Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Health Professions
 
Board
Board of Physical Therapy
 
chapter
Regulations Governing the Practice of Physical Therapy [18 VAC 112 ‑ 20]
Action Practice of dry needling
Stage Proposed
Comment Period Ended on 7/26/2019
spacer
Previous Comment     Next Comment     Back to List of Comments
7/25/19  2:32 pm
Commenter: Laura Frick

Allow Physical Therapists to Dry Needle
 

I frequently see physical therapists and acupuncturists and I have commented on this website on this issue several years ago.  I can say with 100% certainty that acupuncture professionals DO NOT use their needles in the same manner or under the same principals as a physical therapist (PT).  The PT palpates the  tight muscle area or sore spot and inserts 'A' needle to invoke a muscle spasm to quickly relieve the muscle tension and pain.  The needle is usually removed in a few minutes.  An acupuncturist inserts MANY needles according to ancient meridians and does not move them around once inserted. Needles are left in place for a much longer period of time sometimes an hour. Acupuncturists practice to restore qi, balance energy and promote relaxation. I want skilled and educated PTs to have the right to use dry needling and I will go to an Acupuncturist when I want to be treated with the concept of qi.

CommentID: 74204