DPT's often argue the following as reasons to justify use of acupunture needles to manipulate muscles and soft tissues: 

- The word 'doctor' is in their title and therefore qualifies and implies expertise.
- The audacity to argue that CEU is just an added benefit, but without CEU in needle techique, they still qualify.
- Their scope of practice is musculosketal and therefore, instruments that aid relief, are all within their scope.
- Orthopedic doctors and medical doctors as well as practitioners such as chiropractors and even licensed acupuncturists refer patient to them, therefore they are the authority for all treatments related to musculosketal issues.

These arguements and assumuptions are dangerous and not well thought out.

1. Doctorate is a title. Yes, well earning through training and organizational effort through professional advocacy, but it does not qualify DPTs as expert technicians. 

2. CEU training is already insufficient as it is, to state that one is qualified without extensive training in the field is dangerous for all patients--especially like DPTs have said, their patients and referring medical professionals rely on their care--therefore it should be safe and effective and above all, DO NO HARM. A&P class does not sufficiently train PTs to peform needling safely.

3. Just because DPTs do not use the word acupuncture or channel/pathway theory as guide to perform needling, it does not mean it is not acupuncture. Meridian/channel/pathway based acupuncture is only one subset of the practice. Acupuncture uses the peripheral nervous network to bring about theraputeic change, but also to relieve pain in the muscles and joints. To conveniently leave this out and imply LAc's are practicing some theoretical metaphysical and mystical modality is a service to all patients who can benefit from a licensed acupuncturist's care. 

I will not repeat what so many people have said about the training hours involved. Acupuncturists work with needles to bring positive changes for patients all day and everday. That's our expertise and well-honed skill set.

If there is a profession that focuses on this skill set, why risk possible issues by allowing the lesser trained to do that task? 

I'm SURE there are great DPTs out there who are well qualitifed. BUT, let's take a look at this from an aggregate perspective. Just because a handful of PTs are great at this techique, it does not mean the vast majority are well qualified.

I support and welcome all professional to learn acupuncture and its benefits. I would love more professional to take courses with us and receive the RIGHT training and have enough EXPERIENCE in a safe clinical setting under supervision.

DO NO HARM.