Dry Needling and Acupuncture can both be a beneficial and safe alternative to pain medication and surgical interventions to pain, allowing for improved function and satisfaction with a comprehensive rehabilitation plan. 

Physical Therapists undergo up to 3 years of training and a board certification exam to demonstrate an advanced understanding of the human body before being allowed to take post graduate work of dry needling.  The current training includes a heavy focus on clean needling technique and safety

The theory, methodology, and use of dry needling differs from and is unique compared to acupuncture.  Dry needling is preferred and has better outcomes over acupuncture for some clients/patients, and is true vice versa.  Limiting the options of treatment for patients for pain relief will be detrimental for the well-being of these patients.  

I support the continued use of dry needling by physical therapists as it is uniquely different from acupuncture and provides another safe alternative to surgery and pain medication for the patients of the Commonwealth.