As a physical therapy patient in Richmond, Virginia dry needling has been part of my treatment plan. When administered by a certified physical therapist, I have found dry needling to provide relief when nothing else has. Lidocaine injections in diagnosed trigger points were the first line of treatment in my doctor's office. Unfortunately, I experienced an allergic reaction to the medication. Dry needling has allowed my physical therapist to access trigger points without the use of drugs, and enhanced their ability to treat my muscle and joint pain. I have experienced an definite increase in range of motion after needling sessions as well as shortened healing time as I am able to better perform prescribed exercises. As a health care consumer in the Commonwealth of Virginia, I believe it is very important that I continue to have access to physical therapists who are specifically trained and certified in dry needling techniques. Thank you.