As a long time member of professional acupuncture community. I wish to register my opposition to the practice of dry needling by physical therapists.
 I believe it will ultimately have a detrimental effect on public health and safety. Professional acupuncturists learn hundreds of recognized acupuncture points and their underlining body structures; they are thoroughly trained in clean needling technique and blood-borne pathogens; and they complete a lengthy internship, performing acupuncture treatment under close supervision.
There is simply no comparison between the fifty hours of training a physical therapist receives in needle insertion and the thousands of hours required to truly internalize and manifest the theory and practice of acupuncture. Putting dry needling by physical therapists on the same footing with the health care services performed by licensed acupuncturists will only serve to confuse the public about the real nature and therapeutic effects of acupuncture. I suggest PTs should take extra 400 hours or more on acupuncture training in order to practice acupuncture.