I am strongly in support of the proposed regulation 18VAC85-120-110.  For 12 years, following 29 years at the secondary level with many experiences at world cup levels, and others I was the athletic trainer for the Fairfax County Police Department and the Fairfax County Criminal Justice Academy.

Dry needling would have been a gift to my law enforcement patients.  Their required uniform applies stressors to the lower back, hips and shoulders.  Their required training and on-duty tasks put further stress on their bodies resulting in a loss of duty time, a reduction of the ability to perform in a safe manner for the officer and the citizen.  Loss of full duty time for musculoskeletal sprains and strains costs the taxpayer money and a reduction of services in their communities.  Allowing the athletic trainer, with proper training and certification to practice dry needling on our public safety personnel (law enforcement, fire and rescue, EMS) will cut taxpayer costs, reduce worker's compensation costs, increase time on duty and more importantly will reduce pain, increase function and confidence in the ability to do one's job.  I sincerely with I had this tool and hope that legislators will see the merit in positively voting for this legislation.