Dry Needling

What Is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a technique where thin filiform needles are inserted into trigger points—tight, painful knots in muscles—to release them and reduce pain. Called "dry" because no medication is injected. It's used primarily for myofascial pain and is typically performed by physical therapists or other trained practitioners.¹

How It Works²

Needle inserted into trigger point
May cause local twitch response
Releases tight muscle band
Interrupts pain cycle
Improves blood flow to area
May reset nerve signals

Dry Needling vs. Acupuncture

Different theoretical basis
Acupuncture: Traditional Chinese Medicine, meridians
Dry needling: Western anatomical approach
Similar needles used
Different training and philosophy
Dry needling targets specific muscles

What Trigger Points Are

Hyperirritable spots in muscle
Taut bands of muscle fiber
Can refer pain to other areas
Common in myofascial pain
Feel like knots or nodules

Conditions Treated³

Myofascial pain syndrome
Neck pain
Low back pain
Tension headaches
Shoulder pain
Hip pain
Sports injuries

What to Expect

Brief needle insertion
May feel muscle twitch
Some discomfort during
Treatment quick (minutes)
Soreness after is common
Effects may be immediate or gradual

Research Evidence

Growing body of research
Some positive findings for myofascial pain
Evidence quality varies
More research needed
Often used with other treatments

Side Effects

Soreness (most common)
Bruising
Bleeding
Temporary symptom increase
Fatigue
Serious complications rare

Who Performs It

Physical therapists (in many states)
Chiropractors
Some physicians
Varies by state/country
Ensure proper training

Contraindications

Bleeding disorders
On blood thinners (caution)
Immune compromised
Local infection
Needle phobia
Pregnancy (certain areas)

References

Dunning J, Butts R, Mourad F, et al. Dry needling: a literature review with implications for clinical practice guidelines. Phys Ther Rev. 2014;19(4):252-265.
Cagnie B, Dewitte V, Barbe T, et al. Physiologic effects of dry needling. Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2013;17(8):348.
Gattie E, Cleland JA, Snodgrass S. The effectiveness of trigger point dry needling for musculoskeletal conditions by physical therapists: a systematic review. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2017;47(3):133-149.