The first physiotherapists who used acupuncture in treatment were educated in England. In the early 80's it started several acupuncture schools and courses also in Norway. Physiotherapists were the first profession who started to use acupuncture in Norway. They were and are the largest group of healthcare givers in Norway using acupuncture. It is thought that more than 1000 physiotherapists are using acupuncture as a treatment method in Norway.

The physiotherapists are divided into two groups. "Classical acupuncture" is a 3, 5 year education that dominated in the 80's - and 90's. The number of physiotherapists who are educated at this school has decreased in the recent years. The other group is called "medical acupuncture". The education in "medical acupuncture" is more than 300 active course hours. Physiotherapists have recently largely educated in this direction. We also have a third group that bases its practice on a 2-3 day course in treatment of trigger points with needles.

Fagforum for acupuncture, the association of acupuncture, is placed under Norwegian Physiotherapist Association (NFF). The association gathers physical therapists organized in NFF wherever they are educated and has currently over 170 members. In October 2006, the NFF made a claim that physical therapists who wishes to use acupuncture in their practice had to have a minimum of 250 course hours. In March 2009 decided the NFF that acupuncture is part of the physiotherapy profession. As it is today, physical therapists are allowed to use acupuncture as part of the physiotherapy profession if they have the competence that NFF requires. Though we don't get no refundment today from the communal (NAV). It means that the patients must pay for this treatment themselves. Norwegian Physiotherapist Association, NFF, is in a discussion with the communal how to solve this so that the acupuncture treatment also gives refundment.

Chairman of the Association of Acupuncure
Bosko Gardasevic