Why Patients Ask About Dry Needling
Many patients tell me that their friends, neighbors, or even physical therapists have mentioned dry needling as an alternative to acupuncture. Some choose to wait until their physical therapist offers it, while others say they prefer dry needling because it feels more “medical.”
However, this growing trend raises serious concerns—especially because in many cases, physical therapists have only minimal training in inserting acupuncture needles.
What Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling (also known as trigger point needling) involves inserting acupuncture needles directly into muscle knots, known as trigger points, to release muscle tightness and reduce pain.
The term dry means that no liquid is injected during the procedure, unlike traditional medical injections.
How Dry Needling Differs from Acupuncture
- Dry needling: Focuses specifically on trigger points in muscles.
- Acupuncture: Uses a broader system based on acupuncture meridians and points
To complicate matters, many trigger points overlap with acupuncture points, which can confuse patients who assume both treatments are the same.
Is Dry Needling Legal Everywhere?
Laws vary widely by state:
- New York: Physical therapists are not legally allowed to perform dry needling, since puncturing the skin is outside their scope of practice.
- New Jersey: Physical therapists were recently granted the right to perform dry needling.
- Other states: At least 37 states now allow physical therapists to use dry needling.
The Problem With Minimal Training
In many states, the training required for physical therapists is alarmingly low—sometimes just one or two weekend courses. These short programs may even be taught by individuals who lack in-depth training themselves.
This raises safety concerns, since inserting acupuncture needles without proper knowledge of anatomy can lead to serious complications such as pneumothorax (punctured lung).
- There have been documented cases in the U.S. of patients developing pneumothorax after dry needling.
- A high-profile case involved a female soccer player from the UK who had to retire after suffering a punctured lung from an untrained “expert” who was not a licensed acupuncturist.
Even on social media, many photos of dry needling posted by non-acupuncturists reveal unsafe needling practices—something easily spotted by a trained professional.
Acupuncture Training vs. Dry Needling Training
Licensed Acupuncturists
In most states, acupuncturists undergo years of training and meet rigorous certification requirements:
- Over 2,500 hours of formal education (not just a weekend course)
- Clinical training in anatomy, physiology, and pathology
- Certification exams through NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine)
- Continued education in specialized techniques such as trigger point acupuncture (dry needling)
My Background and Training
Personally, I trained in both:
- Trigger point needling with Dr. Mark Seem at the Tri-State College of Acupuncture
- Japanese acupuncture with Kiiko Matsumoto
- Full Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) foundation during my three years of schooling
- This extensive training ensures that techniques like dry needling are performed safely and effectively.
Physical Therapists
By contrast, in states where dy needling is allowed, physical therapists may have very limited training—sometimes only a few hours—before treating patients.
Safety Considerations for Patients
Patient safety should always be the top priority. If you are considering dry needling, here are a few guidelines:
- In New York: Confirm that your provider is a licensed acupuncturist, since physical therapists cannot legally perform dry needling here.
- In New Jersey and other states: Ask your provider detailed questions:
- How many hours of training have you had in dry needling?
- Who trained you?
- How many years have you been practicing?
- What safety precautions do you follow to avoid complications like pneumothorax?
The answers will help you determine whether you are receiving care from someone truly qualified to insert acupuncture needles.
The Bottom Line
While dry needling and acupuncture may appear similar, the training, philosophy, and safety standards are very different. Licensed acupuncturists spend years learning safe needle techniques, while in many states, physical therapists may only need a weekend course.
If you are seeking safe, effective relief through acupuncture or trigger point therapy, make sure your provider is properly trained and licensed.
Learn more about our acupuncture services and trigger point acupuncture to see how these techniques may help you.
