Athletic Trainers are well-educated, board-certified healthcare professionals who posses extensive training in assessing, diagnosing, and treating musculoskeletal conditions. Therefore, they are exceptionally equipped to incorporate dry needling safely and effectively into their clinical practice.

Dry needling is a specialized, evidence-based technique designed to address neuromuscular dysfunction, alleviate pain, and enhance functional movement. Athletic trainers already have the necessary anatomical knowledge, clinical judgment, and manual therapy skills required for this method. With the right post-professional training, they can seamlessly integrate dry needling into their treatment options.

Denying athletic trainers the opportunity to practice dry needling restricts access to prompt and effective care for active individuals, while also underutilizing an essential part of the sports medicine workforce. In states where athletic trainers are permitted to perform dry needling, the results have been favorable, and safety records continue to be robust.

Consequently, I firmly support the establishment of legislative and regulatory frameworks that acknowledge dry needling as part of the athletic training scope of practice, provided it is performed by professionals who have undergone recognized post-certification education and training in this technique.

Supporting athletic trainers' ability to perform dry needling enhances patient care, expands access to evidence-based interventions, and reflects the evolving standards of modern sports medicine. By embracing this modality, we not only empower athletic trainers to utilize their full range of skills but also ensure that patients and athletes receive timely and effective treatment tailored to their specific needs. This integration aligns with the goals of comprehensive healthcare, where interdisciplinary collaboration and specialized techniques work hand-in-hand to promote optimal recovery and performance. As the field of sports medicine continues to advance, it is imperative that we recognize and utilize the full potential of all healthcare professionals, fostering an environment where innovation and excellence thrive for the benefit of all patients.