The plight of our professions is to best serve our clients with the most up to date and effective techniques, not to play "turf wars" with interventions. Physical therapists, with the appropriate training and certification which is already required by the State Board, having the capability to safely and effectively utilize trigger point dry needling is integral to the treatment of pain and functional limitations in patients. 

The historical and fundamental treatment differences between Trigger Point Dry Needling and Acupuncture are clear and distinct. Trigger point dry needling is used as an adjunctive intervention by physical therapists to promote release of trigger points Acupuncture tends more toward releasing blocked energy flow to alleviate pain and symptoms. The only similarity is the type of needles used. Restricting a Physical Therapist’s ability to use Trigger Point Dry Needling takes a minimally invasive, highly effective treatment option off of the table and negatively impacts the health outcomes of our clients.