I have been an acupuncture patient for many years and would never allow most acupuncturists let alone a PT to attempt to treat me with needles. Acupuncture is both a science and an art. Contrary to popular belief, there is not just one type of acupuncture needle. Acupuncture treatment encompasses many different types of needles used differently depending upon the injury or illness being treated. Allowing a PT to use acupuncture needles and call it "dry needling" is akin to allowing a skilled mechanic to perform surgery. PT's have no idea the level of skill and information acupuncturists acquire to master their craft. Just as an acupuncturists is not qualified to be a PT, PT skills do not transfer to acupuncture. Those saying that there is a difference between "dry needling" and acupuncture do not understand or acknowledge the many nuances of acupuncture treatment. They are simply not well informed. They are neglecting the wide breadth of acupuncture treatment in terms of the wide variety of needle shapes and sizes, varying depth of needle treatment, and multiple meridian lines on which acupuncture needles may be placed for treatment. PT "dry needling" is in fact one type of acupuncture treatment that should only be provided by a trained, skilled, and licensed acupuncturist.