Dry needling is a skilled intervention that uses a thin filiform needle to penetrate the skin and stimulate underlying myofascial trigger points, muscular, and connective tissue for the management of neuromuscular skeletal pain and movement impairments. Each of these impairments is within the scope of practice of  a physical therapist and it something in which we have extensive training. Dry needling is different from acupuncture.

Furthermore, a recent study by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy found that 86% of the knowledge and skills required to perform Trigger Point Dry Needling is obtained in the entry level education of Physical Therapists when they graduate from an accredited program. 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.