Those of us who are licensed acupuncturists were required to go through thousands of hours of training for  our profession. Many hundreds of those hours were spent learning proper technique for the exact locations, depth of needling, safety issues related to each point and area of the body, as well as how to deal with any adverse reactions. Many hundreds more hours were spent learning the holistic application for each point and even more practicing our skills under the supervision of experienced acupuncturists.

When PTs are allowed to perform dry needling with only 54 hours of training they are inadequately trained. Patients risk nerve damage, pneumothorax, as well as unnecessary discomfort from dry needling. Many potential patients I have spoken to are afraid to have acupuncture done after an uncomfortable treatment from a PT. Not only are PTs working outside their scope of practice they are hurting professional acupuncturists by giving treatments that are often ineffective and painful. Patients try dry needling and if they don't get relief decide acupuncture doesn't work. Licensed acupuncturists are trained in many styles and uses of acupuncture including how to do trigger-point therapy and how to relax a muscle without aggressive treatment when appropriate. Additional practitioners with less training and experience are unnecessary and puts patient at risk.

Please protect our profession by prohibiting dry needling by Physical Therapists.

Sincerely,

Colleen Grady Porter, LAc Virginia,