What Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling (DN) involves the insertion of thin, solid monofilament needles—similar to those used in acupuncture—without injecting any substance into the body. Physical therapists use dry needling to target myofascial trigger points, often referred to as “muscle knots.”
Research also supports the use of DN for treating ligaments, tendons, subcutaneous fascia, scar tissue, peripheral nerves, and neurovascular structures. This makes it an effective tool for managing a wide range of neuromusculoskeletal pain conditions and movement dysfunctions (Dunning, 2014).
Is Dry Needling Safe?
Dry needling is very safe when performed by a properly trained physical therapist. Therapists take anatomical precautions in every region of the body, including awareness of structures such as lung fields, blood vessels, and nerves.
Before treatment, your therapist will complete a thorough health history to ensure DN is appropriate for you. Adverse effects are rare (Boyce, 2020). Mild soreness, temporary bruising, or small amounts of bleeding can occur and are considered normal responses.
How Dry Needling Affects the Body
Dry needling influences the body at both a local and systemic level. Its effects may include:
Restoring normal muscle length and reducing excessive muscle tone
Decreasing myofascial trigger points
Releasing natural opioids that help reduce pain
Increasing blood flow to promote healing
Stimulating collagen and fibroblast production for tissue repair
Supporting bone health by preventing bone breakdown
Reintroducing a controlled inflammatory response to support healing
Promoting scar tissue remodeling
When electrical stimulation is added through the needles (electro-needling), it can further enhance healing by stimulating mesenchymal stem cells and increasing the release of natural pain-relieving substances.
Another technique, called needle winding, gently twists the needle within the tissue. This creates a mechanical pull on the fascia and triggers the release of adenosine, which:
Reduces the emotional response to pain
Improves circulation
Supports restful sleep
Enhances pain relief
Provides anti-inflammatory effects
Dry Needling vs. Acupuncture
The term acupuncture translates to “needle penetration,” and both dry needling and acupuncture use similar monofilament needles. While the tools may look the same, the approaches differ.
Dry needling is based on modern anatomy, neuroscience, and pain science, and it focuses on treating dysfunctional tissues within the neuromusculoskeletal system. Acupuncture is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and follows a different theoretical framework.
What to Expect During a Session
Dry needling techniques vary depending on the tissue being treated and your comfort level. Some techniques involve gently moving the needle in and out of the tissue for several seconds, while others keep the needle in place for a longer period. Electrical stimulation may also be used to enhance muscle relaxation and tissue healing.
Each person’s experience with dry needling is unique. You may feel temporary discomfort, muscle twitching, or brief reproduction of familiar symptoms—often a sign that the targeted tissue is being treated effectively. Many people notice symptom improvement quickly.
Your therapist will closely monitor your response and adjust the treatment based on your tolerance and goals. Communication is always encouraged, and treatment is guided by your preferences.
Conditions Commonly Treated
Neck pain, pinched nerves, and headaches
TMJ disorders
Shoulder pain, including frozen shoulder and rotator cuff issues
Sciatica and lumbar radiculopathy
Piriformis syndrome
Gluteal tendinopathy and greater trochanteric bursitis
Hamstring strains
Patellofemoral pain and tendinopathy
Golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Shin splints
Ankle sprains
Achilles tendinitis
Plantar fasciitis
Peripheral neuropathies
Dry needling helps reduce muscle tension, improve tendon health, promote tissue healing, and restore function. When combined with movement and strength training, it can be a powerful tool to help you return to the activities you enjoy.
If you’re curious whether dry needling could benefit you, contact us to schedule an evaluation and learn more.
RESOURCES:
Boyce D, Wempe H, Campbell C, et al. Adverse events associated with therapeutic dry needling. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2020;15(1):103-113.
Dunning J, Butts R, Mourad F, Young I, Flannagan S, Perreault T. Dry needling: a literature review with implications for clinical practice guidelines. Phys Ther Rev. 2014;19(4):252-265.
