Dry needling is an increasingly popular therapeutic technique used for managing muscle pain and dysfunction. While often associated with acupuncture, dry needling is a distinct practice rooted in Western medicine, focusing specifically on soft tissue manipulation. Its regulation and scope of practice vary by state, creating different legal and professional landscapes depending on location and practitioner qualifications. Although both dry needling and acupuncture involve the insertion of thin needles into the skin, their underlying principles and applications differ significantly. Acupuncture, grounded in traditional Chinese medicine, focuses on restoring the body’s energy flow (Qi) by stimulating specific meridian points. It is