For physical therapists, the healing of the body occurs by its own internal processes and physiologic responses.  The best way to facilitate this is to promote movement with exercise.  The use of dry needling is then merely a modality for this goal as it can help loosen muscle, decrease pain and improve a contraction.  It is a means to an end and never thought to heal in its isolated use.  

The training of a physical therapist in the use of dry needling is also quite an extensive and thorough process.  First an undergraduate degree is required to be accepted into an accredited 3 year program that focuses on human anatomy, physiology and medical training in the safety and appropriateness of a patient for physical therapy.  It is only after this process can a PT now be able to be trained in the use of dry needling.  With the formal education completed, the training of dry needling has extensive review and testing of human anatomy including arteries, nerves and veins.  There are pedantic absolute rules to preserve public safety and any prevention of any adverse response.  

Finally a PT has the ability to use a needle focusing on timeless, absolute, anatomical knowledge consistent across the countless anatomy and medical texts and references in existence.  My limited understanding of acupuncture envisions identification of meridians, chi, or some other term used to target channels of energy that I have little knowledge. Dry needling is never an identification of any of these terms or entities associated with acupuncture.  

I would further comment that the patient should be the focus here and that patient should be able to choose where to obtain treatment and in what form.  Promote and advocate for your own profession and give the patient the education on what you are offering.  My thought is that if dry needling is continued to be challenged as the same acupuncture then the patient has nothing to choose from.  But if you promote your own profession, then the public gains from everyone's areas of expertise.  We are all here for the benefit of our patients right?