I am writing in support of physical therapists performing dry needling. 

Trigger Point literature is foundational knowledge in Physical Therapy.  There is sufficient evidence in the PT literature on trigger points and dry needling is an excellent intervention to treat trigger points. As a matter of fact, The Trigger Point Manual by Dr. Janet Travell and Dr. David Simons is edited by a PT--Lois Simons, PT.  In addition, Dr. Simons handed the authorship of the Journal of Musculoskeletal Pain over to a physical therapist, Dr. Jan Dommerholt.

Dry needling is historically, scientifically and factually independent of acupuncture---to say they are the same or similar is disingenuous to both practitioners.  Physical therapists are not performing acupuncture, nor will they claim to be acupuncturists. The technique of dry needling is not ‘owned’ by any one profession.  Qualified licensed physical therapists who meet the proposed tough standards will utilize dry needling within the scope of physical therapy practice, as part of a PT plan of care.  Physical therapists have extensive training in anatomy and musculoskeletal system and use this knowledge not just with techniques such as dry needling but with EMG application and with sharp wound debridement.

The performance of modern dry needling by physical therapists is based on western neuroanatomy and modern scientific study of the musculoskeletal and nervous system. Physical therapists that perform dry needling do not use traditional acupuncture theories or acupuncture terminology.  The opposition by acupuncturists to the proposed board regulations governing the performance of the technique of dry needling by qualified physical therapists is unwarranted given the differences between the profession of acupuncture and the profession of physical therapy.