Dry Needling for Pain Relief

Dry Needling: Is It Right for You? A Balanced Look at Benefits and Risks

Soraya Malik in Health & Wellness June 2025 • 4 min read.

"Explore the effectiveness and safety of dry needling, a popular treatment for muscle pain and dysfunction, to make an informed decision about your healthcare."

In the quest for effective pain relief and improved musculoskeletal function, many individuals are exploring various treatment options. Among these, dry needling has emerged as a popular technique used by physiotherapists. It involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points in the muscles to alleviate pain and improve function. But with its increasing popularity, it's essential to understand what dry needling is, how effective it is, and what potential risks are involved.

Dry needling is an invasive procedure that utilizes solid filament needles to target myofascial pain and dysfunction. It's become a common addition to traditional physiotherapy. However, despite its growth, important questions remain about its true effectiveness and potential for causing adverse events.

This article provides a balanced commentary on dry needling, examining the latest evidence regarding its effectiveness, safety profile, and the necessary levels of professional competence required to administer it safely. It aims to equip you with the knowledge to discuss dry needling options with your healthcare provider.

What is Dry Needling and How Does It Work?

Dry needling involves inserting thin, solid needles into trigger points—those irritable, tight bands of muscle that can cause pain and restricted movement. One theory suggests that these trigger points develop from chronic muscle shortening and reduced blood flow, leading to inflammation and nerve sensitization. When compressed, these points cause pain responses.

The technique has evolved since Dr. Janet Travell's early work, which was further modernized by Lewitt in 1979, who described the 'needle effect,' where many patients experienced immediate pain relief upon needle insertion. Since then, different approaches to dry needling have emerged, with the most common focusing on identifying and treating myofascial trigger points.

Myofascial Trigger Points (MTP): These are areas of hyperirritability in a taut band of muscle that can cause pain, tenderness, and altered motor function.
Theories of MTP Development: One theory suggests that chronic shortening of muscle fibers, along with autonomic changes, leads to localized ischemia. This results in the release of inflammatory substances that sensitize the nervous system.
Local Twitch Response (LTR): Many practitioners aim to elicit a local twitch response during dry needling, which is a visible contraction of the muscle. While some studies suggest this improves pain reduction, the evidence is still debated.

While early studies, including Lewitt's, showed immediate pain benefits in a significant percentage of patients, the overall effectiveness of dry needling remains a topic of debate. The challenge lies in the difficulties of conducting well-controlled studies due to the inability to blind patients and a lack of standardized treatment approaches.

Making Informed Decisions About Dry Needling

Dry needling is a rising method that, when accompanied by physiotherapy, may provide short-term pain relief. However, more research is needed to fully understand its long-term benefits. It is important to discuss with your healthcare provider whether dry needling aligns with your health needs.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.3233/ppr-180118, Alternate LINK

Title: Dry Needling: A Critical Commentary Of Its Effectiveness And Safety Profile

Subject: Occupational Therapy

Journal: Physiotherapy Practice and Research

Publisher: IOS Press

Authors: Stephen Gilmartin

Published: 2018-07-17

Everything You Need To Know

What exactly is dry needling?

Dry needling is a physiotherapy technique that involves inserting thin, solid needles into specific points within muscles. These points, known as Myofascial Trigger Points (MTPs), are areas of hyperirritability in a taut band of muscle. The aim is to alleviate pain and improve function. The procedure is considered invasive because it penetrates the skin.

How does dry needling work?

Dry needling aims to target Myofascial Trigger Points (MTPs), which are believed to cause pain and restricted movement. When a needle is inserted into a MTP, it can elicit a Local Twitch Response (LTR), a visible contraction of the muscle. This response, along with other mechanisms, is hypothesized to reduce pain and improve muscle function. Early studies including Lewitt's, showed immediate pain benefits, however, the exact mechanisms and long-term benefits are still debated.

Why are Myofascial Trigger Points (MTPs) important in the context of dry needling?

The importance of Myofascial Trigger Points (MTPs) lies in their potential to cause localized and referred pain. Identifying and treating these points is central to dry needling. Theories suggest that chronic shortening of muscle fibers and reduced blood flow can lead to the formation of MTPs. This can cause inflammation, nerve sensitization and pain responses. Addressing these trigger points is the core of dry needling's therapeutic approach.

What are the potential benefits of dry needling?

The primary goal of dry needling is to alleviate pain and improve musculoskeletal function. While some studies show immediate pain relief, the long-term effectiveness of dry needling is still under investigation. The technique may be part of a broader physiotherapy treatment plan. It's crucial to discuss the potential benefits and risks with your healthcare provider to determine if it aligns with your specific health needs.

What are the considerations regarding the safety of dry needling?

The potential risks associated with dry needling, although not explicitly detailed here, emphasize the need for professional competence and a thorough understanding of the technique. The article notes that dry needling is an invasive procedure. Therefore, understanding the safety profile and ensuring that the practitioner has the necessary skills is essential. As the article states, it is important to discuss your options with your healthcare provider and make an informed decision.