Acupuncture and dry needling are two common modalities that members may wish to practise as a standalone service.
Acupuncture and dry needling are both within the scope of the profession. You should ensure that your clients are aware that you are working in the role of a physiotherapist.
The CSP PLI scheme covers all activities within the scope of physiotherapy practice, subject to the policy terms and conditions. There are exclusions relating to the use of acupuncture to treat fertility problems and thoracic acupuncture.
As acupuncture and dry needling pierce the skin in the UK they are subject to additional Local Authority licensing and registration. The terms of the licensing and registration vary around the UK. You must contact your local authority and find out what the local rules are. It is likely that you will need to pay a fee to be registered to use acupuncture and/or dry needling.
Some authorities may take into consideration your requirement to be HCPC registered as a physiotherapist when deciding the licensing requirements they need. Some local authorities may allow a group practice registration as opposed to each practice physiotherapist registering individually.
Frequently Asked Questions
What training do I need to practice acupuncture or dry needling?
You must ensure that you are educated, trained, and competent. This is essential to deliver a reasonable standard of care, as required by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). You should ensure that you choose course offers in-person and practical opportunities to establish your competence.
The CSP does not approve or endorse specific acupuncture or dry needling programmes.
A variety of educational and commercial providers offer training. It is your responsibility to ensure the course gives you the knowledge and skills to practise safely and competently as a physiotherapist in the UK.
Employers may require specific courses, and qualifications may not be transferable between workplaces.
Once you establish your competence to practise acupuncture or dry needling, you must undertake ongoing CPD to maintain your skills and ensure your practice remains safe and up to date.
Do I have to say that I am a physiotherapist when using acupuncture / dry needling in my practice?
Yes. Many patients may be reassured to know that their acupuncture or dry needling is being delivered by a registered health professional and so you may find it useful in promoting your services. All your acupuncture and dry needling services must have an element of assessment, professional judgement and record keeping in order to meet the HCPC standards of practice and therefore be considered part of physiotherapy practice.
Do I need to be a member of the AACP to practice acupuncture / dry needling?
No. You do not need to be a member of AACP to practise acupuncture or dry needling as a physiotherapist. However, it can offer useful benefits such as CPD opportunities, additional insurance, and peer support.
Some employers or organisations may require staff to be AACP members in order to practise acupuncture or dry needling in their setting. This is a local employment condition, and employers are entitled to set such requirements if considered reasonable.
Can I offer cosmetic acupuncture and/or dry needling to patients as a physiotherapist?
No. This is because purely cosmetic interventions that have no physiotherapeutic purpose are outside the scope of physiotherapy practice. All physiotherapy practice has an element of therapeutic purpose and professional judgement aimed at addressing health and wellbeing needs relating to human movement, performance and function.
What kind of record keeping do I need to make when using acupuncture as part of physiotherapy practice?
You must keep some kind of record to show you meet the HCPC standards of proficiency for physiotherapists. The level and complexity of assessment and record keeping that you do will vary according to the context of your decision to provide acupuncture and/or dry needling, and the background health status of your patient.
Further information
Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (AACP)
For specific insurance-related enquiries, contact the CSP insurance brokers:
James Hallam
Saxon House
Duke Street
Chelmsford
Essex CM1 1HT