Ever since I first learned about dry needling about 10 years ago, I was impressed with the power of the technique and its ability to make significant changes/improvements in impaired tissue. When I recognize that I have a muscular injury, I am grateful that I have fantastic physical therapists that can perform dry needling as part of my treatment plan. 

I am a physical therapist that has been certified in dry needling and practicing daily for over five years. Dry needling is a fantastic technique that has allowed me to help numerous patients with lingering musculoskeletal impairments and dysfunctions. It is just one part of a  plan of care where many other techniques are also utilized appropriately to help the patient heal/recover. 

There is certainly a large body of knowledge that is needed in order to perform this technique safely and effectively. In addition to the graduate level education that physical therapists earn there are also additional courses required to become certified. The courses that I chose had lecture, lab, written exams, practical exams, and oral exams to ensure correct technique, patient and provider safety, and competency. 

I fully support The Physical Therapy Board providing increased regulations to ensure that qualified physical therapists continue to provide the highest quality of care to their patients when performing dry needling as a part of a plan of care. There do need to be regulations and standards in place to keep patients safe and maintain professional expectations of providers.