Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to you to oppose dry needling by physical therapists (PT).

I graduated from Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 1983, and I obtained Ph.D. from New York University Medical Center in 1997. I was also trained as a neuroscientist at Howard Hughes Medical Institute. I am a licensed acupuncturist and taught students at several accredited acupuncture schools in NYC.  I have noticed from my experience as an acupuncturist, an educator and a scientist that efficacy and safety are equally important for our patients. We welcome other medical professions to join our field. However, they (including PT) MUST receive formal education (3-4 years) and practice in educational clinics for over 3000 hours. It is not allowed that one can practice so call “dry needle” on patients without thorough education and training. It is danger, illegal and irresponsible to propose it. Our patients have their rights to be served by licensed individuals, but not someone who has no knowledge, and no skills. We cannot let our patients to be the victims of this illegal action.  Thank you for your attention.

Jie Fu, Lic. Ac., Ph.D.