As a manual-trained physical therapist, there is no other treatment or modality I have found that is more effective in treating myofascial pain and trigger points than dry needling. Myofascial pain and trigger points are found in near every patient I have treated and although trigger point dry needling is not appropriate in all cases, my education at the doctoral level has made me skilled in differential diagnosis, as well as patient management. Physical therapists are well aware of their limitations in scope of practice, and treating of trigger points falls within it. To not be able to utilize the most effective modality in doing so would underserve our patients. 

Additionally, in performing trigger point dry needling, we are targeting skeletal muscle only. We do not claim to be performing acupuncture in any way. Acupuncture can address a much wider range of ailments. I believe in acupuncture, and know that what I am using for my patients every day is very different than acupuncture.