The use of dry needling by certified athletic trainers that have undergone proper training in the use and application of the modality is a benefit to the patients in their respective clinical settings. In many cases a certified athletic trainer is the first medical clinician to evaluate, treat, and manage an Injury or dysfunction. Everyone agrees that the proper use of dry needling is a highly effective and useful modality. If athletic trainers that have been trained in the use of dry needling are excluded from the list of medical clinicians that are allowed to apply the modality, the access and availability to the service can be even difficult to obtain. 

Many of the arguments in opposition come from professionals trained in acupuncture. The use of dry needling is not a substitute for acupuncture. All athletic trainers understand the difference between the definition and use of dry needling and acupuncture. Athletic trainers are not seeking to replace other medical professionals certified in dry needling and/or acupuncture. We are simply attempting to provide a beneficial service to the client base within our care. Please support the use of dry needling by specifically trained and qualified certified athletic trainers.