Physical Therapists are highly trained healthcare professionals who possess anatomical, physiological and clinical knowledge to perform trigger point dry needling safely and effectively. Yes, the tool we use is the same but the clinical reasoning, technique, and goal of the treatment are different. As a PT who uses Trigger Point Dry Needling, I have never discredited nor discouraged patients from seeking Acupuncture. Infact encourage them to seek this method of treatment since it is so different from what we do as Physical Therapists. Dry Needling is a tool that we use to treat a variety of neurological, muscular and skeletal movement systems.

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