August 24, 2017
To our Membership:
We would like to take this time to clear up any confusion about the most recent Instagram post regarding the alleged: “USC Dry Needling” in the Biokinesiology Department at the University of Southern California. There have been several posts circulating Facebook and Instagram, with pictures, videos and captions titled “Dry Needling being performed at the USC Biokinesiology Department”. There were several concerns from the acupuncture community that the students may have been needling, and or being taught acupuncture, and or dry needling instruction which is not within the scope of practice of a Physical Therapist in California.
There were several posts on the Facebook Group “Keep Acupuncture Real” with statements made that the USC students and staff were dry needling and or being taught dry needling. I would like to inform everyone that I made contact with the Director of the Kinesiology Department at USC today, Dr. Chris Powers, who provided us with some clarification on the matter.
According to Dr. Chris Powers, from the University of Southern California “ There was a demonstration of acupuncture and dry needling performed by a licensed Acupuncturist at USC. The students only observed and did not perform needling techniques on each other or any patients. This was a one-time seminar class and is not part of our standard curriculum.”
To clear up any confusion, there are currently no instructors performing, teaching or allowing students to perform dry needling and or acupuncture at the University of Southern California.
According to the California Practice Act (2015) Notwithstanding any other law, any person, other than a physician and surgeon, a dentist, or a podiatrist, who is not licensed under this article […], who practices acupuncture involving the application of a needle to the human body, performs any acupuncture technique or method involving the application of a needle to the human body, or directs, manages, or supervises another person in performing acupuncture involving the application of a needle to the human body is guilty of a misdemeanor.
At CSOMA, we take dry needling allegations and the practice of acupuncture without a license in this state very seriously, because we are dedicated to the preservation and advancement of the practice of Acupuncture, and the well-being of the general public.
If you have any questions, and or concerns please feel free to contact Tiffany Tuftee, L.Ac, President of CSOMA or Ra Adcock, L.Ac, Executive Director.
Sincerely,
Tiffany Tuftee
CSOMA President
Ra Adcock
CSOMA Executive Director