I oppose dry needling performed by physical therapists because the training required is insufficient. Physical therapists (PTs) can practice dry needling after taking a weekend seminar style course and with a minimum of 6 months of clinical practice. The proposed regulation doesn’t specify how many hours of training is necessary to perform this advanced technique, but states that it is not an entry level skill. The businesses that offer dry needling classes and certificate programs aren’t accredited by any agency and there are no competency exams or even intern/externship style clinical training.

Dry needling isn’t clearly specified in the proposed regulation. Is it for trigger point release only? Does it include electostimulation? Retaining needles for a period of time? What conditions does dry needling treat? Is it only for musculoskeletal and pain complaints or can it be used to treat conditions such as dysmenorrhea or anxiety? What about needles placed at acupuncture points to effect a change in a patient’s condition? At that point, isn’t it just acupuncture?

If PTs want to add a skill that is essentially acupuncture, then they should enroll in an accredited acupuncture program.