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 2/24/2017
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2/21/17  4:05 pm
Commenter: Jacqueline Switzer, L.Ac.

No dry needling for PTs
 

It is not sufficient to argue that PTs understand anatomy, therefore they are qualified to practice dry needling after a short training. This therapy- which is acupuncture- requires many hours of extensive training involving treatment protocols, proper technique, clean needling and safety standards, and clinical study.  Acupuncturists are required to undergo this rigorous training followed by a licensing board exam, for good reason. This is not a simple add-on feature to a therapy. This is a field of medicine- acupuncture. PTs should be held to the same acccountability, standards, and regulations as acupuncturists. 

CommentID: 57291