Although there are still various theories about the mechanism by which dry needling improves healing and performance, there is a growing body of research indicating its potential. studies that have shown physiological changes associated with dry needling; as well as studies highlighting its effectiveness in treating a variety of conditions. The muscles can be relaxed or activated with dry needles. Tense muscles can be “relaxed” while prolonged or weak muscles can be “activated”. There are also chemical changes that occur as a result of dry needling. Blood flow is increased, cell acidity is reduced, pain markers are decreased, and healing promoting chemicals are increased. Because the needles are so thin, they are able to create a lesion that initiates a healing response without the risk of scarring. Who can he help? For PTAs holding a TX license: The Texas PT law/rules of practice do not prohibit a PTA from performing dry needling. The supervising PE is primarily responsible for all physiotherapy care provided under his/her supervision and is responsible for ensuring that a TPA has the necessary skills to perform any treatment or modality, including dry needling. The level of aptitude, education, experience, advanced competence of the TPA, the practice environment in which the procedure is performed, the type of monitoring that may be required, and the severity and complexity of the patient`s condition should be considered.
Delegating a technique or procedure to a TPA that is not authorized to perform it would be a violation of the P/T Practice Act or the rules governing a PT and the rules governing a TPA to perform or perform techniques or procedures over which it does not have jurisdiction. It is recommended to check the rules and regulations of the paying sources, i.e. Medicare/Medicaid or private insurance, to determine if dry needling is refundable if performed by a PTA, as they may differ from licensing rules/regulations. There are many people who benefit from dry needling. It is used in the rehabilitation environment for headaches, chronic pain and acute injuries. Injuries treated can range from common overload injuries such as Achilles tendinopathy or rotator cuff to acute sprains and strains. Competitive athletes also use dry needles to recover from intense training and minor excruciating injuries. Dry needling can help improve flexibility and motor control, or reduce swelling and pain. Follow these links for some specific examples of dry needling for athletic performance (www.swimmingscience.net/2013/11/dry-needling-and-swimming.html, www.redskins.com/news-and-events/article-1/Redskins`-Dry-Needles-Speed-Recovery-Time/744d3f1e-b8c2-4f5d-8735-c4f8c8a2c468?campaign=was%3Afanshare%3Atwitter, suefalsone.com/). What can I expect? Utah – Authorized: April 1: Utah Governor Gary R. Herbert signed HB 367. The legislation amends Utah`s Physiotherapy Act to specifically add the dry needle to the physical therapist.
Read the full changes to the scope of practice. Requirements This card and the following key indicate which state laws allow dry needling, which prohibit it, and which are silent about it. On August 2, 2017, Louis A. Bledsoe, III, a judge of the Special Superior Court for Complex Commercial Matters of the General Court of Justice of North Carolina, division of the Superior Court, ruled that physical therapists can perform dry needles. A copy of the legal notice can be found here. The court`s decision upheld a decision by the North Carolina Board of Physical Therapy Examiners, which came to the following conclusions: The Maryland Board of Physical Therapy Examiners ruled that dry needling falls within the jurisdiction of a physical therapist as long as it meets minimum education and training requirements. A full description of the requirements can be found here. Janet Travell, MD and David Simons, MD are often credited with the creation of dry needling in the 1970s. Since then, other practitioners, such as C.C. Gunn and Y.T. Ma of Dr., have helped advance the practice of dry needling.
It began as a pure method of treating “trigger points” in the muscles, but has spread to the nervous system. As research on dry needling has grown, so has our understanding of how it works. Nevada – Allowed: Dry needling is part of the practice of physical therapists, as determined by the NV Board of PT on March 20, 2012. As of April 19, 2012; PT Board Legal Counsel drafts the Board`s new dry needling policy, signed by Chair Kathy Sidener. Dry needles are allowed by NV PTs. Pennsylvania – Unlicensed: The Physiotherapy Board has been advised by legal counsel that dry needling is not the practice of a physical therapist. North Carolina – Authorized: On January 15, 2015, the Rule Review Board meeting reiterated the Board`s view that dry needling is physiotherapy. The Commission also considers that physiotherapists may continue to practice dry needling as long as they have the necessary training and education required by the N.C.G.S. § 90-270.24 (4), but there is no regulation laying down specific requirements for the performance of dry needling. New APTAL GuidelinesThe DRR Declaration You can search for practitioners at: www.kinetacore.com/physical-therapy/Find-a-Therapist/page62.htmlwww.systemicdryneedling.com/find-a-practitioner/www.integrativedryneedling.com/directory/ (2) completion of at least 30 hours of didactic courses specifically for dry needling; 1. July 2014: Delaware passed legislation redefining and expanding the “practice of physical therapy” and “sports training” to include the use of dry needling treatments.
Click here to learn more Idaho – Now PT Allows Dry Needle Course Rhode Island – Allowed: Feb 14 2012 PT Board Minutes: Board members revisited the issue of dry needling for intramuscular therapy. A board member asked if these were other professions; including acupuncture. The Board Administrator`s instructions regarding Attorney Tom Corrigan`s direction state that the use of a needle by one profession does not preclude another profession from having a different use for a needle. The members of the Commission indicated that dry needling was part of their field of activity, provided that the approved professional was well trained and possessed the appropriate basic knowledge. For licensed physiotherapists who are not qualified, there are educational seminars to which they can register and acquire the required knowledge and training. As techniques are refined and further research is done, dry needling is likely to continue to grow in popularity. I look forward to learning more advanced techniques and improving my effectiveness as a dry needle physiotherapist. Do not hesitate to contact me john@impactphysio.net if you have any further questions.
Wyoming – Allowed: In a letter dated August 18, 2009: The Wyoming Board of Physical Therapy confirmed that nothing in the current practice law would prevent physical therapists from performing dry needles with the correct references. Only PTs are allowed. Click here for more information New Hampshire – Allowed: 19. October 2011: Physiotherapy Board Protocols: Physiotherapists may perform dry needles if they have been trained to do so. For DCs: We have many state chiropractic counseling certifications for our dry needling courses. Please contact us if you have any questions or need specific government certification for one of our 4 dry needling courses. We welcome any specific approval requested. Kansas – AuthorizedOn May 13, 2016, Kansas Governor Sam Brownback signed a bill affecting the use of dry needles by physical therapists. The legislation specifies that dry needling in Kansas is physical therapy.
The new provisions of the Physiotherapy Act relating to dry needles will come into force on 1 July 2016.