Skip to main content

ComplianceMatters-800x300.png

Dry needling, described in the American Medical Association's Current Procedural Terminology as "Needle insertion without injection, 1-2 muscles" (CPT 20560) and "Needle insertion without injection, 3 or more muscles" (CPT 20561), is not a new intervention, but it has been growing in popularity among physical therapists in recent years to treat pain and movement impairments. As with all interventions, whether long-standing or newly emerging, the question of how dry needling fits into the scope of practice for physical therapists has three components: professional, jurisdictional, and personal.

Log in or create a free account to keep reading.


Join APTA to get unlimited access to content.


You Might Also Like...

News

Now Available: New Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapy Profession

Jan 2, 2026

On July 14, 2025, the APTA House of Delegates officially adopted The Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapy Profession. This updated Code combines into

Article

Disciplinary Action Procedural Document

Jan 1, 2026

APTA has developed this Disciplinary Action Procedural Document to establish principles to guide the Ethics and Judicial Committee and Board of Directors

Article

Remembering Lucinda A. Pfalzer: A Leader Within the Physical Therapy Community

Dec 31, 2025

Lucinda Ann "Cindy" Pfalzer passed away on Dec. 6, 2025, at the age of 67. An APTA member for 35 years, Pfalzer demonstrated a lifelong passion for advocating