I am strongly in favor of the use of Dry Needling by my Physical Therapists. I started with debillitative headaches from muscle spasms in my neck and shoulders in 1980. I was told by an MD that I had "fibrocytis", and that "it would not kill me" as he refilled my Rx. In 1989, I was referred to a PT, she worked with me, and she referred me to a Rhuematologist who would inject my trigger points with steroids. She already knew what would help my pain (but was unable to achieve it). I shifted my treatment to the MD, injections, meds, a  Micro TENS,  a Chiropractor, and my shear stubborness to keep me moving. About 10 years ago, I could not stand or walk without pain. The Chiropractor adjustments inflamed the muscles more.  I did traditional physical therapy (different therapist and not manual treatment), and excercise, but I could not stand without pain even as I left therapy.I was sent to the Pain Physicians who said there may be enough stenosis to warrant facet injections. The relief lasted only several days at a time, because it was coming from deep in my muscles. I tried acupuncture-it hurt! I could not rationalize how a painful needle in the top of my head and hand (among others) was going to take away the pain in my hip. After several more years in pain, again I turned to the original PT, who at this time was performing Dry Needling, and was my Rhuematologist's recommendation vs  the Orthopedic Surgeon. Although not covered by insurance, I had no choice, I wanted to continue my life. I was ready for disablity. My Fibromyalgia causes my muscles to repeatedly painfully spasm; stress, use, and/or inactivity triggers them, I have no other solutions for my condition. 

Dry Needling with Manual Physical Therapy has saved my life and kept me off disability. I still use all of the maintenance and survival therapies I've had for 30 years, but I walk, I stand, I work 2 jobs and most days have a life. With what I have learned about muscles, and their relationships allows me to manage my treatment WITH my PT's and Physicians.

Physical Therapists are not acupunturists, they have college degrees (4 years), and have attended 3 years of Physical Therapy Medical training. Most PT's practice several years before adding the additional training for Dry Needling. They learn to safely place needles within the area causing the pain or disfunction, during their needling training. This specifc placement of the needle gives a relief to long time chronic issues that cause misaligned posture, gait irregularities, and pain. I have also been "needled" by in training therapists. If this was not a safe treatment I am sure I could have sustained an injury. I received relief- one needle at a time!

Acpuncturists are looking at and treating the body in a different aspect.There are many people and diagnosises helped by them. I am not critical of them, and certainly would not wish them to stop prescribing herbs (or other activity) they know help their patients, but I know what worked for me and other people who have been able to receive Dry Needling. Please do not make this treatment unavailable or less accessable. Thank you for your time and considerations of these comments. Cathy H.