Dry Needling for PT's is NOT acupuncture and should not be treated as such.  I was trained in Dry needling musculoskeletal techniques as an adjunct to other manual therapies.  My ability to treat is based upon my neuroanatomy, musculoskeletal anatomy and physiological anatomy knowledge base. I have doctoral level education in these priciples and also significant education in safety principles with respect to clean technique for patients.  I do not understand or attempt to treat based upon meridians or pathways that are specific to acupuncture nor would I ever expect to treat that way unless I was trained as an acupucturist.

I have had the privilege of being treated and treat mutual patients with an acupuncturist.  We both look at the patient in our own unique ways specific to our profession, education and licensure.  Our intent in the use of the needle differs significantly and even our choice in what needle to use differs- this is because we are different practitioners with different practice acts and different education.  We should not be treated the same because we are not.  PT's should not be penalized because of a territory war.  I assure you PT's who needle do not do acupuncture nor would we ever profess to do so.

Dry Needling (also referred to as Intramuscular Manual Therapy) is not illegal.  Doctoral education and the physical therapy practice act supports this treatment modaility.  Virginia is one of few states in the US that requires minimum hours of training for PT's who dry needle- a wonderful step in making sure that all who practice with needles are safe and the patient is protected.

In summary- we're talking apples and oranges.  Just because we all come from trees doesn't mean that the apples aren't allowed in the fruit bowl.