I read many of the comments in this forum, both for and against amending regulations to allow Athletic Trainers to perform the modality of dry needling.

Two worthy points of consideration in this discussion include access to this healthcare service and cost efficiency. Athletic Trainers are uniquely suited to offer both. 

Athletic Trainers offer dry needling services in settings where there is frequent contact and availability between patient and provider, in some cases daily contact in proximal venue.

In addition to increased provider access to patients, services rendered by Athletic Trainers can often be provided with greater cost efficiency than other providers. 

Stripping Athletic Trainers of the necessary authorization to provide the modality of dry needling will burden patients in Virgina seeking these services in the context of the care of an Athletic Trainer, with the need to travel further and pay more to access these services. Instead of receiving dry needling treatments in conjunction with the many services that Athletic Trainers are able to provide, including exercise and manual treatments, patients will need to pursue dry needling in a more isolated setting.

Supportive comments in this forum have addressed the educational foundation of licensed Athletic Trainers, including the understanding of Anatomy, Physiology, Biomechanics, Infection control, and the complexity of muscles as they interact with myofacial tissue. As a preceptor in an Athletic Training educational program, I understand the rigors included in Athletic Training educational programs. Additionally, licensed Athletic Trainers complete ongoing Continuing Education requirements. 

Athletic Trainers possess a thorough foundation that, when coupled with proper educational training in Dry Needling services, whether included in the graduate education program or a post-professional certificate program, are well positioned to provide cost-effective safe and effective dry needling services in an environment often with greater proximity to and increased contact between Athletic Trainers their patients!

I also wish to state that I am a practicing Athletic Trainer with over 25 years of experience in a variety of settings. I do not currently possess credentials to provide Dry Needling services, nor do I plan to pursue one at this point; however, I am familiar with the practice and how it relates to many of the supporting points and counter points of this forum.

Thank you for reading and considering!