I am an athletic trainer trained in dry needling through Structure & Function Education programming, obtained after my professional education.  I was certified through an intensive, multi-day workshop that teaches fundamental skills for safe and proper needle insertion and removal, as well as evidence based strategies for therapeutic pain management for orthopedic and sport rehabilitation.  

Athletic trainers can safely integrate the use of dry needling through a diagnosis-focused approach to help patients with orthopedic injuries.  It is used in conjunction with other therapeutic interventions to promote soft tissue healing and manage pain.  Athletic trainers are master's degree trained health care professionals that take in-depth anatomy courses, many which are gross anatomy cadaver dissections during their education.  Athletic training curriculums contain approximately 20 credit hours, including numerous lab credits, devoted to orthopedic examination and therapeutic intervention education.  

I have witnessed numerous athletic training professionals use dry needling safely in their clinical practice for several years in a University setting on thousands of patients.  I strongly advocate, with my colleagues, for the inclusion of dry needling within the scope of practice for licensed athletic trainers.  Dry needling is an evidence-based, minimally invasive technique used safely to treat myofascial pain and improve musculoskeletal function.  Athletic trainers are highly trained healthcare professionals with extensive education on therapeutic interventions and are well-qualified to safely and effectively perform this technique.  

Restricting athletic trainers from utilizing dry needles limits their ability to provide comprehensive care to their patients and undermines the progression of modern, patient-centered sports medicine.  Supporting the right of athletic trainers to integrate dry needling expands care and improves patient outcomes for physically active patients.  It is essential for legislative and regulatory bodies to recognize the evolving scope of practice of athletic trainers, the advancements in professional education, and empower them to treat patients with evidence-informed care, including dry needling.