This would be a threat to public safety. Dry needling is an invasive medical procedure. It is beyond the scope of practice of athletic trainers. The AMA recommends that dry needling only be performed by physicians and licensed acupuncturists. Licensed Acupuncturists train for a minimum of three years and treat hundreds of patients before they are licensed. Athletic trainers taking a brief weekend course is not enough training and their clients will be at risk of injury.