I have been practicing PT for 18 years.  My entry-level education included cadaver dissection to develop extensive knowledge of human anatomy and also in depth education (with practice) on musculoskeletal palpation.  Trigger Point Dry Needing (DN) is the process where a trigger point is identified within a muscle using palpation, and then inserting a solid filament needle into the trigger point.  I have been performing DN for the past year and have had excellent results where other myofascial treatments have been less effective.  I have been dry needled by a PT colleague with excellent results.  The current DN rules in the VA PT Practice Act, on top of the current entry-level education, are more than enough to allow PTs to safely perform DN.  All patients read and sign a written informed consent prior to DN, and all questions are answered prior to proceeding.  Although I have no experience with acupuncture, my patients have told me that what I did with the needle is “a lot different” than their previous acupuncture experiences. over this text and enter your comments here. You are limited to approximately 3000 words.