Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Health Professions
 
Board
Board of Physical Therapy
 
chapter
Regulations Governing the Practice of Physical Therapy [18 VAC 112 ‑ 20]
Action Practice of dry needling
Stage Proposed
Comment Period Ended on 2/24/2017
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2/22/17  2:11 pm
Commenter: Y Shi

OPPOSE PT using "dry needle" without specific professional training.
 

Acupuncture is a very old system of treatment. Pulling out one nuance of the medicine, changing it's name and repackaging it as a new technique doesn't make it a new technique.  That is what is happening with Dry Needling. That is not to say that it doesn't work.  Putting a acupuncture needle anywhere in the body is going to work simply because acupuncture/dry needling works with the nervous system and the cascade of chemical reactions that are set of with the insertion of a needle.  This doesn't mean it's safe to practice with just a weekend course. My students who came from other professions will vouche for that.  I am not against PT's practicing acupuncture. It is a very effective medicine and can help hundreds of patients stay off pain medication.  However, they need to be properly trained in its use. And, they should be required to work under Acupuncturists where they can be monitored and have a mentor that they can consult as it's proper use. 

In the literature where there have been acupuncture accidents, they were not caused by acupuncturists but by PT's, massage therapists and DC who were not trained professional.  I would urge you to exercise caution and work for the public by denying Pt's the use of acupuncture in your state.

 

CommentID: 57455