Dry Needling Legal States 2025

Dry needling, a therapeutic technique often utilized by healthcare professionals such as physical therapists and chiropractors, involves the insertion of thin needles into specific trigger points or muscle knots to relieve pain and improve mobility. It’s commonly used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for various musculoskeletal conditions, including chronic pain, muscle tension, and sports injuries. Despite its similarities to acupuncture, dry needling focuses on targeting muscular trigger points rather than traditional acupuncture points along meridians.

The legal status of dry needling varies across different states in the United States. While many states permit the practice of dry needling, others have implemented restrictions or have prohibited its use altogether. States that have prohibited dry needling often cite concerns over safety, lack of standardized training requirements, or pressure from professional organizations. For example, in states like California and Oregon, regulatory bodies have expressed concerns about the qualifications of practitioners performing dry needling and its potential risks to patients. These states have opted to restrict or prohibit the practice until further research and regulations are established to ensure patient safety.