The vast majority of the states allow for physiotherapy and in many instances acupuncture. While acupuncture is truly a principle, not a technique (a little understood distinction), even in the states that disallows acupuncture and allows physiotherapy, the practitioner may practice acupuncture as long as they do not puncture the skin.
But the worst part of the scope of practice decrees I discovered was the vast number of states which hold the the use of venipuncture as "against the law." It is a pathetic state of affairs when we refer to ourselves as "physicians" in so many states and "doctors" in all of the others yet are forbidden by law to perform venipuncture.
The good news is that acupuncture is alive and well and may be practiced by a variety of non-invasive techniques as successfully as those who choose to puncture with a needle. In fact, in many instances, non-needle acupuncture is truly more beneficial as it is safer, faster, as effective, and more apt to produce referrals, as many people don't like the thought of needles stuck in them.
If your state allows for physiotherapy and you are a faithful reader of this column, then you owe it to yourself and your patients to begin using some of the points and techniques which I share with you through Dynamic Chiropractic.
Take a formal class in its use and begin to employ it with non-invasive techniques such as a non-piercing teishein or piezo electric stimulator, both of which are priced at under or at the cost of one adjustment in most parts of the country.
Continue to read this column and clip what appeals to you for further reference. Even if your "not into" acupuncture, you're "into" helping sick people regain their health.
I assure you that you will not be disappointed.
John A. Amaro, D.C., FIACA, Dipl.Ac.
Carefree, Arizona
Click here for previous articles by John Amaro, LAc, DC, Dipl. Ac.(NCCAOM), Dipl.Med.Ac.(IAMA).