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Evaluating & Debunking ‘Alternative’ Injury Recovery Methods: Part 3, Dry Needling

While physiotherapists are often very keen to use dry needling in their practice, the research on this modality has never produced results worthy of the kind of enthusiasm that it often generates in this group of professionals. In study after study, low-quality evidence suggests that dry needling is better than sham needling or placebo for decreasing pain in certain kinds of musculoskeletal injuries. But in no case has dry needling ever shown improvements in functional recovery of shoulder pain, back pain or neck pain. “Dry needling is really controversial,” said Dr. Daniel Cushman, associate professor of physical medicine & rehabilitation at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. “Some people…

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 Dry Needling: More Than Just a Fad?

It appears Dry Needling is officially here to stay. It has been a bit of a tumultuous few decades for this new modality, filled with controversy, intrigue, and misconception. Controversy regarding its safety and legality, with equal parts intrigue and misconception regarding its background and efficacy. If you haven’t heard of it, you will. Since its explosion on to the mainstream about a decade ago, it has seen substantial increases in popularity and research. Go ahead, type in “dry needling” into Google, I’ll wait…. As you can see, the internet has exploded with courses, advertisements, testimonials, litigation, and information. With the new age of information access, it can be really difficult to sift through it all. So, Does it work? Who can do it? Is it safe? What it is really doing? Have no fear….. We’re here to help!

Articles of Interest

Dry Needling versus Acupuncture in Oregon: What’s Changing and Why It Matters

Key distinction: Dry needling focuses on Ashi/trigger points to produce localized musculoskeletal effects (often within a narrow treatment scope) whereas licensed acupuncturists integrate all three categories of points (Classical, Extra, and Ashi) within a holistic diagnostic framework. This broader approach addresses not only pain but also systemic issues involving the nervous, digestive, hormonal, immune, and emotional systems The primary targets are myofascial trigger points, a concept popularized in the mid-20th century by Dr. Janet Travell, physician to U.S. presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson.

Dry needling versus acupuncture: the ongoing debate

Because of the close relationship between DN and acupuncture, collaboration rather than dispute between acupuncturists and other healthcare professionals should be encouraged with respect to education, research, and practice for the benefit of patients with musculoskeletal conditions who require needling therapy

Dry Needling: A Clinical Commentary

Dry needling is a relatively new treatment modality used by physical therapists and other common musculoskeletal conditions seen in athletes. Dry needling is a safe, inexpensive, and minimally invasive procedure that carries a low risk. Further studies are also warranted to study the effects of different dry needling protocols for muscular, tendon, and potentially ligament conditions.

I Was Wrong About the Value of Dry Needling — Twice

Here’s the kicker. Once you make that radical shift in a viewpoint, a second shift is far more challenging. When you confront your bias, listen and adhere to disconfirming evidence, and change your mind, you are more convicted that the new way of thinking must be right. This frequently happens in healthcare and it is a big problem. It happened to me with dry needling. I stopped dry needling patients.

The Dry Needling Squabble: Trigger Point Dry Needling vs. In Situ Needling

The controversy lies in whether trigger point dry needling is the most effective way to apply needles to the body. Many have questioned the trigger point dry needling philosophy and underpinnings. Perhaps the starkest example is Dunning et al., who really drew attention to this application of needles and its effectiveness.

Trigger point dry needling: the data do not support broad applicability or robust effect

Given the data included in the systematic review it is premature, if not inaccurate, for the authors to conclude that dry needling has broad applicability in the treatment of pain. We urge the readers to take pause and assess not only the individual trials included, but the premise, plausibility and proposed mechanisms of trigger point dry needling. The above concerns regarding the data on trigger point dry needling suggest that robust conclusions of effectiveness and applicability are not currently possible.

Why your physical therapist might recommend dry needling — and whether it actually works

There is evidence supporting the efficacy of dry needling as a treatment for pain, although more research is needed to draw more solid conclusions. Additionally, you shouldn't expect dry needling to be a cure-all for your pain. Dry needling often goes hand in hand with other treatments for the best results. "Physical therapists often combine it with other conventional physical therapy interventions just like acupuncturists often combine it with other appropriate modalities," says Tang-Ritchie.