I speak as a person that has chronic nerve and muscle pain for many years due to an accident and multiple surgeries. I have recived dry needling and acupuncture for many years from multiple practitioners.  Dry needling has been ONE of the most effective forms of physical therapy I have received.  A physical therapist is well suited to provide this form of therapy as part of an integrated modality in his/her practice. The practice of dry needling and acupunture are different. Though the same type of needles are used the medthod and results are VERY different.  The dry needling provides longer relief than acupunture and can be tailored to specific areas.

Physical therapists have the anatomical, physiological and clinical knowledge to perform dry needling safely and effectively. Physical therapists are educated and trained healthcare professionals who specialize in treating the neurological, muscular and skeletal movement systems.

Trigger point dry needling is distinctly different from acupuncture as the treatment goal and method is different.  While both practices may use a similar implement or device, the clinical reasoning, technique, and goal of the treatment are different.

The regulations proposed by the Virginia Board of Physical Therapy are sufficient to ensure public safety and should be fully enacted.