How much does a dry needling therapist get paid?

Author: Meredith Simonis  |  Last update: Wednesday, December 17, 2025

$75,000 - $85,000. Our patient care approach focuses on manual therapy techniques, including dry needling, to help individuals reach their highest potential. We also utilize one of the most advanced EMR systems…

How much can you charge for dry needling?

Procedure Details

On MDsave, the cost of a Dry Needling (1 session) ranges from $28 to $92. Those on high deductible health plans or without insurance can shop, compare prices and save. Read more about how MDsave works.

What degree do you need for dry needling?

No prerequisites are needed for this three-day 27-hour dry needling course; however, registrants must be a licensed PT, PTA, ATC, DC, MD, DO, DDS, NP, PA, OT, or acupuncturist in their respective state or country. DPT, DC, or MD students in their final year are also eligible to take DN-1 and DN-2.

How long does it take to get certified in dry needling?

Physical Therapist DN Certification

PTs are typically either required to take 27 or 54 hours of post-graduate, continuing education on the clinical practice of DN.

Can anyone do a dry needling course?

Who can join the Dry Needling Introductory Course? Physiotherapists, Chiropractors, Osteopaths, General Practitioners, Myotherapists, Exercise Physiologists, Acupuncturists & Occupational Therapists.

How Long Does It Take For Dry Needling To Work? Timeline For Results and How Long Benefits Last

How much does the dry needling course cost?

*Price varies by location with $1200 per clinician being least expensive and $1500 per clinician being most expensive.

What documentation is needed for dry needling?

The minimal requirements for documenting dry needling are in addition to and not in place of normal physical therapy notes, and include at least the following information: i. The anatomical region treated; ii. The manner in which the patient tolerated the treatment; and iii. The clinical outcome of the treatment.

What qualifications do you need for dry needling?

Entry Requirements

The course is open to Sports Therapists, Level 4 Sports Massage Therapists, Physiotherapists, Chiropractors, Osteomyologists, General Practitioners, and Osteopaths. If you are unsure as to whether you have the necessary entry requirements please check with your insurers.

Why is dry needling illegal?

Dry needling is illegal in some states due to concerns about safety, training, and scope of practice. Regulatory bodies in these states argue that without standardized training, there is a higher risk of complications, such as nerve damage or infections.

What is the rate for dry needling?

The cost of the treatment differs from one place to the other. However, a single session of dry needling may cost anywhere between Rs. 500 to Rs. 1,000.

What is a Level 1 dry needling course?

Dry Needling Level 1 is a basic level course which teaches the theory and practice of dry needling of trigger points, and includes safety and ethics. We teach superficial dry needling, and deep dry needling techniques of the lumbar, cervical, shoulder, hip, and thigh. It is taught 1 day online and two days live.

Who is not a candidate for dry needling?

Dry needling may not be appropriate for everyone, particularly individuals with certain medical conditions or risk factors. For example, individuals with bleeding disorders, compromised immune systems, or a fear of needles may not be suitable candidates for dry needling.

Can you learn dry needling online?

Structure & Function Education online dry needling courses are intended for practitioners who currently have dry needling in their practice, allowing a deeper dive into a specific topic to enhance the knowledge and application of dry needling within Structure & Function's Pentamodal Method.

Why is dry needling so expensive?

A key factor that can influence the cost of dry needling is the experience and qualifications of the practitioner. More experienced practitioners with advanced training may charge more for their services than those with less experience or training.

Do any insurances cover dry needling?

However, dry needling is still not covered by many US insurance companies, including CMS or Medicare, who readily claim that dry needling would be investigational or experimental despite the overwhelming evidence to the contrary!

Who is qualified for dry needling?

Dry needling isn't allowed in some states due to the laws that govern providers in those states. Depending on the state, dry needling is performed by licensed physical therapists, athletic trainers, chiropractors or medical doctors who've been trained in the procedure.

What states don't allow dry needling?

Dry needling has been banned in these States
  • California.
  • Hawaii.
  • New York.
  • Oregon.
  • Washington.

Why is dry needling bad?

Since dry needling involves a needle penetrating the skin, iatrogenic injury to vessels, nerves, spinal cord, internal organs, implanted devices, or infection are possible hazards for patients.

Can nurses do dry needling?

As such, dry needling is allowed by PTs and acupuncturists. There is no law yet that allows RNs to perform this technique.

Do you need a degree to do Microneedling?

To become certified in microneedling, you will need to complete a training program and get a license from your state's cosmetology or esthetics board.

Can massage therapists learn dry needling?

Can a Massage Therapist Perform Dry Needling? Massage Therapists can perform Dry Needling provided that they have completed a level 4 foundation degree in Massage Therapy that includes an anatomy module, and a foundation-level Dry Needling course.

How do I become a dry needling instructor?

Become an Instructor
  1. Dry Needling Experience. Have multiple years of dry needling clinical education and experience. ...
  2. Advanced Level of Academic Education. Have a PhD, DSc, or other academic doctoral degree program.
  3. Advanced Level of Clinical Education.

What should I charge for dry needling?

The price for dry needling sessions varies according to practitioner. Some charge about $40 to $60 per session, others as low as $15 per session. Usually, people receiving dry needling attend between 3 to 6 sessions. More sessions may be necessary, depending on the pain and responses to the therapy.

How do you bill for dry needling?

The 20561 CPT code is used for billing dry-needling procedures involving three or more muscle groups. This code is distinct from 20560, which covers treatments for only 1-2 muscle groups.

Can you drive after dry needling?

You must arrange for someone to take you home after the dry needling. You must not drive until the numbness in your foot has worn off as this may invalidate your car insurance. You should: Have something to eat before your dry needling appointment so you do not feel faint.

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