 However, a retrospective analysis of 2,910 dry needling interventions as reported by Mabry, et al identified no reported safety events when dry needling was performed by physical therapists.Dry needling is controversial for a number of reasons, one of which being that it is invasive.Invasive treatments bring into play the risks associated with infections, cutaneous infections, and sterility, which can be avoided, however, by using good technique.