06/23/2025
Public Health Committee Testimony, H.2415
To the Massachusetts Legislature Joint Committee on Public Health
I am writing in opposition to H.2415 because this bill restricts physical therapist use of dry needling because we are educated to perform the treatment, dry needling is completely different from acupuncture, and is extremely efficient. The education behind the training is requisite and supports our ability to perform this effective treatment for our patients. As a Doctor of Physical Therapy, I have extensive training with a four year Bachelor’s in Science, three year Doctoral program, and additional academic and hands-on training in dry needling through
Dry needling is not the same as acupuncture. They are completely different approaches. The only thing that is the same is the size of the needles: they are thin, small needles. Acupuncture is ancient Chinese medicine that focuses on the energy lines or meridians of the body. Dry needling is very specific to the muscle area. If a patient says to me, “This muscle is night here,” that is the area that we will focus on. The treatment approach is to cause a small micro trauma in the area to encourage blood flow to the area.
The treatment has been a game changer for my practice and my patients find great benefit from dry needling. Please read the ten specific testimonials out of the 150 five-star patient reviews for Union Square Physical Therapy that describe how dry needling has made a positive impact in their recovery.
Thank you for your action in maintaining this valuable, safe, and effective practice for the constituents of Massachusetts.
Sincerely,
Dr. Maegen Brady DeLeo, PT, DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy, Board Certified Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy
Owner, Union Square Physical Therapy I info@unionsquarept.com I
(781) 474-3515 I 440 Somerville Ave, Somerville, MA 02143
