At Ivy, we know great care starts with empowered clinicians. That’s why we invest in hands-on skills that make a real difference – like dry needling. Whether you’re looking to expand your treatment toolbox or deepen your clinical expertise, dry needling offers a powerful way to improve outcomes and accelerate your career.
Curious how dry needling is shaping real-world practice? In a recent episode of Clinically Speaking, Ivy teammates Dr. Kara Halsey, Dr. Vincent Ceriale, and Dr. Andrew Lotocki sat down to share their experiences – from navigating scope of practice to celebrating patient breakthroughs.
Watch the full episode on YouTube to hear the full conversation.
What Is Dry Needling in Physical Therapy?
Dry needling is a skilled intervention used by physical therapists to target specific dysfunction in the muscle or connective tissue and reduce pain. It involves inserting a thin, solid (and dry – meaning no medication) needle into the skin and soft tissue to create micro-lesions that promote healing.
“We look at dry needling through the lens of neuroanatomy and musculoskeletal science,” said Halsey, Director of Clinical Excellence. “While it might look similar to acupuncture, dry needling uses clinical reasoning and a physical therapy diagnosis.”
Unlike acupuncture, dry needling is based in Western medicine, not Eastern tradition. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) defines dry needling as a treatment grounded in anatomy and physiology, often used in combination with exercise and manual therapy to enhance mobility and reduce pain.
Why Dry Needling Is a Hot Topic in Healthcare
Dry needling has sparked debate across professions – largely because of state-by-state differences in scope of practice and confusion about its similarity to acupuncture.
“There’s tension, yes – but it’s healthy,” said Halsey. “It’s about protecting the public while also ensuring access to effective, evidence-based care.”
As of 2024, 39 U.S. states authorize physical therapists to perform dry needling – a major leap from just a decade ago (APTA).
What Are the Benefits of Dry Needling for PTs?
For clinicians, dry needling offers a unique opportunity to resolve cases that plateau with traditional care. For patients, it can mean faster relief.
“This is often the missing piece,” said Ceriale. “For patients stuck at 85%, dry needling may help push them through that last 10-15% of recovery.”
Common use cases include:
- Tendinopathies (e.g., tennis elbow, rotator cuff)
- Chronic low back or neck pain
- Headaches and cervicogenic pain
- Fibromyalgia and systemic pain
- Radiating nerve pain or trigger points
“Dry needling is rarely a standalone treatment,” said Lotocki. “But it accelerates outcomes when used with manual therapy and exercise.”
When Scope Gets Complicated: The New Jersey Story
Before New Jersey formally reauthorized dry needling in 2021, state regulations shifted several times. Up until 2018, dry needling existed in a legal “gray zone” – training was available, but the law didn’t explicitly permit the practice. In 2018, the state issued a formal ban, and Ivy clinicians followed the change, removing dry needling from their treatment plans until the ban was lifted in 2021.
“It was like telling a carpenter they couldn’t use a hammer,” said Lotocki. “We had patients seeing great results, and suddenly we had to stop offering it.”
Halsey and the Clinical Excellence team helped lead Ivy’s response: decoding legislation, building policy, and creating compliant pathways to certification. Today, Ivy offers the same support to clinicians in any state navigating gray or evolving guidelines.
“This is what Ivy invests in,” said Halsey. “We don’t just wait for change – we prepare for it.”
How PTs Get Certified in Dry Needling at Ivy
At Ivy, clinicians aren’t left to figure it out alone. We support teammates at every stage of the dry needling journey – from interest to full credentialing.
We help you:
- Interpret your state’s practice act
- Choose a reputable, approved course provider
- Understand CEU, licensure, and documentation requirements
- Get mentorship from certified colleagues
“I felt like a pioneer,” said Ceriale. “Ivy helped me bring dry needling to my clinic, even when Pennsylvania was still gray.”
A Tool, Not a Fix-All
One of the most important things Ivy clinicians emphasize? Dry needling isn’t for everyone – and that’s the point.
“It’s one tool in a big toolbox,” said Lotocki. “Some weeks I might use it on 20 patients. Other weeks, just one or two. It’s about clinical judgment.”
That emphasis on patient-centered care is core to Ivy’s philosophy. Our goal isn’t to push a technique. It’s to empower clinicians to do what’s right – safely, clinically, and effectively. It’s a reflection of one of our core values: Do the Right Thing, for our patients, for our teammates, and for the profession.
From Clinician to Advocate
For many Ivy teammates, learning dry needling is also a career-defining experience, helping them advocate for their profession and practice at the top of their scope.
“If you’re considering dry needling, know that you’re stepping into advanced clinical practice,” said Lotocki. “You’ll come out stronger, smarter, and more confident.”
“And always keep patient safety and professional integrity at the center of what you do,” added Halsey.
Ready to Grow Your Career?
Whether you’re a new grad curious about advanced techniques or a seasoned PT ready to add new tools, Ivy will support your growth – compliantly, confidently, and compassionately.
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