Dry Needling: Is It Derived From Acupuncture? How Did Nonacupuncturists Start Using It?

Area of Science:

• Integrative Medicine
• Physical Therapy
• Acupuncture and Dry Needling

Background:

• Dry needling (DN) is a contentious topic in Western countries, sparking debate in academic and legal spheres.
• Previous research established DN as a form of acupuncture, a stance this article continues to support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if dry needling (DN) is a technique distinct from acupuncture.
• To investigate the reasons behind non-acupuncturists, such as physical therapists (PTs), adopting DN practices.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of existing research and critical issues surrounding dry needling (DN).
• Review of evidence and expert opinions published in a 2017 white paper.
• Continuation of the scholarly endeavor to define DN's relationship with acupuncture.

Main Results:

• Dry needling (DN) is identified as a simplified medical therapy derived from acupuncture.
• Commercial educators have significantly increased the recruitment of non-acupuncturists, including PTs, for DN practice.
• PTs did not originate DN, and its invasive nature raises questions about its inclusion within the PT scope of practice, despite professional organizations' support since 2010.

Conclusions:

• Licensed acupuncturists and physicians undergo extensive training and national examinations.
• Typical DN certification courses are brief (20-30 hours), often completed in a weekend, without mandatory national examinations.
• To ensure patient safety and professional integrity, all DN practitioners and educators should meet the same stringent standards as licensed acupuncturists and physicians.