From the Research
Dry needling is a therapeutic technique used to treat musculoskeletal pain by inserting thin, solid needles into trigger points or tight bands within muscles, and it is recommended as a treatment option for conditions like chronic back pain, neck pain, and various myofascial pain syndromes, as supported by the most recent study 1.
Definition and Procedure
Dry needling involves the insertion of filiform needles directly into myofascial trigger points—knots that form in muscles when they fail to relax. When the needle penetrates these trigger points, it creates a local twitch response that helps release muscle tension and reduce pain.
Key Points to Consider
- The technique works by disrupting dysfunctional muscle contractions, increasing blood flow to affected areas, and stimulating the body's natural healing response.
- Dry needling differs from acupuncture in that it focuses specifically on treating muscular pain using Western anatomical principles rather than traditional Chinese medicine concepts of energy flow.
- Patients may experience temporary soreness after treatment, similar to post-exercise muscle soreness, which typically resolves within 24-48 hours.
- For best results, dry needling is often combined with other physical therapy interventions such as stretching, strengthening exercises, and proper movement education, as suggested by 2 and 3.
Important Considerations for Treatment
- The number of needles and needle retention time are two variables associated with treatment dosage and must be carefully matched with specific musculoskeletal conditions and the patient's goals, as noted in 2.
- Clinicians with more hours of dry needling training or fewer years of experience reported higher incidences of certain complications, highlighting the necessity for comprehensive training and adherence to safety protocols, as emphasized in 1.
- The use of ultrasound guidance is encouraged to ensure safe practice and minimize the risk of adverse events, as recommended in 1.