As a certified athletic trainer, I write in strong support of proposed regulation 18VAC85-120-110. For 15 years I served the collegiate population as a head athletic trainer and an educator. I am currently practicing as needed around my fulltime position as an educator of athletic training for 10 years.

I have seen firsthand the positive impact of dry needling on myself for pain reduction, improved mobility, and accelerated recovery. I have provided lectures on dry needling at the Virginia Athletic Training Association symposium. I have written a scientific paper on how dry needling can positively impact plantar fasciitis. I have also received certification in dry needling. It is my desire to safely, effectively and confidently perform dry needling on those in need of physical recovery.

Modality safety is a consistent emphasis regardless of the type of modality used within the field of athletic training. I have taught modalities to students for years and I feel our students are being well prepared to delivery this level of care and treatment to their respective populations. Students are being educated on Intravenous injection administration (which VA state board has approved). If done correctly I feel dry needling is less invasive than IV administration.  Additionally, the governor of VA allowed athletic trainers to give COVID-19 vaccines.  Acceptance of this regulation reflects the current practice for athletic trainers across America and would correspond with educational standards for athletic trainers.

Athletic trainers that are well trained in dry needling are qualified as healthcare practitioner based on their foundational knowledge of anatomy, neuromuscular function, assessment and rehabilitation standards. Additionally, athletic trainers work under the supervision of physicians and with other allied healthcare professions, which provides a strong framework for oversight and collaboration in care. As an educator, researcher, practitioner, and VA resident, I don’t see this decision impacting acupuncturist based on theory and application variables. My patient population is primarily young active college students dealing with musculoskeletal injuries.

Allowing ATs to perform dry needling expands access to timely, effective treatment for their patients. As a first line healthcare provider similar to nurse practitioners, and physician assistants’ improvement is care could lessen the financial burden for the patient and the public.  The proposed regulation appropriately includes educational and competency standards to uphold patient safety, which is paramount.  I sincerely hope that legislators will see the merit in positively voting for this legislation.

Sincerely,

Kelly Lumpkin, PhD, ATC, LATC, CIDN