I am fully in favor of Physical Therapists in Virginia maintaining the privledge of utilizing Dry Needling in our practice. Graudating with a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree already provides a very strong framework in anatomy, physiology, body systems, neuro, pain and standard precautions/safety/contraindications. Then, the coursework required above and beyond the DPT degree MORE than prepares a PT to utilize Dry Needling. It is a helpful procedure to use for pain control, muscle length/strengthening, neuromuscular re-education and most importantly to help our patients return to their full function and restore quality of life. Dry Neddling is distinctly different from Accupuncture in that we focus on hyperirritable loci in the muscle tissue to elicit a physiological response in the muscle tissue to enhance and progress treatments performed by the PTs.  Dry Needling has greatly enhanced the field of PT and the well-being of the population who receives it during their course of treatment.