Dear Board of Physical Therapy:

I have heard PTs say that dry needling is NOT acupuncture.  However, based on the description, "Dry needling (Myofascial Trigger Point Dry Needling) is the use of either solid filiform needles (also referred to as acupuncture needles) or hollow-core hypodermic needles for therapy of muscle pain, including pain related to myofascial pain syndrome," it is clearly a basic acupuncture technique.

In my professional opinion as an acupuncturist, 54 hours of training is insufficient.  In acupuncture school, we underwent six semesters-- the equivalent of 1000 hands-on hours in some cases-- before being allowed to insert needles into patients.  The risk of organ or artery puncture was too high.

If the 54-hour standard is upheld, I believe all hours should be hands-on instructional hours, instead of distance learning, so that the nuances of safe needling technique are taught.

Best Regards,

John Kang, LAc.