Which healthcare professionals are typically trained to perform dry needling?

The correct answer identifies physical therapists, chiropractors, and medical doctors as the healthcare professionals typically trained to perform dry needling. This practice requires a specific understanding of anatomy, neuromuscular physiology, and pain mechanisms, which these professionals acquire through their education and training.

Physical therapists are frequently involved in this technique as they aim to address musculoskeletal issues and promote rehabilitation. Dry needling fits well within the scope of their practice, as it enhances their ability to treat myofascial pain and tightness.

Chiropractors also utilize dry needling as part of a broader approach to manage pain and align neuromuscular function, integrating it into their overall treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes.

Medical doctors may perform dry needling as part of a comprehensive pain management plan, especially in settings such as sports medicine or pain management clinics, where non-invasive and adjunctive treatments are essential for patient recovery.

Other options include professions that either do not typically include dry needling in their scope of practice or lack training standards recognized for this technique within their curricula. For example, physiologists, occupational therapists, and nurses generally do not have dry needling as a common component of their practice training. The choice that encompasses all licensed therapists without regard to specialty is too