Course, APA Introductory Segmental and Dry Needling Course, or a Post-Graduate Western Acupuncture qualification from AUT or Otago. If you have undertaken dry needling training from another provider, please contact the PAANZ administrator to see if it qualifies as a prerequisite for this course.

Please email paanz@physiotherapy.org.nz with any queries.

Please bring a towel and shorts for both days.

Venue: Level 1, Pakuranga Medical Centre, 11-13 Cortina Place, Pakuranga, Auckland.

Date: Saturday 28 June from 8:30am – 4pm, and Sunday 29 June from 8:30am – 5:00pm.

Tutor: Derek Timmins

Course Description:

This course will introduce acupuncture as a paradigm for the treatment of common pelvic and women’s health conditions.

Principles of traditional acupuncture and western medical acupuncture paradigms will converge for discussions around the treatment of menopausal symptoms, infertility, PCOS, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, menorrhagia, incontinence – urge, pelvic girdle pain, morning sickness, endometriosis, and a discussion on the “forbidden points” in pregnancy – fact, fiction, or dogma?

A basic knowledge of traditional acupuncture principles is recommended, but a refresher on these principles will be included in the course.

The final two hours of the second day will include needling of the pelvic floor which includes internal examination. This section is limited to pelvic health physiotherapists credentialled in performing internals and will be vetted by the tutor. Participation is voluntary, and you may withdraw your consent to undergo an internal examination at any time.

Please note that you must indicate on registration:

• Your current needling status
• If you currently work in the field of pelvic health
• If you are credentialled in internal examinations and would like to participate in the internal examination section of the course.

Pricing:

PAANZ Member Rate $600.00. Please click here for the discount code.

PNZ Member Rate: $700.00

Non-PNZ Member Rate $850.00.

The pre-requisite criteria for this course have been expanded. Attendance is now open to those with acupuncture training, and dry needlers who currently work in the field of pelvic health.

All attendees must be registered in New Zealand and have a current APC, and male and female participants are welcome.

If you have any questions about your eligibility, please feel free to contact PAANZ@physiotherapy.org.nz .

This foundation course taught by Trevor Montgomery, in association with PAANZ, is suitable for all physiotherapists wishing to expand their clinical reasoning and treatment skill sets with the use of dry needling. The course has a large practical component with particular emphasis on safe needling practice as set out in the latest PAANZ safety guidelines.

The course is an introduction to Dry Needling, learning to needle major muscle groups in all areas of the body but focused looking at conditions such as Achilles tendinosis, shoulder impingement and SIJ dysfunctions. As we look at each of these conditions we teach you how to needle trigger points in the muscles that may be dysfunctional in those conditions and then look at how to rehab the conditions using exercises/stretches that Trevor has developed. The Foundation Course teaches you to needle most major muscle groups in the body safely and plenty to take back and use with patients on Monday morning! However we do not needle over the thorax in the Foundation Course because of the risk of pneumothorax. Needling muscles over the thorax is considered more advanced and therefore is included in the Advanced Upper Limb Course.

The course is designed to help practitioners integrate dry needling into their clinical approach with a view to addressing the underlying causes of some of the more common clinical presentations we treat. Having taught over 200 introductory and advanced courses for AUT, PAANZ, the APA of Australia and Asia over the last 9 years. Trevor brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his teaching in this specialty area.

Non-PAANZ members and non-PNZ members are welcome.

Please email paanz@physiotherapy.org.nz with any queries.

Please bring a towel and shorts for both days.

NOTE: All attendees must be registered in New Zealand and have a current APC. Beyond this, there are no prerequisites to attending this course.

This foundation course taught by Trevor Montgomery, in association with PAANZ, is suitable for all physiotherapists wishing to expand their clinical reasoning and treatment skill sets with the use of dry needling. The course has a large practical component with particular emphasis on safe needling practice as set out in the latest PAANZ safety guidelines.

The course is an introduction to Dry Needling, learning to needle major muscle groups in all areas of the body but focused looking at conditions such as Achilles tendinosis, shoulder impingement and SIJ dysfunctions. As we look at each of these conditions we teach you how to needle trigger points in the muscles that may be dysfunctional in those conditions and then look at how to rehab the conditions using exercises/stretches that Trevor has developed. The Foundation Course teaches you to needle most major muscle groups in the body safely and plenty to take back and use with patients on Monday morning! However we do not needle over the thorax in the Foundation Course because of the risk of pneumothorax. Needling muscles over the thorax is considered more advanced and therefore is included in the Advanced Upper Limb Course.

The course is designed to help practitioners integrate dry needling into their clinical approach with a view to addressing the underlying causes of some of the more common clinical presentations we treat. Having taught over 200 introductory and advanced courses for AUT, PAANZ, the APA of Australia and Asia over the last 9 years. Trevor brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his teaching in this specialty area.

