Action | Practice of dry needling |
Stage | Proposed |
Comment Period | Ended on 2/24/2017 |
i am an RN and have seen both physical therapists and accupuncturists. I believe PT has their area of expertise in working with patients to improve issues with muscles, bones and tendons. They receive extensive training in anatomy and physiology, which makes them great at what they do. There is no substitute for a good physical therapist. They have helped me multiple times to improve a weak back, strengthen my foot after a fracture, and relax and strengthen neck muscles. They provide different services than a chiropractor without duplication of services provided. In the same way, accupuncturists are experts in what they provide due to their extensive training. The scope of practice was set up many years ago for both of these professions. It works well and there is no reason to change it. I would never feel a PT has the expertise in dry needling, as it takes so many years of training for an accupuncturist to master their profession. There is no reason to change the scope of practice of PT when accupuncturists already have the expertise and provide a great service.