Action | Practice of dry needling |
Stage | Proposed |
Comment Period | Ended on 2/24/2017 |
I support 18VAC112-20 Regulations Governing the Practice of Physical Therapy, Practice of dry needling.
Physical Therapists possess the anatomical, physiological and clinical knowledge to perform trigger point dry needling safely and effective. Physical Therapists are highly educated and trained healthcare professionals who specialize in treating the neurological, muscular and skeletal movement systems via many modalities and dry needling is one such modality. Physical Therapists undergo three years of specific education and clinical practice, after having earned an undergraduate degree and meeting all the pre-requisites to enter the school, to be conferred a Doctor of Physical Therapy.
Trigger point dry needling is distinctly different from acupuncture as the treatment goal and method is different. While both practices may use a similar implements or devices, the clinical reasoning, technique, and goal of the treatment are different.
The regulations proposed by the Virginia Board of Physical Therapy are sufficient to ensure public safety and should be fully enacted