I think PTs should be allowed to dry needle, and that acupuncturists should not be threatened by it. Acupuncture and dry needling are, by definition, two different practices. One is based on traditional medicine and the other is heavily research/science based. A lot of what I am seeing in these comments is acupuncturists worried about increased competition. I believe that in our capitalist society, increased competition provides the most benefit to the consumer and the more skilled professional. This should mean that professionals make better efforts to learn and grow within their disciplines -- regardless of which they practice.

There should instead be an increased effort to educate the consumer as to the similarities and differences between the two and let him or her make the educated decision.