Action | Practice of dry needling |
Stage | NOIRA |
Comment Period | Ended on 12/30/2015 |
Dry needling and accupuncture are invasive treatments that have the potential to harm. Through the proper education and appropriate use, they can be powerful treatment options that help patients reduce their pain and improve their function and quality of life. I am a Physical Therapist and I promote the use of both as each is different in its method and focus, while using the same tool/instrument. I can only speak to the education process and reasonings of dry needling, and believe that the current guidelines and standards set in the state of Virginia are appropriate in limiting the occurances of adverse effects in treating patients using dry needling. I always clarify that I am not performing acupuncture as the methodologies are unique and different, and as such, I believe that there can be a benefit to each depending on each patient's case. If your main concern is the care and improvement of your patients, it is time to stop the fighting between disciplines and start working together.