Dry Needling

(a)For the purpose of this Article, “dry needling”, also known as “intramuscular therapy” or “stimulation”, means an advanced needling skill or technique limited to the treatment of myofascial pain, using a single use, single insertion, sterile filiform needle (without the use of heat, cold, or any other added modality or medication), that is inserted into the skin or underlying tissues to stimulate myofascial trigger points. Dry needling may apply theory based only upon Western medical concepts, requires an examination and diagnosis, and treats specific anatomic entities selected according to physical signs. Dry needling does not include the teaching or application of acupuncture described by the stimulation of auricular points, utilization of distal points or non-local points, needle retention, application of retained electric stimulation leads, or other acupuncture theory.

(b)A physical therapist licensed under this Article may only perform dry needling after completion of the requirements set forth herein, and by the Board by rules and regulation, that meet or exceed the following:

(1)no less than fifty

(50)hours of instructional courses that include, but are not limited to, studies in the musculoskeletal and neuromuscular system, the anatomical basis of pain mechanisms, chronic and referred pain, myofascial trigger point theory, and universal precautions;

(2)completion of no less than thirty

(30)hours of didactic course work specific to dry needling;

(3)successful completion of no less than twenty-four

(24)practicum hours in dry needling course work;

(4)completion of at least two hundred

(200)supervised patient treatment sessions; and

(5)successful completion of a competency examination.

(c)Dry needling shall only be performed by a licensed physical therapist. CH. 12 MEDICAL PRACTICES - PART II

(d)Any physical therapist licensed under the provisions of this Article shall use only sterilized disposable needles. The Board member representing physical therapy, or the Board’s authorized agent or representative, shall periodically inspect each clinic or place where dry needling may be performed, with the assistance of the Department of Public Health and Social Services, and report their findings to the Board.