Dry needling is directly within the scope of practice of physical therapists and does not encroach on the scope of practice of acupuncture as they are distinctly different practices. The argument that by using the acupuncture needle we are performing acupuncture is incorrect. The needles are simply a tool utilized. The clinical reasoning and goal of placing the needle into the hyperirritable area are very different than the goals an acupuncturist would be trying to accomplish with their treatment. DNT is a completely appropriate modality for qualified physical therapists to utilize. The following objective evidence and clinical data demonstrate why TDN is an effective treatment tool to be used within the scope of practice for a skilled and trained physical therapist.

• Physical Therapists are highly educated and trained Medical Professionals who specialize in treating the Neurological, Muscular and Skeletal movement systems via many modalities and Dry Needling is one such modality.  Physical Therapists possess the anatomical, physiological and clinical knowledge to perform Trigger point Dry needling safely and effectively. 
• A recent 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 fulfils 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.
• Trigger point Dry Needling is distinctly different from acupuncture as the treatment goal and method is different.  While they may use a similar implement or device, the clinical reasoning, technique, and goal of the treatment are different.  Trigger point Dry Needling specifically addresses hyperirritable loci in the muscle tissue 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.