I am not sure why this argument continues to resurface from time to time? Physical Therapists are adequately trained in anatomy and physiology and are required to take a series of courses (not just one weekend), including becoming certified, once they have graduated from an accredited institution. If they are unable to demonstrate that they are competent on both a written and practical test, they DO NOT pass and are NOT ALLOWED to practice dry needling.

Furthermore, PT's study human anatomy & physiology intensely, whereas Acupuncturist study meridians, chakras, Chinese medicine intensely.  The two techniques are extremely different with two totally different intents of treatment (I had 2 nurses in my dry needling class who had been doing Acupuncture for > 20 years and stated the two techniques were so different you couldn't even begin to compare them). So in short, one is not comparing apples to apples when they say that dry needling is the same as Acupuncture, just as PT is not the same as Chiropractic and Chiropractic is not the same as Osteopathy. Are there some similarities? Yes. Are they they same? Not even close!

We are supposed to work together for the good of the patient, with the patient's best interest at hand! I work in conjunction with Chiropractor's, Acupuncturists, Osteopaths, MD's, Dentists, Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, etc. I refer out when deemed necessary and get referred to when needed. In quite a few cases we are seeing the patient at the same time. The only one who benefits in the end is the patient!

Lastly, I believe the regulations proposed by the Virginia Board of Physical Therapy are sufficient to ensure public safety and should be fully enacted.