I am fully in favor of Physical Therapists utilizing Dry Needling in our practice. Graudating with a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree already provides a very strong framework in anatomy, physiology, neuroology, pain science, and standard precautions/safety/contraindications. Then, I attended additonal continuing education courses in order to safely practice Dry Needling.  It is an extremely effective technqiue to reduce trigger points, allow for improved pain control, and most importantly to help our patients return to prior leve of function/improve quality of life. The goal of Dry Needling is different than acupunture. Dry Needling is aimed at TrPs within the muscle, causing a twitch response, and reducing the number of contracted actin/myosin filaments. By reducing trigger points, we are able to reduce pain.