About the specialty group

The International Acupuncture Association of Physiotherapists (IAAPT) is for physiotherapy associations and individuals interested in the practice of acupuncture and dry needling.

It was founded in 1991 and became a specialty group of World Physiotherapy in 1999.

It was formed by a core group of physiotherapists from parts of the world where physiotherapists had been practicing acupuncture since the early 1980s – Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Sweden and the UK.

The specialty group consists of academics and clinicians from member organisations. It promotes the dissemination of ideas by means of a journal produced four times a year.

Every four years a general meeting is held, at which officers are appointed and accounts approved. This meeting coincides with the World Physiotherapy congress.

IAAPT encourages a broad approach to the practice of acupuncture and dry needling, being aware that members need to conform to the rules and regulations that govern registration in their own countries/territories.

Standards of practice for basic safety have been established and accepted by member organisations. IAAPT provides accreditation standards for basic and advanced acupuncture and dry needling.

Each country/territory is represented in regional committees. IAAPT has an executive committee and education committee, publication editor and sub-editor (see list of officers and regional representatives).