Per the title, Dry Needling as practiced in the United States by therapists is not Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which is what traditional acupuncture is based on.. We do not care about meridians, qi, or the overal philosophy/theory behind why needles are utilized for treatment. A therapist can manipulate while a chiropractor "adjusts". Techniques are similar, but I don't adhere to the subluxation theory. Exercise is not trademarked by personal trainers any more than a physical therapist uses them for rehabilitative purposes. A tool can be used by anyone, but knowledge, skill, and wisdom ensure safety. We are entrusted by physicians, nurses, chiropractors (even them), and insurance companies to take care of their patients in a manner to allow them to recover and restore their functionality.  PT's are neuromusculoskeletal specialists with the current education level being a Doctorate. Dry needling is not an advanced procedure that requires additional training even after graduation.

Dave Aznar, DPT, Cert MDT, Cert. DN, Cert. SMT