Physical therapists should definitely be allowed to do dry needling. They possess the anatomical, physiological and clinical knowledge to perform trigger point dry needling safely and effectively. Physical Therapists are highly educated and trained healthcare professionals who specialize in treating the neurological, muscular and skeletal movement systems via many modalities and dry needling is one such modality. I have had dry needling done by my physical therapist for pain and it successfully reduced and ultimately eliminated the pain.

Trigger point dry needling is distinctly different from acupuncture as the treatment goal and method is different.  While both practices may use a similar implement or device, the clinical reasoning, technique, and goal of the treatment are different. I have no problem with acupuncture professionals but if I am already at my physical therapist's offfice who is guiding me through the healing process for an injury, and she is a trained professional, why should I then have to drive to a different place for this procedure? This makes no sense. She is not taking business away from the acupuncturists. If I wanted to go to their offices for help, I would have already been there.

The regulations proposed by the Virginia Board of Physical Therapy are sufficient to ensure public safety and should be fully enacted.