No pre-requisite to attending this course.

Non PAANZ members and non PNZ members are welcome.

Please email paanz@physiotherapy.org.nz with any queries.

Please bring a towel and shorts for both days.

NOTE: All attendees must be registered in New Zealand and have a current APC.

• Room AA127, AA Building, AUT, North Shore Campus. The map of the Campus can be found here.
• Carpark 5 (Gate 2) is free at AUT on weekends.

Presented by Derek Timmins.

Date: Wednesday 16 July 2025, 7:00pm – 8:00pm, via Zoom.

Price: $20.00

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Vignette evenings are an interactive session. You do not have to provide a case study and there will be breakout groups to discuss the cases brought up for discussion.

The Vignette evening is for PAANZ members only

Presented by Derek Timmins.

Dates and times : Saturday 16th August, 9:00am – 5:00pm, and Sunday 17th August, 8:00am – 4:00pm.

Venue: Motus SportsHub Physiotherapy, 136 Moorhouse Avenue, Addington, Christchurch.

Foundation Acupuncture Course: Parts A, B, C and D

The Foundation Acupuncture courses Parts A, B, C, and D courses are designed to introduce safe needling and both Western and Traditional concepts of acupuncture practice. The courses are for beginners and participants who want to extend their acupuncture knowledge and skills beyond dry needling or those who need an acupuncture refresher course. These courses can be used in part to gain Registration as a Physiotherapy Acupuncturist, which requires 150 hours of dry needling and/or acupuncture training.

Foundation Acupuncture Part C – Traditional Acupuncture Theory and Practice

Course Participants will be introduced to the richness of the conceptual model that is Traditional Acupuncture, and gain some understanding of how this model contains a diagnostic framework that allows a refining of acupuncture point selection – and often an enhanced treatment efficacy. As a Physio-Acupuncturist I have been constantly impressed by how this ancient paradigm of treatment still has clinical relevance in our modern age. Coming from a strong background within the modern medical model you will enjoy how, with further education, you can enhance the efficacy of your acupuncture treatment by applying Traditional Acupuncture concepts.

Prerequisites: This course can be done once Foundation Parts A and B have been completed (or if you have done similar acupuncture courses in the past). If you are unsure if you meet the prerequisite requirements, please contact PAANZ. All attendees must also be registered in New Zealand and have a current APC.

Following on from doing this course, Part D (Sports Acupuncture) is also available.

Pricing:

PAANZ member rate: $600. Please click here for the discount code.
PNZ member rate: $700.00
Non-PNZ member rate: $850.00

Sign up for 3 or more Foundation Acupuncture courses in one calendar year and receive a multi-course discount of $150 for the series.

Presented by Derek Timmins.

Dates and times: Saturday 26th July from 9:00am – 5:00pm, and Sunday 27th July from 8:00am – 4:00pm.

Venue: Pakuranga Medical Centre, 11-13 Cortina Place, Pakuranga, Howick, Auckland

Foundation Acupuncture Course: Parts A, B, C and D

The Foundation Acupuncture courses Parts A, B, C, and D courses are designed to introduce safe needling and both Western and Traditional concepts of acupuncture practice. The courses are for beginners and participants who want to extend their acupuncture knowledge and skills beyond dry needling or those who need an acupuncture refresher course. These courses can be used in part to gain Registration as a Physiotherapy Acupuncturist, which requires 150 hours of dry needling and/or acupuncture training.

Foundation Acupuncture Part C – Traditional Acupuncture Theory and Practice

Course Participants will be introduced to the richness of the conceptual model that is Traditional Acupuncture, and gain some understanding of how this model contains a diagnostic framework that allows a refining of acupuncture point selection – and often an enhanced treatment efficacy. As a Physio-Acupuncturist I have been constantly impressed by how this ancient paradigm of treatment still has clinical relevance in our modern age. Coming from a strong background within the modern medical model you will enjoy how, with further education, you can enhance the efficacy of your acupuncture treatment by applying Traditional Acupuncture concepts.

Prerequisites: This course can be done once Foundation Parts A and B have been completed (or if you have done similar acupuncture courses in the past). If you are unsure if you meet the prerequisite requirements, please contact PAANZ. All attendees must also be registered in New Zealand and have a current APC.

Following on from doing this course, Part D (Sports Acupuncture) is also available.

Pricing:

PAANZ member rate: $600. Please click here for the discount code.
PNZ member rate: $700.00
Non-PNZ member rate: $850.00

Sign up for 3 or more Foundation Acupuncture courses in one calendar year and receive a multi-course discount of $150 for the series.

Presented by Gabriel Tan

Date and time: Saturday 30th August from 9:00am – 5:00pm, and Sunday 31st August from 8:00am – 4:00pm.

