What Dry Needling Is—and Why You Won’t See It in California Physical Therapy Clinics
Dry needling is a treatment many people ask about—often because they’ve had it in another state or learned about it online.
It’s understandable. The term comes up frequently in pain and rehab conversations.
But in California, physical therapists are not permitted to perform dry needling due to scope-of-practice limitations.
That’s an important distinction—and one that often needs clarification.
What dry needling actually is
Dry needling involves inserting thin, solid needles into muscle tissue, often targeting areas described as “trigger points.”
The intent is to:
change local muscle activity
alter pain signaling
reduce the sensation of tightness or guarding
Despite the name, dry needling is not acupuncture, though it uses similar needles.
Why people ask about it
Many people who ask about dry needling:
had it done in another state
heard about it from friends or online
are looking for relief when progress has stalled
Those questions are reasonable—especially in a world where treatment options vary widely by location.
Why PTs don’t perform dry needling in California
In California, physical therapy practice laws do not include dry needling within scope.
That means:
PTs cannot legally perform it
It’s not a matter of training or preference
It’s a regulatory limitation, not a clinical stance
Other states allow it. California does not.
Does that limit care?
Not in the way people often assume.
Dry needling, like cupping or taping, is a tool, not a solution.
Any benefits are typically short-term and related to:
changes in sensation
temporary reductions in muscle guarding
improved tolerance to movement
Those same goals can often be addressed through:
manual therapy
targeted exercise
movement retraining
graded exposure and loading
Especially when care is individualized and well-reasoned.
How we approach similar goals
At SB Physio, the focus is not on checking off techniques—it’s on outcomes.
When someone asks about dry needling, the real question usually is:
What are you hoping it will change?
From there, we work toward those goals using approaches that are:
legal within California scope
evidence-informed
integrated into a broader plan
Relief without progress isn’t enough.
Progress that lasts is the goal.
The bottom line
Dry needling is a treatment some people find helpful—but it’s not available in California physical therapy due to scope-of-practice rules.
That doesn’t mean effective care is limited.
What matters most isn’t the tool.
It’s the reasoning behind it—and what happens next.
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Scope of practice regulations vary by state. Treatment decisions should be guided by a licensed healthcare professional based on individual needs and local regulations.
