The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) recognizes dry needling as being within the physical therapist scope of practice. However, Pennsylvania’s Physical Therapy Practice Act (Act 110 of 1975) does not explicitly allow or deny the performance of this type of therapy. This creates a legal gray area and causes uncertainty among licensed physical therapists. Due to the current law’s silence on this treatment technique, legislative clarification is needed.
Dry needling (sometimes referred to as “trigger point dry needling” or “intramuscular manual therapy”) is a treatment method used to relieve muscle pain and stiffness and to improve range of motion. It is important to note that dry needling and acupuncture are not the same, though both are considered needle-based therapies. These procedures have different medical origins, needle placement and application techniques, and serve different purposes.
HB 2070 clarifies that licensed physical therapists may perform dry needling therapy given certain education and training requirements are met and will further specify that dry needling does not include the practice of acupuncture.
A majority of states acknowledge that dry needling is within the scope of practice for physical therapists, including our neighboring states of Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, and West Virginia.
The bill was referred to the House professional licensure committee on December 3, 2025.
