The International Dry Needling Education & Training Advisory Group (IDNETAG) is committed to enhancing the field of dry needling by setting high standards in education and safety. It provides support to therapists, educators, and professional bodies through evidence-based guidelines, comprehensive training, and a global network of experts.
IDNETAG aims to ensure continuous learning and the promotion of best practices in dry needling across the profession.
Meet our leadership team
Dr. Jan Dommerholt PT DPT MPS (former) DAIPM
- CO-CHAIR
- PT, DPT, President/CEO Myopain Seminars
Dr. Wael Mahmoud D.O., M (App Sci) Acupuncture, CMTPT
- CO-CHAIR
- Osteopath, Acupuncturist, Director CPD Health Courses
Dr. Wael Mahmoud graduated from the British School of Osteopathy (BSO) London, in 1985 and is an Osteopath, Acupuncturist and author of Two Hands – The Gamechanger Guide for Manual Therapists. In 1987 he migrated to Australia to take up the position of Head of Clinical Studies at RMIT University, Melbourne.
Professor Noureddin N Ansari PhD
- Subject Matter Expert
- Professor of Physiotherapy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences
Professor Noureddin Nakhostin Ansari is a distinguished scholar in physiotherapy, holding a PhD from Tarbiat Modarres University in Tehran, Iran. He currently serves as a Professor of Physiotherapy at the School of Rehabilitation, Tehran University of Medical Sciences. With extensive experience supervising MSc and PhD students, Professor Ansari is a reviewer for prestigious international journals and a member of various editorial boards. He has authored over 200 publications, contributing significantly to neurological rehabilitation, spinal conditions, and physiotherapy. He is also a Professor at the Research Center for War Affected People, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Dr Barbara Cagnie PhD
- Subject Matter Expert
- Professor at Ghent University, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences
Associate Professor Barbara Cagnie is a renowned academic in the field of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy at Ghent University, Belgium. With a PhD in Motor Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy, she has been instrumental in advancing education and research in this area. Professor Cagnie serves as the Program Director for the Ba/Ma Program in Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy and the Postgraduate Education in Manual Therapy. She is also actively involved in professional associations and has contributed extensively to the literature on manual therapy and musculoskeletal conditions, including authoring several key textbooks.
Dr Li-Wei Chou MD, PhD
- Subject Matter Expert
- Dr. Chou is Assistant Professor at China Medical University in Taichung
Professor Li-Wei Chou is a distinguished academic at Asia University, where he specialises in rehabilitation sciences and physiotherapy. He is known for his extensive research in neuromuscular rehabilitation, dry needling, and pain management. As a dedicated educator and researcher, Professor Chou has contributed significantly to the academic community through his numerous publications and active involvement in international conferences. His work focuses on developing innovative therapeutic techniques to improve patient outcomes, and he is highly regarded for his expertise and leadership in the field.
Dr Gary Kearns PT, ScD
- Subject Matter Expert
- Assistant Professor at Texas University, Health Sciences Center
Assistant Professor Gary Kearns is a physical therapist at Texas University, with a keen interest in the safety and efficacy of dry needling techniques. His research focuses on establishing best practices and guidelines to ensure the safe application of dry needling in clinical settings. Through his work, Professor Kearns aims to enhance the understanding of dry needling’s therapeutic benefits and potential risks, providing valuable insights for both practitioners and patients. His dedication to this area underscores his commitment to advancing safe and effective treatment methods in physical therapy.
Dr Herman Leidekker PT
- Subject Matter Expert
- Lecturer, School of Human Movement, University of Griningen
Herman Leidekker is a dedicated lecturer and physiotherapist, holding a BSc in Human Movement Sciences from Groningen. With extensive experience in both education and clinical practice, he excels in teaching the principles of physiotherapy and applying them to patient care. His expertise in biomechanics and movement science enhances his ability to provide comprehensive training and therapy, aimed at optimizing patient outcomes. Passionate about advancing the field, Herman is committed to educating the next generation of physiotherapists and sharing his knowledge through engaging, evidence-based instruction.
Dr Orlando Mayoral PT, PhD
- Subject Matter Expert
- Hospitalario de Toledo · Physical Therapy PT, PhD
Dr. Orlando Mayoral is a distinguished physical therapist at Complejo Hospitalario de Toledo in Spain. He has a strong interest in myofascial pain and dry needling, focusing on the use of dry needling techniques to alleviate muscular pain and improve patient outcomes. Dr. Mayoral has been involved in translating important texts on myofascial pain and has contributed significantly to research and education in this area. His work emphasizes evidence-based practices and the integration of dry needling with other therapeutic interventions.
Dr Jan Pattyn PT
- Subject Matter Expert
- Physiotherapist, Director of Praktijk Pattyn, Torhout, Belgium
Dr. Jan Pattyn is a seasoned physiotherapist specializing in manual and myofascial therapy, operating his private practice in Torhout, Belgium, since 1985. Since 1995, he has been a prominent dry needling instructor at the Trigger Institute in Belgium, where he teaches techniques rooted in anatomical knowledge and supported by ultrasound guidance. He actively participates in the international myofascial therapy community, holding roles such as Secretary and Administrator of the Belgian Myopain Society Trigger, and is a member of the International Myopain Society. Dr. Pattyn has authored multiple books and articles on myofascial therapy and continues to contribute to the field through workshops and international lectures.
Dr Tommy Perreault PT, DPT, OCS, CMTPT
- Subject Matter Expert
- Doctor of Physical Therapy, Board Certified in Orthopedics, NH, USA
Dr. Tommy Perreault, a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS), is an accomplished physical therapist based in Portsmouth, NH. He has extensive experience in manual therapy and dry needling, having served in various clinical and educational roles, including at the Northern New England Spine Center and the American Academy of Manipulative Therapy. Dr. Perreault’s research focuses on dry needling and its applications in chronic pain management, and he has authored numerous publications on the topic. He holds a DPT from Franklin Pierce University and a Bachelor’s in Kinesiology from the University of Maine.
Dr Mike Cummings
-
Expert Advisor
Medical Director of the British Medical Acupuncture Society (BMAS)