ARSD 20:66:04:02. Dry needling course of study

The State Board of Physical Therapy may approve a course of study in dry needling that meets the following criteria: (1) The course of study covers: (a) Surface anatomy as it relates to underlying tissues, organs, and other structures, including variations in form, proportion, and anatomical landmarks; (b) Emergency preparedness and response procedures related to secondary physiological effects or complications with dry needling; (c) Emergency preparedness and response procedures related to secondary emotional effects or complications associated with dry needling; (d) Standards for dry needle handling; (e) Factors influencing safety and injury prevention; (f) Personal protection procedures and techniques as related to dry needling; (g) The theoretical basis for dry needling; (h) The theoretical basis for combining dry needling with other interventions; (i) Secondary effects or complications associated with dry needling on other systems of the human body; (j) The theoretical basis of pain sciences, including anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and relation to body structures and function; (k) Indications, contraindications, and precautions related to dry needling; (l) Palpation techniques as related to dry needling; (m) Needle insertion techniques; (n) Needle manipulation techniques; (o) Physiological responses to dry needling; and (p) Solid filament needles; (2) The majority of the course of study is in-person; and (3) The course is evaluated through a practical, hands-on evaluation and a written examination. A physical therapist may only perform dry needling on the parts of the body addressed in the course of study.