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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5/5/25  9:45 am
Commenter: Ashley Sennett, MS, ATC, LAT, CES

In Strong Support of Athletic Trainers Utilizing Dry Needling Techniques
 

Throughout my time both as an athletic training student and a practicing clinician, I have recognized the importance of proper education for various modalities, techniques, and maneuvers taught throughout our education. Currently, a Certified Athletic Trainer is required to undergo 4 years of undergraduate studies in addition to 2 further years of master's studies. Throughout this education, Athletic Trainers undergo intensive education and training on anatomy and physiology of the body, proper procedures for various techniques used in pain relief, muscular adhesions, sports related injury, and compensations. In addition to this education, Certified Athletic Trainers have the opportunity to obtain additional certifications to aid in the treatment of their patients. Dry Needling has been an advantageous addition to Certified Athletic Trainers that have participated in and performed the extensive certification and education process to obtain the certification to perform Dry Needling on their patients. These individuals have put in the time, effort, and educational prowess to complete these certification courses. Therefore, due to the extensive knowledge Certified Athletic Trainers possess on the musculoskeletal anatomy of their patients in addition to the completion of the proper and required certification courses to perform Dry Needling, Athletic Trainer should be allowed to perform this procedure. 

CommentID: 234244