Dry needling involves the use of thin, solid filiform needles inserted directly into muscle trigger points—small, tight bands within a muscle that heighten pain and restrict movement. The goal is to trigger a local twitch response, which may help release tension, reduce pain, and enhance mobility.
Clinical evidence indicates that dry needling can provide short-term pain relief and improved pressure pain thresholds compared to no treatment or sham needling. Research generally covers follow-up periods up to 12 weeks, with long-term benefits being less certain. For neck pain, evidence supports improved pain intensity and disability in the short term, though benefits at mid- or long-term follow-ups are less clear. Reviews of low back myofascial pain also suggest that dry needling can significantly reduce pain and disability compared to some other treatments, though more high-quality research is needed.
Adverse effects are typically mild—such as soreness, bruising, or temporary fatigue—but rare serious risks, like pneumothorax, highlight the importance of having treatment performed by trained professionals using sterile technique.
