In past years, I have been a patient of traditional Chinese medicine and, more recently, of physical therapy with dry needling; in each, I received excellent care, with no ill effects and a good outcome.  In fact, the two disciplines' differing approaches to treatment helped with very different health issues, the more recent being chronic lower back pain, worsened by a previous injury.  My physical therapist uses dry needling, along with other modalities and proper alignment, to allow me to function with much less discomfort.  Needling may, or may not, be needed in a visit, depending on my activity level/lifting, etc.  I trust my therapist's training and expertise and believe strongly in the safety and efficacy of dry needling by properly trained physical therapists.

Health care consumers have the right and responsibility to consult with our care providers, to discuss their training, treatment philosophy, length and cost of treatment, as well as any possible side effects of treatment.  We can then make informed choices for ourselves and our families.  I respectfully ask that dry needling be allowed to remain a choice for Virginia's physical therapy patients.