Dry needling is a safe technique that according to the American Physical Therapy Association is within the scope of Physical Therapy practice. Although the solid monofilament needle is a similar tool in both practices, the rationale and implication of the procedure. As a licensed Physical Therapist and a licensed dry needler in another state, I use this technique and modality strictly to treat musculoskeletal and neuromuscular dysfunction whether that is pain or muscle tightness or improper firing. I do not claim to perform dry needling for anything outside of this scope. According to Dr. Yun-Tao Ma, a licensed acupuncturist, "Dry needling technique is a modern Western medical modality that is not related to Traditional Chinese Medicine in any way. It has its own theoretical concepts ,  terminology, needling technique, and clinical application." Dry needling has been a powerful tool in helping many patients return to their best quality of life and has changed these individuals' lives. According to research by Dommerholt and colleagues, a study performed demonstrated the occurrence of significant adverse effects from dry needling was 0.04%! Please consider the evidence based research in support of dry needling and physical therapy education programs as well as the safe and positive impact this technique has for patients before making a rash decision due to baseless fear mongering. There is a place for both treatment techniques.