Dear Commonwealth of VA,

I am in support of 18VAC85-120 for athletic trainers to be able to perform therapeutic dry needling in our commonwealth.  Athletic trainers are highly trained professionals that hold credentials to perform numerous modalities and treatments requiring expert knowledge in anatomy. Our current license allows us to provide care that breaks the skin barrier for injections, sutures, and IV.

The training for this skill, which is provided to athletic trainers through multiple companies across the USA, is offered with multiple levels of training.  The Level 1 course with Myopain requires 27 hours of education hours to perform TDN.  Advanced courses are mandated for areas of the body with higher risk for complication and additional education and practice hours are also needed. 

TDN should not be siloed to one or two professional when athletic trainers have the knowledge and skillset to safely perform this treatment and assist in the recovery of patients.