I am a military PT currently stationed overseas, my license is through VA. 

1. PTs have appropriate levels of training to utilize dry needling as a treatment option. Entry level PTs + post graduate training fulfill the regulatory requirement for certification and safe use of this therapy. As such, a specific written referral from a physician/provider should be unnecessary. 

2. Dry needling is distinct from acupuncture and has a growing body of literature to support its use in conjunction with existing therapies. 

3. With all due respect to Dr. Geoffrey Bove and Dr. John Quintner (previous commenters). The comments that dry needling has no scientific basis are unfounded. Dry needling has literature to support its use and will continue to be refined as a treatment in conjunction with existing therapies.