As a medical provider in Virginia for over 20 years, a Dry Needling practitioner for 6 years, Dry Needling instructor since 2010, I have a unique insight to this modality.

First, Dry Needling is NOT acupuncture. Dry Needling is modality apart from other needling therapies and benefits our clients/patients everyday. Professionals who practice Dry Needling do not claim it to be acupuncture and in fact highlight the difference between the two to their clients upon their questioning. The only individuals who claim Dry Needling is acupuncture are acupuncturists!

Secondly, with the 2-3 years of medical training including anatomy instruction, dissection and palpation, physical therapists/physiotherapists have a more than substantial background to be instructed in and preform Dry Needling. Physical therapists/physiotherapists practice Dry Needling safely everyday in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Individuals who state physical therapists/physiotherapists do not have the education or knowledge have not looked into the physical therapists/physiotherapists training. I have personally trained over 500 physical therapists/physiotherapists since 2010 and have never witnessed an adverse affect requiring outside medical attention due to their deep human anatomy knowledge base.

Thirdly, this is medical intervention that provides a significant benefit to individuals of Virginia by physical therapists/physiotherapists, which is not provided by any other medical group. Limiting Dry Needling doesn't only hurt physical therapists/physiotherapists assisting their clients/patients, but also hurts the ability of patients getting relief and benefit. This benefit includes: pain relief; increased mobility; increased strength; increased stability/motor control; improved ability to perform ADL's. Dry Needling is only safely practiced by physical therapists/physiotherapists and benefits clients/patients in Virginia, but also throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand!

Finally, Dry Needling has been reviewed by numerous health and medical organizations in the United States and throughout the world and has determined that Dry Needling is not only safe when performed by physical therapists/physiotherapists, but within the scope of practice for physical therapists/physiotherapists! Virginia is great, and has been, for being a leader and advocate for its citizens in need of medical care. Restricting Dry Needling from physical therapists/physiotherapists would not only set physical medicine back, but, prohibit Virginia’s citizens from receiving medical care they need and deserve!