J Phys Ther Educ. 2025 Mar 11. doi: 10.1097/JTE.0000000000000393. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Despite the growing clinical use of dry needling (DN) among physical therapists in the United States and its gradual adoption into entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs, limited research exists on DN safety within educational settings. This study aims to report the type and incidence of adverse events (AEs) associated with DN instruction in DPT programs.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE: To date, there has been no reporting on DN-related AEs during DPT education, making the relative risk of DN education unclear.

SUBJECTS: Three hundred thirty-eight students and 10 faculty members from 10 US DPT programs.

METHODS: Questionnaires and structured interviews investigated the type and incidence of AEs during DN instruction in DPT programs. Students documented prelaboratory comfort levels with DN and AEs experienced by their partners during laboratory practice. Postlaboratory interviews with DPT faculty gathered insights into AEs during instruction. Statistical methods included descriptive frequencies of AEs and reported pain. The AEs were classified as side effects, minor, moderate, or major, and were reported as percentages of total needle insertions and by body region.

RESULTS: Among 338 DPT students (mean age = 26.3 years), no major or moderate AEs were recorded over 1,173 needle insertions and 16 muscle areas. The most reported side effects were soreness (48%) and pain (37%). Pain was self-reported by 50% of students, with the majority experiencing low levels (0-3/10) on the numerical pain rating scale. Lower prelaboratory comfort levels were reported between those who experienced a minor AE and those who did not (P = .030). Side effects and minor AEs in DPT education appeared to closely resemble those in clinical settings.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Student safety performing DN was high, with no major AEs reported. Faculty self-selection of muscle areas may have influenced major AE reporting. Findings suggest that DN can be safely included within DPT education, with risks similar to those in clinical practice.

PMID:40067258 | DOI:10.1097/JTE.0000000000000393