Finish Line PT LLC

With recent media coverage of an NFL player who sustained a pneumothorax following dry needling, I’ve received an increase in questions and concerns from both current and prospective patients. This provides an opportunity to clarify the facts and place the risk in proper context.

There is ongoing debate between some acupuncturists and dry needling practitioners, often centered on training length and safety. It is true that acupuncturists undergo longer, more standardized training specifically in needling techniques. Dry needling education, by contrast, varies by state and country. However, training alone does not inherently make one approach safer—the two disciplines are fundamentally different.

Training Pathways

Acupuncture
• Typically requires a bachelor’s degree followed by a 3–4 year Master’s degree in Acupuncture or Oriental Medicine
• National certification and state licensure are required
• Ongoing continuing education is mandated

Dry Needling
• Requires a healthcare degree prior to training, including physical therapists, chiropractors, and medical doctors
• Physical therapists complete a bachelor’s degree followed by a 3-year clinical doctorate (DPT) with extensive education in anatomy and physiology
• National and state licensure are required, with ongoing continuing education
• Dry needling coursework is completed post-licensure, and many states require supervised practice hours before independent use

While acupuncture training is longer and more standardized in needling itself, dry needling is taught to clinicians who already possess advanced medical education and clinical decision-making skills. The training emphasis is different—not inferior.

Techniques (Brief Overview)
• Acupuncture involves inserting monofilament needles at specific points, often along meridians, typically at shallower depths.
• Dry needling involves inserting monofilament needles into myofascial tissue at variable depths to address neuromusculoskeletal pain and dysfunction.

Both disciplines are trained to avoid vital organs, though neither completely avoids anatomical regions where vital structures are present.

⸻

Safety and Pneumothorax (collapsed lung) Risk

Both acupuncture and dry needling carry risks of adverse events, including rare serious complications such as pneumothorax. Both are considered safe when performed by trained, experienced practitioners.

Estimated pneumothorax risk based on available literature:
• Acupuncture: ~0.001%
• Dry needling: up to ~0.1%, with most estimates well below this threshold

While dry needling may carry a slightly higher risk, this is largely attributable to technique and depth, as dry needling may intentionally target deeper structures in certain regions. Importantly, the absolute risk remains extremely low.

⸻

Risk in Perspective

To contextualize these numbers:
• Serious complication from dry needling:

Exclusive Offer for New Clients!

* 50% OFF your Physical Therapy Initial Evaluation with a 3-visit package

OR

*50% OFF your first Strength and Fitness session with a 3-visit fitness package!

Valid for new clients only. Offer expires May 1, 2025. Be sure to mention this ad when booking to qualify!

Finish Line PT Finish Line PT Move better. Live better. Learn more Our Services Physical Therapy Physical therapy services are for those experiencing pain, recent accident, new or chronic injury, or other orthopedic problems which have impacted daily activities. An evaluation is performed and a treatment plan is d...

I’m fortunate to live in a pretty safe area, but I recognize that taking certain safety precautions while out on a run is crucial. Here’s some basic safety ideas every runner should consider before heading out for their next 5k or 20 miler.

Run Series: Runner Safety — Finish Line PT As a runner it is important to take certain steps to make sure you are as safe as possible while out on the streets or hitting the trails. In this edition I go over basic precautions runners should consider before they set out for their next 5k or 20 miler.

Hi all,
Check out the new blog on shockwave therapy!

Shockwave Therapy — Finish Line PT Physical therapy is a movement and function based science and we often work with people who are injured, ill, or are managing conditions that affect their overall ability to perform daily tasks. Physical therapists often describe having a toolbox filled with tools. We select which tool to use based

https://www.facebook.com/share/UhM74gzrPEPhHFaU/?mibextid=WC7FNe

Ruth Chepngetich shatters women's marathon world record at Chicago Marathon Ruth Chepngetich won the 2024 Chicago Marathon in the fastest women's time in history.

Achilles Tendonitis, part 2: Treating your Achilles tendonitis has been published. Check it out!

Achilles Tendonitis, part 2: Treating your Achilles tendonitis — Finish Line PT Achilles tendinitis can be an annoying and chronic problem if it isn’t addressed early and properly. Most cases are mild, but its important not to ignore the warning signs and assume it will go away on its own. Being able to identify which stage of healing you’re in is critical in knowing how to

Check out the new blog on the web site where I cover the basics on some of the most common orthopedic issues plaguing people on a daily basis! New content will be updated frequently.

Today’s post is part 1 of Achilles Tendonitis.
Part 2 to be added soon, with some tips on how to handle this pesky condition at home.

Achilles Tendinitis, part 1: What is Achilles tendinitis? — Finish Line PT It all starts with a niggling little ache in the back of your lower leg, then it’s a big problem. It’s stopped you from runnng, playing pickleball, and even walking down the street. But, what is Achilles tendinitis?

Yes!

We are ready to go! Opening July 19th and operating on Fridays only to start with plenty room to grow! See how Finish Line PT can help you Move Better to Live Better! Many thanks to Midcoast Functional Training for making this happen!