Dry Needling does not pose a risk to public health, and the argument that physical therapists are not properly trained is invalid.  At this time physical therapists are required to complete 56 hours in dry needling to use it as a treatment.  Yet, 56 hours is not the extent of their training.  Physical therapists are highly trained medical professionals who hold doctorates in their fields.  Therapists spend 3 years in graduate programs studying anatomy, biomechanics, etc.  The palpation skills and anatomy knowledge of a therapist makes dry needling perfectly safe. 

Futhermore, dry needling does not attempt to treat pathology or other ailments.  It is used to treat musculoskeletal dysfunction which is completely in the scope of a physical therapist's practice and knowledge. Dry needling does not use acupoints, instead, affected tissues are treated directly. 

I have been certified in dry needling and found it effective to treat musculoskeletal dysfunction safely for many patients.  Dry needling is safe and phyiscal therapists are highly trained.  Please support dry needling for physical therapists.

Sarah Stafford, DPT, Cert D.N.