Dry Needling is a treatment strategy used within acupuncture already.  It is a rudimentary form of acupuncture the way it is taught and the educational standards for Dry Needling fall far short.  PTs are trying to co-opt and use acupuncture by calling it a different name and circumventing the rigorous educational requirements (often over 1600 hours, and as high as 3000 hours) of getting an acupuncture license.  Also, it is clear from several dry needling courses that PTs teach using acupuncture meridian theory (including the specific actions and functions of points, their cautions and contraindications) and acupuncture point location (including the specific use of body measurements AND anatomical landmarks to locate the points; the majority of which are CLASSICAL acupuncture points).  PTs deny that dry needling is acupuncture.  Why are they trying to hide the fact that what they teach in the courses is essentially acupuncture?  Acupuncture is based in science.  There are many studies confirming and backing its evidence and efficacy.  Acupuncture is effective because it works.  If Physical therapists want to insert any filiform needle into a patient, they must enter into a legitimate, fully accredited acupuncture program.  Otherwise, they are practicing acupuncture and therefore, breaking Virginia law.