Dry Needling is Acupuncture, Acupuncture in the state of Virginia is a licensed profession with set requirements of training and standards of practice.  Calling it dry needling, is like calling orange a citrus, because yes, an orange is a citrus just like dry needling is acupuncture. What is acupuncture? It is the insertion of tools, such as needles into the body to elicit a therapeutic effects, it does not inherently entail a philosophy or school of thought, it does not imply technique or even an outcome.  It is simply inserting tools, which we most commonly recognize as needles into the body.  Acupuncturists know this, apparently Physical therapists do not.  Why don't Physical therapists know this?  Because they have not studied it!  There is no standard of safety or training for physical therapists to practice acupuncture.  Would we allow a plumber to fix our electricity?  Why not?  is it because a plumber is an expert at a different field, and doesn't really know enough about electricity?  Obviously they might know something, but its not enough to ensure safety! 

The question isn't does dry needling work- of course it does!  It has over 2000 years of written history, ACUPUNCTURE!  Is dry needling dangerous?  Yes it is, and that is why ACUPUNCTURE has a defined practice laws which dictate safe practice.  Who should dry needle- ACUPUNCTURISTS, because they have been trained to safely and effectively put needles into peoples bodies.  Who should not dry needle- people without adequate training!  Why do people feel like it is ok for their Physical therapist to dry needle them?  Because patients want help but don't know where to get it, they turn to their medical providors for guidence.  Sometimes their physical therapists are their medical provider and they trust them.  Their physical therapists says dry needling will help you, patients trust them.  The physical therapist did not disclose- I have 80 hours of training compared to acupuncturist who have 1500+ of hours of training. 

Why does this arguement even exist?  Ultimately because of money and power, physical therapists have cornered themselves into a difficult situation where their education now costs more time and money, but their scope of practice has not changed.  Why hasn't it changed?  because physical therapy traditionally involves the study and expertise in how the body moves, and how movement can potential help musculo-skeleltal issues, it has never invovled any education or training of any procedure which brings them under the skin. Does that mean they should be allowed to dry needle- NO! because there are people who are already experts at putting needles in the body- Acupuncturists!  Does that mean physical therapists can never needle?  No, it means they should go to acupuncture school and get the appropriate training.  That is why physical therapists should remain experts at what they do- movement of the body, not sticking things inside the body.