DPT's often argue the following as reasons to justify use of acupuncture 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 musculoskeletal and therefore, instruments that aid relief, are all within their scope.
- Understanding of Anatomy and Physiology is sufficient.
- PTs specialize in treating neurological, muscular and skeletal movement systems. Therefore trigger point dry needling is distinctly different from acupuncture. 
- Treatment goal and methods are different
- 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 musculoskeletal issues.

These arguments and assumptions 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 perform 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 therapeutic 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 disservice to all patients who can benefit from a licensed acupuncturist's care. 

4. Using keywords phrases such as "trigger point",  "distinctly different modality" and "different treatment goals and methods from acupuncture" is masking falsehoods. There is no distinction between "trigger point dry needling" and acupuncture ashi points manipulation aka trigger point therapy. Acupuncturists work on fascia, muscles, sinews, and joints to restore normal ROM, function and achieve pain relief. If PTs do not have these treatment goals in mind as they perform "dry needling" then, why treat a patient in the first place. If they do have these treatment goals, then they are wrong to state so boldly that they have "different treatment goals" from acupuncturists. Which is it?

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 everyday. That's our expertise and well-honed skill set.

If there is a profession that prioritizes mastering a certain skill set, why risk possible issues by allowing the lesser trained PTs to do that very task? 

I'm certain that there are great DPTs out there who are well qualified. BUT, let's take a look at this from an aggregate perspective. Just because a handful of PTs are great at this technique, 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.