Trigger point acupuncture/ dry needle is based on Chinese medicine acupuncture theory which is described how to acupuncture the pain point or Ashi point to treat painful conditions. This theory is recorded on Chinese medicine book Nei Jing- Ling Shi chapter over 2000 years ago. And it guided acupuncturists use this method to treat painful conditions thousands years.

Physical therapist observed how Chinese Acupunctrist use this technique to help patient release pain, and they adopted Chinese medicine acupuncture use trigger point or Ashi point treat pain in the past few decades without have formal acupuncture education and training.  

They use acupuncture theory and acupuncture needles, but they have never have formal acupuncture education and training. Only 50 hours training is not enough to perform save trigger point acupuncture or so called dry needle. For public health safety, they need to have formal acupuncture education and training in acupuncture institute or acupuncture college in the United State.