I was one of the first two physical therapists to be certified in the “dry needling” procedure in the Commonwealth of Virginia. For the last 15 years I have done my due diligence describing this procedure to surgeons, physicians, nurse practitioners, insurance companies and adjusters, attorneys and other medical specialties (including acupuncturists). The consensuses have all concluded that a Dry Trigger Point Injection (No Modulators, Dry Needling Only) is the proper medical description to best document this invasive procedure.

Because of these efforts…

I have found that medical doctors now understand more readily when they prescribe this procedure for the intended outcomes and can easily follow the procedure protocols.

Insurance companies acknowledge this procedure and are reimbursing accordingly.

Patients especially understand the intended purposes of the treatment and there are no confusions relating back to any type of acupuncture.

As such, acupuncturists have no purview in this treatment protocol, however they can perform same said procedure within their scope of practice if they take the certification required by their profession. This also includes nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other qualifying medical professions.

I can provide additional supporting documentation if requested.