Dry needling in Alaska: the rules for physical therapists

Alaska's PT and OT board decided in June 2023 that the PT scope of practice in AS 08.84.190 supports dry needling by physical therapists. No training minimum is set.

Allowedfor PTs

No set hourstraining before you start

Rules to know

The board's statement adds that PTs who dry needle don't and can't claim to practice acupuncture.
OTs: the same board found the OT scope doesn't allow dry needling, whatever your training, until the law changes.

Official sources

Alaska Board of PT and OT: Dry needling position statement for occupational therapy (June 2023, PDF; the PT statement was adopted at the same meeting)

A plain-language summary, last checked October 24, 2026. Dry needling rules change often and some states regulate it through board statements rather than law, so confirm with your board before you dry needle. OTs and athletic trainers have their own rules.

Dry needling courses in Alaska

1 upcoming in-person course. Make sure a course's hours and format meet Alaska's rules before you register.

April 2027

Sat–Sun, Apr 24–25, 2027 · 2 days Pelvic Floor Dry Needling $995 · Anchorage ICE Physio· Progressive Physical Therapy – Diamond BlvdDry Needling Details and registration

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Common questions

Can physical therapists dry needle in Alaska?

Yes. Alaska's PT and OT board decided in June 2023 that the PT scope of practice in AS 08.84.190 supports dry needling by physical therapists. No training minimum is set.

How much training do PTs need to dry needle in Alaska?

No set hours.