Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Health Professions
 
Board
Board of Medicine
 
chapter
Regulations Governing the Licensure of Athletic Trainers [18 VAC 85 ‑ 120]
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5/2/25  12:27 am
Commenter: Megumi J

NO athletic trainers perform dry needle
 

1.Without rigorous and long -term training, Improper needle insertion can cause more harm than healing. When fitness coaches or other non-professionals attempt acupuncture without a deep understanding of meridians, acupoints, and pathology, they risk not only being ineffective but also causing further injury or delaying proper treatment. It can result in serious complications, including nerve damage, infections, and organ punctures. 

2. Traditional Acupucture is a very difficult profession. When untrained individuals perform acupuncture, it becomes a case of passing off the fake as the genuine — a dangerous practice that can undermine the credibility and effectiveness of authentic, professionally administered treatments.  

3. We don’t let tailors perform surgery, nor do we let coaches prescribe drugs, or butchers run hospitals. Let athletic trainers train, let tailors sew, let slaughterhouses process animals — and let acupuncturists heal. Each profession must stay within its scope to protect the public.

CommentID: 234141