Athletic trainers are highly educated and skilled in the evaluation and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries and conditions. Our training includes a deep understanding of anatomy, biomechanics, and pathomechanics. This expertise allows us to accurately identify specific trigger points, muscle imbalances, and movement dysfunctions that dry needling aims to address. We routinely perform detailed assessments to determine the underlying causes of pain and functional limitations, making us well-equipped to appropriately target dry needling interventions.

We are experts in designing and implementing comprehensive rehabilitation programs. Dry needling can be a valuable adjunct to their existing therapeutic modalities, such as manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and modalities like heat and ice. ATs can seamlessly integrate dry needling into a progressive treatment plan, using it to address pain and muscle dysfunction early on to facilitate more effective movement restoration and return to activity. 

Allowing ATs to perform dry needling, where it is within their scope of practice and they have received appropriate training, can provide more immediate access to this potentially beneficial treatment. This can reduce delays in care and ultimately contribute to more cost-effective and efficient management of athletic injuries and pain.