Dry needling in South Dakota: the rules for physical therapists
South Dakota law (SDCL 36-10-52) lets PTs dry needle after completing a course of study approved by the State Board of Physical Therapy. Send the board proof on its form before you start.
Rules to know
- Courses must cover anatomy, emergency response, needle handling, safety, theory, pain science, indications, palpation, insertion and manipulation techniques, and more (ARSD 20:66:04:02).
- Only needle the body regions your course covered.
- PTs can't delegate dry needling to PTAs.
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 South Dakota
No in-person dry needling courses are listed in South Dakota right now. See dry needling courses in every state.
Common questions
Can physical therapists dry needle in South Dakota?
Yes. South Dakota law (SDCL 36-10-52) lets PTs dry needle after completing a course of study approved by the State Board of Physical Therapy. Send the board proof on its form before you start.
How much training do PTs need to dry needle in South Dakota?
A board-approved course, mostly in person, with hands-on and written exams (no set hours).
More for South Dakota clinicians
Dry needling rules in other states
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming