Dry Needling in California Survey

Background and purpose of survey:  

The acupuncture profession in the state of California is currently in a position in which redefining the practice and scope of acupuncture as a profession has become imperative as various allied health professionals are seeking to practice dry needling, namely physical therapists.  According to the most recent data collected and after hearing from our acupuncture colleagues from around the country, physical therapists are already legally practicing dry needling in at least 32 states, and in some cases without any minimum requirements.

 It is our intention to support all California acupuncturists and protect the integrity of East Asian Medicine while recognizing that the landscape of acupuncture treatment is increasingly changing and expanding to an increasing number of clinical settings. We see this as a potential opportunity for acupuncturists who want to be at the forefront of this expanding medical landscape, and we do not want be left behind as new acupuncturist or dry needling positions are created. One of our goals is to advocate for more job opportunities for acupuncturists in a myriad of clinical settings.

Thank you in advance for your participation -  we value your voice!

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* 1. Are you interested in East Asian Medicine and acupuncture being more widely practiced in the conventional health care system, ie. would you like to have more acupuncture positions available in hospitals or as part of integrative care settings?

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* 2. Which of the following reflects your opinion about allied health professionals, such as physical therapists, practicing dry needling? (click all that apply)

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* 3. Do you as an acupuncturist practice what is commonly referred to as dry needling/ trigger point/ IMS (intramuscular stimulation) needling?

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* 4. If physical therapists were to win the legislative and/or regulatory right to practice dry needling in California, would you be in support of CSOMA advocating for minimum standards of training and competency for physical therapists who practice dry needling?

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* 5. Would you be willing to commit monetary funds towards a lobbyist to work with our state legislators to protect the acupuncture scope of practice and/or engage in political activism in order to support our profession? If not, please explain.

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* 6. Would you be in favor of amending the legal scope of practice for acupuncturists to include dry needling? If you have other suggestions, please leave them in the comment section.

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* 7. Are you currently a CSOMA member?

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