The American Physical Therapy Association is aware of public discussion regarding dry needling following recent media coverage, including an ESPN article addressing questions about dry needling in the context of professional sports. APTA offers the following general information to help the public understand the role of physical therapists related to dry needling, their education and licensure, and the safe use of dry needling within physical therapy practice.

Dry needling is a skilled intervention that licensed physical therapists may use, where permitted by state law, to address neuromusculoskeletal pain and movement impairments. The procedure involves the insertion of a thin, solid ("dry") needle, without medication or injection, through the skin to stimulate underlying myofascial trigger points, muscular, and connective tissues. Dry needling is not unique to physical therapists and is performed by other health care professionals.

Dry needling is not acupuncture. Although both use thin needles, dry needling is grounded in modern medical and scientific principles and is distinct from acupuncture.

Dry needling is one of many interventions a physical therapist may incorporate into an individualized plan of care. When used, it is typically combined with other evidence-informed approaches such as therapeutic exercise, patient education, and movement-based interventions, all aimed at improving function, reducing pain, and restoring mobility.

Physical therapists in the United States are licensed health care professionals who are educated at the doctoral level. A PT's education includes extensive study of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, pathology, and clinical decision-making foundational knowledge that underpins the safe application of techniques such as dry needling. When dry needling is allowed by state law, physical therapists obtain additional, post-professional education and hands-on training specific to the technique before incorporating it into practice.

A majority of states explicitly recognize dry needling as within the legal scope of physical therapist practice, and APTA recognizes dry needling as being within that scope where permitted. Scope of practice and regulatory requirements vary by state, and physical therapists are responsible for complying with their state practice act, licensing board rules, and any additional training or competency standards that may apply.

Physical therapists have a strong track record of providing dry needling safely. As with any clinical procedure, PTs are trained to determine whether dry needling is appropriate for an individual patient, to explain potential benefits and risks, to obtain informed consent, and to integrate the technique appropriately within a broader plan of care. Patient safety, sound clinical judgment, and evidence-informed practice are central to everything physical therapists do.

APTA encourages patients, consumers, and media to consult evidence-based resources for more information. Consumer-focused information on dry needling provided by physical therapists is available at ChoosePT.com, APTA's official consumer information website. APTA also has published professional guidance for its members.

APTA remains committed to supporting safe, effective, and patient-centered care and to promoting public understanding of the education, licensure, and clinical expertise of physical therapists. More information on dry needling is available on APTA's ChoosePT.com consumer website.