According to PT dry needling instructor Frank Gargano, the 1st generation of dry needling is using a hypodermic needle to stimulate the myofascial trigger points. The 2nd generation of dry needling is using filiform needles (acupuncture needles) to stimulate the myofascial trigger points. Now they are teaching the 3rd generation of dry needling which add non myofascial trigger points. They use traditional classical acupuncture points but change the names to “hemostasis points”. They also are now promoting dry needling injections which it is the same as Trigger Point injections.  PTs are practicing acupuncture but calling it dry needling. 

It is illegal for PTs to use acupuncture needles to practice “Dry needling”.

It is illegal to bypass the acupuncture law to practice “dry needling”.

It is irresponsible for untrained PTs to practice acupuncture simply by calling it “dry needling”

It is also a public safety issue! No Dry Needling training is as comprehensive as what is required by the boards of acupuncture in the US and in China. Poorly trained practitioners can do great harm to the public. Practicing medicine without a valid license is malpractice.