Physical Therapists are highly educated (often holding a doctorate degree) individuals that understand the anatomical, physiological and clinical knowledge needed to perform trigger point dry needling safely and effectively.  the addition of dry needling to the field of physical therapy is a miraculous one. These individuals are some of the most educated in the field of anatomy and physiology. Their doctoral classes dive further into specific anatomy of muscular and Joint structures than that of a medical physician as well as most other Health Care Professionals.  These are, in fact, the people that you want working on your body to fix musculoskeletal and neurological conditions.  Doctors trust them to correct biomechanical issues, educate the patient, and perform all needed interventions to heal the patient conservatively when surgery is not needed or after surgery.  The addition of dry needling to my physical therapy after having hip surgery is what truly made a difference for me. I have also received dry needling for back pain. Physical therapy and Chiropractic Care alone were not solving the problems. Dry needling was performed by a physical therapist and was extremely helpful for me.  Trigger point dry needling is distinctly different from acupuncture as the treatment goal and method is different.  While both practices may use a similar implement or device, the clinical reasoning, technique, and goal of the treatment are different.  there are different diagnosis and rationales between using acupuncture and dry needling with physical therapy The regulations proposed by the Virginia Board of Physical Therapy are sufficient to ensure public safety and should be fully enacted.