Dry needling in Maryland: the rules for physical therapists

Maryland's PT board rules (COMAR 10.38.12) allow dry needling by licensed PTs who complete the required instruction. PTAs (limited physical therapy) can't do it.

Allowedfor PTs

At least 80 hours: 40 of dry needling coursework and 40 of supervised hands-on practicetraining before you start

Rules to know

The 40 coursework hours must be from APTA, APTA Maryland or FSBPT courses, in person or live online, and cover theory, spine and extremity technique, indications, infection control, emergencies and documentation.
The 40 hands-on hours must be supervised by a practitioner who has dry needled for at least 5 years. All instruction must include a competency assessment.
Explain dry needling in advance and get written informed consent specific to it.
OTs: Maryland also allows dry needling by certified hand therapists after at least 52 hours of further instruction focused on the upper limb (COMAR 10.46.09).

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 Maryland

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

October 2026

Fri–Sun, Oct 23–25, 2026 · 3 days Dry Needling 1: Foundations I $1,250 · 38 contact hrs · Bethesda Myopain Seminars· Myopain Seminars - Corporate OfficeDry Needling Details and registration
Sat–Sun, Oct 31 – Nov 1, 2026 · 2 days Dry Needling for Neurological Disorders $895 · 16 contact hrs · Bethesda Myopain Seminars· Myopain Seminars - Corporate OfficeDry Needling Details and registration

November 2026

Fri–Sun, Nov 6–8, 2026 · 3 days Functional Dry Needling Level 2 (3-Day) Price on provider site · Baltimore (Nottingham) Evidence in Motion· Active Life and Sports Physical Therapy (Baltimore Area)Dry Needling Details and registration
Fri–Sat, Nov 6–7, 2026 · 2 days Fu Subcutaneous Needling - American Version $765 · 15 contact hrs · Bethesda Myopain Seminars· Myopain Seminars - Corporate OfficeDry Needling Details and registration
Sat–Sun, Nov 14–15, 2026 · 2 days Lumbopelvic Dry Needling Price on provider site · 16 contact hrs · Annapolis Intricate ArtDry Needling Details and registration
Fri–Sun, Nov 20–22, 2026 · 3 days Dry Needling 2: Foundations II $1,250 · 37 contact hrs · Bethesda Myopain Seminars· Myopain Seminars - Corporate OfficeDry Needling Details and registration

December 2026

Fri–Sun, Dec 4–6, 2026 · 3 days Dry Needling 3: Advanced $1,350 · 34 contact hrs · Bethesda Myopain Seminars· Myopain Seminars - Corporate OfficeDry Needling Details and registration
Fri–Sun, Dec 11–13, 2026 · 3 days Dry Needling 1: Foundations I $1,250 · 38 contact hrs · Bethesda Myopain Seminars· Myopain Seminars - Corporate OfficeDry Needling Details and registration

January 2027

Fri–Sun, Jan 8–10, 2027 · 3 days Dry Needling 1: Foundations I $1,250 · 38 contact hrs · Bethesda Myopain Seminars· Myopain Seminars - Corporate OfficeDry Needling Details and registration
Fri–Sun, Jan 15–17, 2027 · 3 days Dry Needling 2: Foundations II $1,250 · 37 contact hrs · Bethesda Myopain Seminars· Myopain Seminars - Corporate OfficeDry Needling Details and registration
Fri–Sun, Jan 29–31, 2027 · 3 days Dry Needling 1: Foundations I $1,250 · 38 contact hrs · Bethesda Myopain Seminars· Myopain Seminars - Corporate OfficeDry Needling Details and registration

February 2027

Fri–Sun, Feb 5–7, 2027 · 3 days Dry Needling For Pelvic Pain $995 · 24 contact hrs · Bethesda Myopain Seminars· Myopain Seminars - Corporate OfficeDry Needling Details and registration

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Common questions

Can physical therapists dry needle in Maryland?

Yes. Maryland's PT board rules (COMAR 10.38.12) allow dry needling by licensed PTs who complete the required instruction. PTAs (limited physical therapy) can't do it.

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

At least 80 hours: 40 of dry needling coursework and 40 of supervised hands-on practice.