Venue: Motus Sportshub Physiotherapy, 136 Moorhouse Avenue, Christchurch

Foundation Acupuncture Part D: Integration of Acupuncture Principles in Musculoskeletal and Sports Physiotherapy

In Part D of our Foundation Acupuncture series, we concentrate on bringing together Parts A to C to advance your acupuncture practice, integrating it seamlessly into musculoskeletal and sports physiotherapy. Our objective with this course is to broaden your scope of acupuncture beyond its elementary applications and delve into its diverse potential for addressing various musculoskeletal issues, injuries, and preventive measures.

Through comprehensive instruction, participants will gain proficiency in musculoskeletal assessments, biomechanics comprehension, and incorporation of treatment modalities that are regularly accessible and utilised for musculoskeletal physiotherapy. We will explore the strategic application of acupuncture not only as a supplementary intervention for injury management, but also as a proactive approach to injury prevention, enhancing functional recovery, and optimising overall performance outcomes for both athletic and general populations.

The curriculum emphasises streamlining intricate treatment protocols, honing practical skills, and offering valuable insights through real-world success stories and case studies that are currently being used with high performance athletes at the top of their associated professional sports that can be seamlessly integrated into your clinical practice.

This course is specifically designed for physiotherapists and practitioners who are competent at needling as part of their practice and are looking to expand their expertise in acupuncture application and utility. It is recommended for completion following Foundation Acupuncture Parts A and B (or equivalent competency in acupuncture), ensuring that participants have a solid foundation to maximise their learning experience.

We’re excited to welcome you to this the final part of the Foundation Acupuncture Series, where you will refine your acupuncture proficiency and elevate your therapeutic abilities in musculoskeletal and sports physiotherapy practice.

Prerequisites: The course is to be completed sequentially for participants who have already completed Foundation Acupuncture Parts A and B as a minimum. PAANZ members with acupuncture training are welcome to attend any course.

Pricing:

PAANZ member rate: $600.00. Please click here for the discount code.
PNZ member rate: $700.00
Non-PNZ member rate: $850.00

Sign up for 3 or more Foundation Acupuncture courses in one calendar year and receive a multi course discount of $150 for the series.

NOTE: All attendees must be registered in New Zealand and have a current APC.

This foundation course taught by Trevor Montgomery, in association with PAANZ, is suitable for all physiotherapists wishing to expand their clinical reasoning and treatment skill sets with the use of dry needling. The course has a large practical component with particular emphasis on safe needling practice as set out in the latest PAANZ safety guidelines.

The course is an introduction to Dry Needling, learning to needle major muscle groups in all areas of the body but focused looking at conditions such as Achilles tendonosis, shoulder impingement and SIJ dysfunctions. As we look at each of these conditions we teach you how to needle trigger points in the muscles that may be dysfunctional in those conditions and then look at how to rehab the conditions using exercises/stretches that Trevor has developed. The Foundation Course teaches you to needle most major muscle groups in the body safely and plenty to take back and use with patients on Monday morning! However we do not needle over the thorax in the Foundation Course because of the risk of pneumothorax. Needling muscles over the thorax is considered more advanced and therefore is included in the Advanced Upper Limb Course.

The course is designed to help practitioners integrate dry needling into their clinical approach with a view to addressing the underlying causes of some of the more common clinical presentations we treat. Having taught over 200 introductory and advanced courses for AUT, PAANZ, the APA of Australia and Asia over the last 9 years. Trevor brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his teaching in this specialty area.

No pre-requisite to attending this course.

Non PAANZ members and non PNZ members are welcome.

Please email paanz@physiotherapy.org.nz with any queries.

[Please bring a towel and shorts for both days.]

[ NOTE: All attendees must be registered in New Zealand and have a current APC. ]

• A.U.T North Shore Campus. The map of the Campus can be found here. NB: carparking is free at AUT on weekends.
• Room: AA127

Presented by Trevor Montgomery

Time: Saturday 28 September from 8:30am – 5:00pm, and Sunday 29 September from 8:30am – 3:00pm.

Venue: Physical Medicine Building, Burwood Hospital, 300 Burwood Road, Mairehau, Christchurch.

Please bring a towel and shorts for both days

The Advanced Dry Needling course for the Upper Half of the Body aims to teach course participants how to needle myofascial components from T7 upward. This is a practical course, including the teaching of advanced techniques around the scapulothoracic region, shoulder, upper limbs, and neck with particular emphasis on safety and efficacy. One of the major goals is for participants to integrate the use of dry needling into their clinical reasoning process and their clinical approach to treating common (and not-so-common) upper-body conditions.

Case studies will be discussed to further enhance the clinical reasoning behind the use of dry needling, and its integration with other physiotherapy skill sets, such as manual therapy, muscle balancing, exercise prescription, and postural advice.

Having taught over 200 introductory and advanced courses for AUT, PAANZ, and the APA of Australia and Asia over the last 9 years, Trevor brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his teaching in this specialty area.

