It is the purpose of IAAPT to promote the use of Acupuncture, Dry Needling and related techniques by Physiotherapists globally. IAAPT promotes physiotherapists use of needling insertion (ACUS = SHARP, PUNCERE = TO PUNCTURE). This includes Acupuncture and Dry Needling, whether it is TCM or Biomedically based. We also promote the use of other evidence-based Acupuncture related techniques, e.g. laser acupuncture, electroacupuncture, etc.
Acupressure, Myofascial Cupping and Gua Sha (Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization) are associated techniques in Physiotherapy-Related Acupuncture Practice.
Acupuncture for All Physiotherapists
We currently have 10 member organizations in IAAPT and plan to expand this list as acupuncture awareness and acceptance in the medical communities of many countries is steadily growing. As a result, regional and local regulations for many health practitioners are changing to allow the use of needling.
Physiotherapists in many countries are not allowed by their regulatory body to perform acupuncture due to the act of “piercing” the skin not being in their scope of practice. In these countries, physiotherapists have the option to use non-invasive acupuncture related techniques such as acupressure to help patients.
