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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2/23/17  10:42 pm
Commenter: ZS

Dry needling is under-educated Acupuncture
 

For the sake of public safety and efficacy of practice, it is highly advisable that only thoroughly trained and credentialed Acupuncturist perform Acupuncture. Rebranding the techniques is a disservice to the public. I have had many patients in my clinic report painful experiences from "dry needling" performed in their home states where it is not banned and are amazed to see how painless and effective Acupuncture treatments are in comparisson. In addition, the many reports of pneumothorax are typically performed by untrained individuals under the guise of "dry needling." A side-by-side comparrison of training and experiential hours clearly displays that the disparity in training is a matter of serious concern. Acupuncturists perform a range of styles, and dry needling falls under the heading of "orthopedic acupuncture;" however Acupuncturists train and practice for 4 years before sitting for boards, while PT's undertake this method after a weekend course. 

CommentID: 57871