Action | Practice of dry needling |
Stage | Proposed |
Comment Period | Ended on 2/24/2017 |
Physical therapists attend three years of post-graduate school to learn which of our many "tools" are appropriate for which patients. Although the needle may be the same, the use of the needle for PT dry needling is very different than how it is used in acupuncture. I think dry needling is well within the scope of PT practice.
However, dry needling is more invasive than other skills and modalities that physical therapists use. I think an additional certification should be required in order to perform dry needling. This should include at least 10 hours of instruction, and a practical exam which includes verbalizing safetry precautions. 20% of course hours should be completed in person/hands-on, as opposed to readings or online, in addition to the in-person practical exam.