The practice of dry needling is under the scope of an acupunctureists practice and is not within the scope of the practice of a physical therapist. Acupuncturists receive proper training that makes using acupuncture needles safe for the public and ensures that the public maintains confidence in our work. Allowing improperly trained physical therapists to use acupuncture needles would not only degrade the public confidence in our work, but it would also not be safe for the public. 

The use of acupuncture needles to perform dry needling is acupuncture. Therefore legally, dry needling should only be preformed by those who have met all of the legal requirements to perform acupuncture.

In addition, the livelihood of those properly trained in acupuncture would be threatened by physical therapists entering this market that is not within the scope of their license. It is illegal to allow physical therapists to use a medical device that is not within the scope of their practice.

Sincerely,

Michelle Bullard, MS, LAc