Course Prerequisites:

Attendance requires completion of one of the following courses: PAANZ Foundation Dry Needling Course, APA Introductory Segmental and Dry Needling Course, or Post-Graduate Western Acupuncture qualification from AUT or Otago. If you have undertaken dry needling training from another provider please contact the PAANZ administrator to see if it qualifies as a pre-requisite for the Advanced Course.

Please email paanz@physiotherapy.org.nz with any queries.

PAANZ member rate: $600.00. Please click here for the PAANZ member discount code.
PNZ member rate: $700.00
Non-PNZ member rate: $850.00

NOTE: All attendees must be registered as a health professional in New Zealand and have a current APC.

Presented by Gabriel Tan

Date and time: Saturday 11th October 2025, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, and Sunday 12th October 2025, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Venue: 17 Kalmia Street, Ellerslie, Physio Logic, Auckland

Foundation Acupuncture Part D: Integration of Acupuncture Principles in Musculoskeletal and Sports Physiotherapy

In Part D of our Foundation Acupuncture series, we concentrate on bringing together Parts A to C to advance your acupuncture practice, integrating it seamlessly into musculoskeletal and sports physiotherapy. Our objective with this course is to broaden your scope of acupuncture beyond its elementary applications and delve into its diverse potential for addressing various musculoskeletal issues, injuries, and preventive measures.

Through comprehensive instruction, participants will gain proficiency in musculoskeletal assessments, biomechanics comprehension, and incorporation of treatment modalities that are regularly accessible and utilised for musculoskeletal physiotherapy. We will explore the strategic application of acupuncture not only as a supplementary intervention for injury management, but also as a proactive approach to injury prevention, enhancing functional recovery, and optimising overall performance outcomes for both athletic and general populations.

The curriculum emphasises streamlining intricate treatment protocols, honing practical skills, and offering valuable insights through real-world success stories and case studies that are currently being used with high performance athletes at the top of their associated professional sports that can be seamlessly integrated into your clinical practice.

This course is specifically designed for physiotherapists and practitioners who are competent at needling as part of their practice and are looking to expand their expertise in acupuncture application and utility. It is recommended for completion following Foundation Acupuncture Parts A and B (or equivalent competency in acupuncture), ensuring that participants have a solid foundation to maximise their learning experience.

We’re excited to welcome you to this the final part of the Foundation Acupuncture Series, where you will refine your acupuncture proficiency and elevate your therapeutic abilities in musculoskeletal and sports physiotherapy practice.

Prerequisites: The course is to be completed sequentially for participants who have already completed Foundation Acupuncture Parts A and B as a minimum. PAANZ members with acupuncture training are welcome to attend any course.

Pricing:

PAANZ member rate: $600.00. Please click here for the discount code.
PNZ member rate: $700.00
Non-PNZ member rate: $850.00

Sign up for 3 or more Foundation Acupuncture courses in one calendar year and receive a multi course discount of $150 for the series.

NOTE: All attendees must be registered in New Zealand and have a current APC.

This foundation course taught by Trevor Montgomery, in association with PAANZ, is suitable for all physiotherapists wishing to expand their clinical reasoning and treatment skill sets with the use of dry needling. The course has a large practical component with particular emphasis on safe needling practice as set out in the latest PAANZ safety guidelines.

The course is an introduction to Dry Needling, learning to needle major muscle groups in all areas of the body but focused looking at conditions such as Achilles tendinosis, shoulder impingement and SIJ dysfunctions. As we look at each of these conditions we teach you how to needle trigger points in the muscles that may be dysfunctional in those conditions and then look at how to rehab the conditions using exercises/stretches that Trevor has developed. The Foundation Course teaches you to needle most major muscle groups in the body safely and plenty to take back and use with patients on Monday morning! However we do not needle over the thorax in the Foundation Course because of the risk of pneumothorax. Needling muscles over the thorax is considered more advanced and therefore is included in the Advanced Upper Limb Course.

The course is designed to help practitioners integrate dry needling into their clinical approach with a view to addressing the underlying causes of some of the more common clinical presentations we treat. Having taught over 200 introductory and advanced courses for AUT, PAANZ, the APA of Australia and Asia over the last 9 years. Trevor brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his teaching in this specialty area.

No pre-requisite to attending this course.

Non PAANZ members and non PNZ members are welcome.

Please email paanz@physiotherapy.org.nz with any queries.

[Please bring a towel and shorts for both days.]

[ NOTE: All attendees must be registered in New Zealand and have a current APC. ]

• A.U.T North Shore Campus. The map of the Campus can be found here. NB: carparking is free at AUT on weekends.
• Room: AA127

Save The Date! PAANZ Symposium 2025 

Date: Saturday 29 November and Sunday 30 November 2025

Full programme and details to follow.