Physical therapists that practice dry needling are not performing accupuncture. The only similarity is the tool that is being used - the needle. Does only the carpenter use a hammer? Jewelery makers, mechanics, welders, and many more all use hammers, but utilizing different techniques. No one profession "owns" a tool.

Physical therapists extensively study human anatomy, physiology, pathology, and a variety of differing intervention techniques during their graduate studies. Physical therapists learn how to perform trigger point dry needling after graduating, and practicing for several years. There is extensive course work specifically to become licensed in dry needling; but, let us not forget that any dry needling course work is building off of the multiple years of training, testing, and practicing that is part of becoming a physical therapist.

The most important thing to remember is that physical therapists are using dry needling to help people, and accupuncturists use their techniques to help people too. There are needs for both dry needling by physical therapists and accupuncture by accupuncturists, but they are different techniques.