Three levels. One clinical framework.
Gunn IMS dry needling education is structured across three progressive levels. Each level builds on the same whole-body neuromusculoskeletal model, with increasing depth, complexity, and clinical responsibility.
You can begin with Level 1 to become rostered and practice dry needling safely. Levels 2 and 3 extend that foundation into deeper anatomical regions and specialty areas, culminating in Gunn IMS certification.
What Level 1 & 2 Enable
After completing Level 1 & 2, clinicians are able to:
- Practice dry needling within the Gunn IMS model
- Apply dry needling safely and appropriately in clinical settings
- Understand foundational neuromusculoskeletal reasoning behind needling decisions
Core Emphases
- Safety as a non-negotiable clinical standard
- Clean field, anatomy, depth, and appropriateness
- Assessment-driven decision making
- Whole-body understanding rather than isolated point treatment
- Deeper anatomical regions
- Increased complexity and clinical integration
- Refinement of assessment and application
Level 3 — Specialty Training & Certification Completion
- Specialty areas and advanced clinical application
- Demonstration of depth, reasoning, and safe practice
- Formal certification within the Gunn IMS system
Designed for:
The Gunn IMS Difference
- University-affiliated curriculum
- Safety standards embedded at every level
- Built on decades of collective clinical expertise
Whole-body neuromusculoskeletal model
Gunn IMS teaches clinicians to understand dysfunction across interconnected systems, rather than treating isolated symptoms or points. This model helps organize clinical reasoning and supports more durable outcomes in persistent pain.
Safety as a clinical standard
Safety at Gunn IMS is not a single module or checklist. It is embedded throughout training—covering anatomy, depth, clean field, timing, and appropriateness—so safe practice becomes habit, not assumption.
Depth without shortcuts
Gunn IMS offers an accessible entry point without lowering the bar. Clinicians can begin safely, then progress into deeper regional and specialty training as their skills and experience grow—earning certification that reflects true clinical competence.
Hear What Our Students Have Said
Start your dry needling education with confidence
Do I need prior dry needling experience to start?
The course is structured to help clinicians begin safely, with a strong emphasis on assessment, clinical reasoning, and safety standards. Rather than assuming prior technique-based training, Level 1 focuses on building the foundational understanding needed to apply dry needling appropriately within a whole-body clinical framework.
How long does certification take?
Clinicians begin with Level 1 to become rostered and practice dry needling. Levels 2 and 3 build on that foundation through advanced regional and specialty training, with increasing depth and clinical responsibility.
The total time to certification depends on individual pace, clinical experience, and course availability. This deliberate structure ensures certification reflects demonstrated understanding and safe application—not just course attendance.
Is Gunn IMS suitable for new graduates?
The program was intentionally structured to remove previous barriers to entry while maintaining high standards. New graduates benefit from learning dry needling within an integrated neuromusculoskeletal model that reinforces assessment, reasoning, and safety—rather than relying on memorized techniques.
How is this different from other dry needling courses?
Rather than focusing on point selection alone, the program emphasizes whole-body neuromusculoskeletal reasoning, clinical appropriateness, timing, depth, and safety. Training is built on decades of collective expertise and governed through university-affiliated oversight.
This approach prioritizes long-term clinical competence and professional integrity over speed or convenience.
Is this recognized outside of Canada?
That said, the clinical principles, safety standards, and neuromusculoskeletal framework taught in the program are internationally relevant and applied by clinicians in multiple regions. Recognition outside of Canada ultimately depends on local regulatory bodies and professional requirements.
For clinicians planning to practice internationally, Gunn IMS encourages reviewing local guidelines and contacting us to discuss how the training may align with regional expectations.