Dry needling in Louisiana: the rules for physical therapists

Louisiana's PT board rule (§311) allows dry needling after a board-approved course. Online and distance courses don't count.

Allowedfor PTs

A board-approved course of at least 25 hours of in-person, hands-on instructiontraining before you start

Rules to know

Course instructors must have at least 2 years of dry needling experience. They don't have to be PTs, but must be licensed health care providers.
Before the first treatment, explain risks and benefits and get informed consent; document both.
Use sterile needle procedures and CDC standards. Note how the patient tolerated it and the outcome.
PT students who've met the course requirement can dry needle under continuous supervision of a qualified PT.

Official sources

Louisiana Physical Therapy Board: Practice Act and Rules, §311 Treatment with dry needling (September 2025, PDF)

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 Louisiana

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

December 2026

Fri–Sun, Dec 4–6, 2026 · 3 days Dry Needling 2 (DN-2) $895 · New Orleans AAMT· New Orleans, LADry Needling Details and registration

February 2027

Fri–Sun, Feb 19–21, 2027 · 3 days Dry Needling Course One $1,000 · Baton Rouge MS Dry NeedlingDry Needling Details and registration

See these on the map Email me new courses like these

Common questions

Can physical therapists dry needle in Louisiana?

Yes. Louisiana's PT board rule (§311) allows dry needling after a board-approved course. Online and distance courses don't count.

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

A board-approved course of at least 25 hours of in-person, hands-on instruction.