Dry needling should absolutely be included in the scope of practice for licensed VA Athletic Trainers.  ATs are board certified and state licensed healthcare providers who practice under the direction of a physician. We have extensive education and training in anatomy, physiology, prevention of injuries/illnesses, acute care, clinical evaluation and diagnosis, therapeutic interventions of medical conditions, and more. Additionally, our education has evolved to include suturing and IV administration.

Unlike acupuncture, dry needling is rooted in Western Medicine and anatomy.  It requires additional post-professional training and is a minimally invasive therapeutic intervention that can be safely used to treat pain and musculoskeletal dysfunction in the patients we serve.  Restricting ATs from practicing dry needling would be a disservice to the comprehensive, patient-centered care we strive to provide.