Hey Albuquerque wellness seekers! If you're dealing with chronic pain, sports injuries, or stress, you've probably heard the buzz around needle therapies like acupuncture and dry needling. But a recent scare with Pittsburgh Steelers star T.J. Watt has us licensed Doctors of Oriental Medicine (DOMs) sounding the alarm on safety. As a board-certified DOM right here in Albuquerque, I'm passionate about helping you heal holistically—without the risks.
What Happened to TJ Watt? A Wake-Up Call
Just days ago, T.J. Watt underwent emergency surgery for a partially collapsed lung (pneumothorax) after a routine dry needling session at the Steelers' facility. Dry needling, a technique where thin needles (aka acupuncture needles) target muscle trigger points to ease pain, went horribly wrong when a needle punctured his lung. Watt spent three days in the hospital, missing a crucial game, with recovery still ongoing. As his brother J.J. shared: "TJ had successful surgery to stabilize and repair a partially collapsed lung suffered Wednesday after a dry needling treatment... all went well and he is being released from the hospital today."
For a full breakdown, check out this excellent ESPN article: T.J. Watt's Collapsed Lung Injury Update & Dry Needling Explained. It dives into the rare but real risks—like pneumothorax—and why even pros aren't immune. Expert Dr. Sue Falsone calls it "a very rare event," but Steelers teammate Patrick Queen nailed it: "You could probably get dry needled a thousand times and never have anything happen... and it just probably a half an inch in the wrong direction."
Dry Needling Risks vs. Licensed DOM Expertise
Dry needling is popular among physical therapists, chiropractors, and trainers, but here's the catch: In many states (including New Mexico), it requires far less training than acupuncture—often just a weekend course, versus the 4+ years of graduate-level education, 3,000+ clinical hours, and rigorous exams for a licensed DOM like me. Without that depth, risks skyrocket: improper needle depth, poor anatomical knowledge, or ignoring holistic factors like your energy balance (Qi) and meridians.
Acupuncture, rooted in 2,500+ years of Traditional Chinese Medicine, isn't just about poking muscles—it's a whole-body reset. We assess your constitution, lifestyle, and patterns to prevent issues, not just treat symptoms. Studies show acupuncture's complication rate is under 0.01% when done by pros, making it safer for Albuquerque athletes, busy parents, or anyone chasing pain-free days.
Choose Safety & Wholeness: Book with a Licensed DOM Today
TJ's story is a stark reminder—don't gamble with unqualified providers. As your local Albuquerque acupuncture expert, I blend evidence-based care with ancient wisdom for lasting relief from migraines, back pain, fertility woes, and more. Ready for gentle, effective healing? DM me or visit DrMoser.org for more information. Let's keep you thriving, not sidelined.
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