Brian Hortz, PhD, ATC/L

Brian Hortz, PhD, ATC/L began his career in athletic training in 1995 at Denison University, where he would spend the next 24 years building one of the most respected sports medicine programs in Division III athletics. He served as Head Athletic Trainer from 1997 to 2010, then as Director of Sports Medicine from 2010 to 2019 — all while teaching in the Department of Health, Exercise, and Sports Studies.

During his time at Denison, Brian integrated dry needling into his clinical practice long before it became mainstream in athletic training. Recognizing its transformative potential for athlete recovery and performance, he pursued advanced training and eventually became an instructor — teaching the technique to licensed healthcare professionals across the country through Structure & Function Education.

Brian earned his PhD in Sport & Exercise Science from The Ohio State University, grounding his clinical work in research and evidence-based practice. He has presented at state, national, and international conferences on dry needling, athletic training, medical ethics, and regulatory issues in allied health.

Beyond the clinic and classroom, Brian has been a leader in shaping the profession itself. He served nine years on the Ohio Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Athletic Trainers (PTOTAT) Licensure Board — including as Joint Board Chair — and has served as Co-Chair of the Exam Test Writing Committee for the National Athletic Trainers Board of Certification since 2017.

Today, Brian operates RecoverURfunction, a concierge sports medicine practice serving elite athletes, coaches, and agents. He continues to teach dry needling courses nationally and consults with organizations on continuing education development, certification, and credentialing. He is available for national and international travel.