Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Health Professions
 
Board
Board of Physical Therapy
 
chapter
Regulations Governing the Practice of Physical Therapy [18 VAC 112 ‑ 20]
Action Practice of dry needling
Stage NOIRA
Comment Period Ended on 12/30/2015
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12/24/15  6:24 am
Commenter: Tory Bishop, PT, DSc, Cert. MDT, CMTPT

Dry Needling
 

Physical Therapists have expert knowledge in anatomy and physiology; we dissect cadavers annd learn the anatomical location of organs, blood vessels, nerves, bones, dura, fascia, etc and the relationship of one structure to the juxtapose structure. Dry Needling is more than just sticking a needle in the body. It is understanding what the goal of the procedure is (breaking up the trigger point to disperse biochemicals that are potentially causing pain to help normalize the tissue environment) and issuing appropriate modalities and exercise to get a desired outcome). Yes, we use the same tool as acupuncturists; how dare someone bases that because PTs use an acupuncture needle, that we need to be certified in acupuncture. My daughter is an engineer and uses a hammer; does this mean she claims to be a carpenter or that she cannot use the same tool (that being a hammer): weak argument! I respect acupuncturists. I am not an acupucturist and don't claim to be. I am a physical therapist who uses a treatment approach that works in my clinical practice.

CommentID: 47047