Action | Practice of dry needling |
Stage | Proposed |
Comment Period | Ended on 2/24/2017 |
I strongly oppose the proposal that allows physical therapist to practice acupuncture.
First of all, "dry needling" is acupuncture. Because dry needling puts needles on where patient has pain. It is the same as the "Ashipoints" in Chinese acupuncture. Physical therapists should focus on their own field instead of trying to practice acupuncture, since physical therapists do not receive enough training on acupuncture.
Secondly, changing the name to "dry needling" but in fact practicing acupuncture is a dishonest act by physical therapyst. Since physical therapysts are not fomally and well trained in the field of acupuncture, they may fail to make appropriate diagnosis on patient's reactions to acupuncture. Thus, this can result in severe consequences, for instance, aggriviating patient's disease or pain and increasing patient's financial burden.
Finanlly, some people may support this bill for their own interests and ignore the public safety and health. Regarding to this, I sincerely hope our policy makers will protect our patient's rights and safety by denying the proposal which allows physical therapysts to practice acupuncture.
Thanks very much.