massage therapist providing dry needling

Sports Massage

Can Massage Therapists Do Dry Needling?

Breeze Academy
30 April 2026

As a healthcare provider, you might at times find yourself wondering whether you can legitimately provide your clients with other therapies. In this blog, we specifically look into whether Massage Therapists can do Dry Needling. Both are Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), but do they need different qualifications and training?

So, can a Massage Therapist do Dry Needling? A Massage Therapist can practise Dry Needling if they have the relevant qualifications and have the relevant insurance. Level 4 Massage Therapists that studied an anatomy module can take a Dry Needling CPD course to qualify.

Read on to learn more on how to become a Dry Needling practitioner or Massage Therapist with Breeze Academy.

Can a Massage Therapist Perform Dry Needling?

Massage Therapists can perform Dry Needling if they have completed a level 4 qualification in Sports Massage Therapy that includes an anatomy module, and a foundation-level Dry Needling course. Registration with a relevant governing body gives confidence to clients that you have the experience to help with their condition.

sports massage course graduates smiling in the practice room

Sports Massage Therapy Training Courses (Level 3 & 4)

Looking to launch your sports massage career or take it to the next level? Our FHT & STO-accredited courses are led by experienced clinicians who’ve worked at the highest level of sport, rehab, and private practice. With thousands trained and a reputation for delivering high-quality education, our courses provide you with the practical skills, clinical confidence, and credibility to build a rewarding career in any setting – whether that’s in a gym, clinic, or as your own boss.

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How to Become a Dry Needling Practitioner

It is easier for those with backgrounds (and qualifications) in healthcare to train in Dry Needling as they already have relevant experience. If you are looking to become a Dry Needling practitioner but don’t have the relevant qualifications currently, look at our training pathways to see a range of options to take you from beginner to competent practitioner. Foundation level courses with Breeze Academy include both Acupuncture and dry needling training.

Other Considerations

Upon completion of relevant training, you will also need a licence from your local council and adequate insurance cover. Each council sets its own criteria for a licence so search your local council website for further details. The licence required is for Acupuncture, Tattooing and Piercing. Practitioners in Scotland and Wales may also require additional registration.

Further Learning

Once you have completed a foundation-level Acupuncture and Dry Needling course, more intermediate, advanced and specialist courses are available for further learning. These are often referred to as CPD courses (continued professional development). For example, Breeze Academy offers Acupuncture and Dry Needling CPD courses in Advanced Skills, Women’s Health, Headaches, Neck and Shoulder Pain, and more.

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