Trigger Point Dry Needling is NOT acupuncture. It is not advertised by PT's as acupuncture, and the clinic where I work does not even use acupuncture needles, we use needles specifically designed for dry needling.  Should physicians who give injections be required to become acupuncuturists? Dry needling is a small part of what we offer our patients, and doesn't interfere from a PT's recommendation that patients pursue acupuncture outside of PT.  PT's and certified massage therapists have a symbiotic relationship, and I don't see how this is any different.

Physical Therapists are highly educated and trained Medical Professionals who specialize in treating the Neurological, Muscular and Skeletal movement systems via many treatment techniques, and Dry Needling is a part of what we do.  Physical Therapists possess the anatomical, physiological and clinical knowledge to perform Trigger point Dry needling safely and effectively. PTs have several thousand hours of training in anatomy compared to a few hundred by acupuncturists.  

The post graduate training that is required to practice dry needling fulfills the education needed to obtain certification and practice safely and effectively.  Currently, 54 additional training hours are needed in addition to the training and education to become a Physical Therapist which is typically 3 years of didactic and clinical education culminating in a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree after obtaining a Bachelor's degree in a related undergraduate field of study.

Trigger point Dry Needling is distinctly different from acupuncture as the treatment goal and method is different.  While they may use a similar implement or device, the clinical reasoning, technique, and goal of the treatment are different.  Trigger point Dry Needling specifically addresses hyperirritable loci in the muscle tissue to elicit a physiological response directly in the target muscle tissue to enhance and progress treatments performed by the Physical Therapists.  This response is similar to the response elicited by other treatment modalities frequently utilized by Physical Therapists.

Dry needling is SAFE!! There is no evidence indicating that patients have been injured by physical therapists performing dry needling. There is, however, significant research and evidence regarding the therapeutic benefits of TDN.

One profession cannot own a technique. Both PTs and chiropractors can perform manipulation. Both physicians and physical therapists use stethoscopes and blood pressure cuffs. PTs and massage therapists both provide soft tissue mobilization. PTs and acupuncturists are both allowed to perform dry needling.