I would like to submit a comment here in regards to the appropriateness and overall safety of Physical Therapists and their utilization of Dry Needling (DN).  Physical Therapists are licensed and specially educated / trained professionals that have been practicing and positively contributing to the improvement of patient lives for decades in VA.  PT's possess the appropriate educational background and knowledge to utilize trigger point dry needling (TrPDN) in a safe manner with all patients.  PT's use many different forms of treatment including functional movement systems / analysis, manual therapy, and many modalities including Dry Needling.

I would also like to refer those opposed to PT's performing dry needling to the multiple studies available showing the safety and efficacy of therapists performing TrPDN for a multitude of diagnosis.  One study by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy found that 86% of the knowledge and skills required to perform Trigger Point Dry Needling is obtained in the entry level education of Physical Therapists when they graduate from an accredited program.  The post graduate training that is required fulfills the remaining education needed to obtain certification and practice safely and effectively.  Currently, 54 additional training hours are needed in addition to the training and education to become a Physical Therapist which is typically 3 years of didactic and clinical education culminating in a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree after obtaining a Bachelor's degree in a related undergraduate field of study.

From reading some of these comments in the forum - the biggest point to be made in this forum is that Trigger point Dry Needling (TrPDN) is distinctly different from acupuncture as the treatment goal and method is different.  Physical Therapists are not attempting acupuncture in their treatments.  They (acupuncturists') may use a similar implement or device, but our clinical reasoning, technique, and goal of the treatment are substantially different.  TrPDN seeks to specifically addresses irritated tissue in the muscle to elicit a physiological response directly in the target muscle tissue to enhance and progress treatments performed by the Physical Therapists.  This response is similar to the response elicited by other treatment modalities frequently utilized by Physical Therapists.  And to reiterate, the response from the use of TrPDN is obtained in a safe way as with other modalities utilized by Physical Therapists.