"Although filiform needles are used in both dry needling and acupuncture, the similarities are limited. Whereas acupuncture is used to diagnose and manage systemic conditions, dry needling of myofascial trigger points purportedly targets specific tissue responses without reference to energetic systems. Acupuncture education entails 3 years of study with mentored residency and competency examinations. Dry needling certification is adjunctive to a medical degree, or a physical therapy masters or doctoral qualification, which takes 5 to 7 years of study." -Nicely described by Sinéad A. FitzGibbon, PT, MS in "Should Dry Needling for Myofascial Pain be Within the Scope of Practice for Physical Therapists?"

I hold my Doctorate of Physical Therapy and a Bachelor’s of Science in Kinesiology (7 years of education). I work with a trained Acupuncturist. It is clear that we have different methods and theories behind our use of a filiform needle. Our treatments are adjunctive to one another in certain cases, and can help achieve further gains in patient outcomes.