Acupuncture in Greeley | What T.J. Watt’s Injury Teaches Us About Dry Needling vs. Acupuncture

Acupuncture vs. Dry Needling
Written By Holland Bellamy

When Pittsburgh Steelers star T.J. Watt suffered a partially collapsed lung after a dry needling session at the team facility, the sports world took notice. ESPN reported that Watt “had successful surgery to stabilize and repair a partially collapsed lung suffered Wednesday after a dry needling treatment session at the facility”.

This incident sparked essential conversations about the differences between dry needling and acupuncture—two practices that may look similar on the surface but are very different in training, philosophy, and safety standards.

What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling involves inserting thin needles into muscle “trigger points” to relieve tightness and pain. It is often performed by physical therapists or other providers who complete shorter training programs. While many patients benefit from dry needling, ESPN noted that Watt’s case shows how “questions about the events that led to the incident and what will happen next” remain.

Because dry needling is typically taught in shorter courses, practitioners may not have the same depth of anatomical training as licensed acupuncturists. Rare but serious risks—like puncturing a lung—can occur if technique or anatomical knowledge is insufficient.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a licensed medical practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It uses needles to stimulate specific points along the body’s meridians to restore balance, promote healing, and address a wide range of conditions.

Unlike dry needling, acupuncture requires extensive education and clinical training.

In Colorado, acupuncturists must complete:

How Common Is Pneumothorax After Dry Needling?

While T.J. Watt’s collapsed lung brought international attention, it’s important to understand how often this complication occurs. Pneumothorax — a collapsed lung — is considered uncommon, but it is a recognized risk of dry needling, especially when performed in the chest, shoulder, or upper back regions.

Published case reports in the United States confirm this risk:

These reports show that while most dry needling sessions do not result in complications, a collapsed lung is not unheard of in U.S. practice.

This reinforces why acupuncture’s extensive training and licensure requirements matter. Licensed acupuncturists undergo thousands of hours of anatomy, physiology, and supervised clinical practice to minimize risks and ensure patient safety.

Our Acupuncturist’s Qualifications

At Pins & Needles Acupuncture in Greeley, Holland Bellamy is a licensed acupuncturist who has completed:

This level of training ensures that every treatment prioritizes patient safety, anatomy, and holistic healing.

Why This Matters

T.J. Watt’s experience is not about blaming dry needling—it’s about recognizing the differences in training and scope of practice. Both therapies can play a role in pain management, but acupuncture offers a broader, safer, and more holistic approach backed by years of education and licensure.

As ESPN highlighted, Watt’s collapsed lung was a reminder that “a common treatment should not lead to a collapsed lung”. Choosing a licensed acupuncturist ensures you’re working with a provider trained to minimize risks and maximize healing.

Ready to Experience Acupuncture?

If you’re curious about how acupuncture in Greeley can support your health and wellness, we invite you to visit us at Pins & Needles Acupuncture. Whether you’re managing pain, stress, or seeking holistic balance, our licensed practitioners are here to help.

Schedule your appointment today and experience the difference that professional acupuncture care can make.

Holland Bellamy
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