Hello,  I am writing to oppose the use of the dry needling modality by athletic trainers.  As a licensed acupuncturist with over four years of training, I see several possible problems with this.  Athletic trainers are not therapists and puncturing the skin is much more involved than applying ice or heat or even use of massage therapy.  I don’t see the working environments as being a safe setting for needles and clean fields necessary for treatment.  The use of needles in muscle tissue and other deeper anatomy is a modality that acupuncturists have had extensive training to perform and I would expect anyone licensed to puncture skin to have the same level of training.  Thank you for considering my thoughts.