Today in modalities class we had a guest lecture on Dry Needling. It is similar to acupuncture, but based on physical therapy knowledge and can be used by PT’s in certain states alongside more traditional PT techniques. At the end of class we were given a brief lesson in how to Dry Needle and allowed to try it first on a banana, and then on ourselves. Since it is not legal for PT’s to Dry Needle in New York, and since it was only a short lecture and not a full course, we were not allowed to try it on our classmates the way we try everything else we learn. It was a bit bizarre to intentionally stick myself with a needle, but besides for a little soreness (from penetrating the muscle), it didn’t hurt.

Edit:

The professors said it’s illegal in some states because acupuncturists lobbied to be the only ones who can use needles on patients in those states.