Dry needling in Illinois: the rules for physical therapists

Illinois law (225 ILCS 90/1.5) allows PT dry needling, limited to treating myofascial pain with single-use filiform needles at trigger points, after a long list of training steps.

Allowedfor PTs

50 hours of foundation instruction, 30 didactic hours, 54 practicum hours within 12 months, 200 supervised treatment sessions and a competency examtraining before you start

Rules to know

The 54 practicum hours must be FSBPT-approved coursework (or equivalent), starting with a module of at least 27 hours.
New PTs must wait 1 year after licensure unless their entry-level education already met the requirements.
It can't be delegated to PTAs or support staff.
Dry needling excludes auricular, distal or non-local points, needle retention and retained electrical stimulation. Don't describe it as acupuncture.
Keep records of all requirements to show the department on request.
OTs: a 2021 Illinois law (Public Act 102-0307) also lets OTs dry needle after training the Department sets by rule.

Official sources

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 Illinois

35 upcoming in-person courses. Make sure a course's hours and format meet Illinois's rules before you register.

November 2026

Fri–Sun, Nov 6–8, 2026 · 3 days Dry Needling For Pelvic Pain $995 · 24 contact hrs · Des Plaines Myopain Seminars· Team Rehabilitation - Des Plaines ILDry Needling Details and registration
Sat–Sun, Nov 7–8, 2026 · 2 days Dry Needling 3 Price on provider site · 16 contact hrs · Warrenville Intricate ArtDry Needling Details and registration
Fri–Sun, Nov 13–15, 2026 · 3 days Dry Needling 1: Foundations I $1,250 · 38 contact hrs · Des Plaines Myopain Seminars· Team Rehabilitation - Des Plaines ILDry Needling Details and registration
Fri–Sun, Nov 20–22, 2026 · 3 days Dry Needling 1 Price on provider site · 27 contact hrs · Naperville Intricate ArtDry Needling Details and registration

December 2026

Fri–Sun, Dec 4–6, 2026 · 3 days IDN Foundation Course $1,295 · Chicago (University Park) Integrative Dry Needling· Governors State UniversityDry Needling Details and registration
Fri–Sun, Dec 11–13, 2026 · 3 days Dry Needling 3: Advanced $1,350 · 34 contact hrs · Des Plaines Myopain Seminars· Team Rehabilitation - Des Plaines ILDry Needling Details and registration

January 2027

Fri–Sun, Jan 8–10, 2027 · 3 days Dry Needling 1: Foundations I $1,250 · 38 contact hrs · Des Plaines Myopain Seminars· Team Rehabilitation - Des Plaines ILDry Needling Details and registration
Fri–Sun, Jan 15–17, 2027 · 3 days Dry Needling 2 Price on provider site · 27 contact hrs · Frankfort Intricate ArtDry Needling Details and registration
Fri–Sun, Jan 15–17, 2027 · 3 days Dry Needling Level 1 (DN-1) $1,095 · 27 contact hrs · Chicago Master Dry NeedlingDry Needling Details and registration
Fri–Sun, Jan 15–17, 2027 · 3 days Dry Needling 2: Foundations II $1,250 · 37 contact hrs · Des Plaines Myopain Seminars· Team Rehabilitation - Des Plaines ILDry Needling Details and registration
Fri–Sun, Jan 22–24, 2027 · 3 days Upper Quadrant Dry Needling 2 $1,350 · 27 contact hrs · Lemont Myopain Seminars· Duly Health & Care - Lemont ILDry Needling Details and registration

February 2027

Fri–Sun, Feb 5–7, 2027 · 3 days Dry Needling Level 2 (DN-2) $1,095 · 27 contact hrs · Chicago Master Dry NeedlingDry Needling Details and registration

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Common questions

Can physical therapists dry needle in Illinois?

Yes. Illinois law (225 ILCS 90/1.5) allows PT dry needling, limited to treating myofascial pain with single-use filiform needles at trigger points, after a long list of training steps.

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

50 hours of foundation instruction, 30 didactic hours, 54 practicum hours within 12 months, 200 supervised treatment sessions and a competency exam.