What are common misconceptions about using acupuncture and dry needling for pain? 

Acupuncture and dry needling are often confused, but they differ in purpose and philosophy. 

Dry needling targets myofascial trigger points with rapid, strong stimulation to produce quick but short-lived effects, while acupuncture—rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine—aims for longer-term outcomes and uses gentler techniques. 

Another misconception is that dry needling equates to ‘Western acupuncture’. 

In reality, Western acupuncture still uses acupuncture points, but explained through anatomy, physiology and neuroscience rather than qi or meridians. We ran a whole podcast episode on this, check it out here. 

Depth is also misunderstood; deeper needling is not always better. 

In some approaches, like Japanese acupuncture, needles are placed extremely superficially. 

Similarly, more needles don’t mean more benefit—seven to 10 is typical. 

People also assume acupuncture is only for pain. 

While pain is the most studied area, acupuncture has shown benefits for other conditions such as an overactive bladder and hot flushes. 

Another myth is that acupuncture is ‘just placebo’. 

Large trials and systematic reviews, including Cochrane analyses, show clinically meaningful, lasting effects beyond placebo. 

Finally, while technically anyone can practice acupuncture in some regions, robust training and a focus on safety are essential. 

Poorly trained practitioners increase the risk of adverse events. 

What are some of the benefits to using these techniques for pelvic pain? 

Pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain commonly starts in the second trimester, worsens with progression and typically resolves soon after birth. 

Hallmark features include pain around the pubic symphysis and/or posterior pelvis, aggravated by sitting, standing, walking, stairs, turning in bed and sit-to-stand. 

Randomised trials (eg, Elden et al) show that acupuncture reduces pain and improves daily function in pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain. 

It fits well as a low-risk adjunct when medications are limited in pregnancy, theorised to work through segmental neuromodulation at lumbar–sacral levels, descending inhibition, autonomic/vagal effects (raising pain thresholds) and anti-inflammatory neurochemical shifts. 

Typically we may opt for segmental body points (within symptomatic dermatomes), auricular protocols and Korean hand acupuncture—the latter two let patients keep moving, avoiding static postures which are aggravating factors. 

Clear reassurance about benign prognosis can itself reduce symptom burden and amplify acupuncture’s benefits when integrated with education, load management and exercise. 

This is a core approach to all of our courses—integrating acupuncture into and alongside day to practice. 

Carl Clarkson will present the keynote for the acupuncture and dry needling national group at APASC25.

What should physiotherapists know about using these techniques in their practice? 

Acupuncture is rarely a ‘one-session fix’. While some people experience benefits immediately, most improvements are cumulative, building across several treatments. 

A good rule of thumb is to try at least four sessions; if no change occurs, it may not be effective for that individual. 

Many people then reduce frequency or schedule occasional ‘maintenance’ sessions if symptoms return, particularly in chronic conditions like headaches or pelvic pain. 

Session length also matters. 

Twenty minutes can be enough for some, but leaving needles in longer may produce stronger effects. 

Ultimately, progress should be judged by whether symptoms are still improving; once benefits plateau, treatment can pause. 

The idea of ‘forbidden points’ in acupuncture during pregnancy is controversial. 

Traditionally, points such as SP6, LI4, LR3, GB21 and BL60 were said to induce labour and are often avoided in pregnancy unless specifically indicated (eg, induction under medical supervision). 

Other sites, such as points on the nipple or near the eye, are considered impractical or unsafe. 

However, research shows little evidence that needling these points automatically triggers harm. 

In practice, clinicians prioritise safety, context and patient comfort—avoiding high-risk areas like the abdomen in pregnancy while using many safe alternatives. 

In short, acupuncture works best as a course of sessions, delivered with careful point selection and clear communication about safety. 

You can find podcast episodes on all of these topics and more on our YouTube channel. 

>> Dr Carl Clarkson is a physiotherapist, educator and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in healthcare and education. Carl spent 11 years at Northumbria University as a senior lecturer focusing on physiotherapy, rehabilitation and evidence-based practice. He is now the CEO of Breeze Academy [link: , an organisation dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality professional development for healthcare practitioners. 

>>Carl will present a half-day pre-conference workshop titled ‘Evolve your clinical practice’ on Wednesday 22 October at 8:30 am, a keynote session entitled ‘A physiotherapist’s secret weapon: acupuncture and dry needing for PPGP and OAB’ on Thursday 23 October at 11:05 am. Carl is also a speaker and panellist at the Acupuncture and Dry Needling Breakfast entitled ‘“Evolution” of expert consensus and practical suggestions for lower back pain, pelvic regional pain and pelvic floor’ on Friday 24 October at 7:00 am.

Click here for more information about APASC25.