Over the years working as a physical therapist, I have seen many modalities come and go in the clinical setting. When I first started out, electrical stimulation was all the rage, then ultrasound, then cold laser—and on and on. What I noticed was that these treatments were not able to provide patients with lasting relief. I was convinced that they were only good for acute injuries or managing pain temporarily. That was until I was trained in Dry Needling Therapy.
I started Dry Needling Therapy ten years ago, and can say it has been one of the most valuable treatment techniques in managing chronic pain, acute pain, muscle stiffness and spasm, edema and swelling, and painful muscle trigger points. With very little risk for complications, I have seen Dry Needling make a difference in patients who have been dealing with issues that were not going away with traditional therapeutic exercise and manual techniques. Physical Therapists have the benefit of studying not only the anatomy but also the neurological impact on the soft tissue structures of the body. This in-depth education allows your PT to perform the technique on patients of all ages safely and efficiently.
Like acupuncture, dry needling uses the same thin monofilament needles, but instead of just penetrating the superficial layers of tissue, it goes through the muscles, ligaments, tendons, or scar tissue. Unlike the traditional Chinese theory of medicine, dry needling is based on modern physiology and neurology. Dry needling is termed “dry” because there is no fluid or medication injected into the body.
In addition to targeting trigger points of the soft tissue, dry needling also targets the neural and connective tissues. As the needle penetrates the different layers of soft tissue, nerve endings are stimulated, which may result in pain reduction. This is important since these nerve endings can influence a patient’s perception of their current pain level. Unlike deep tissue massage, dry needling penetrates the muscle with pinpoint accuracy, providing relief of the affected tissue without putting unnecessary strain on the unaffected parts. With all the new and improved exercises to go along with the many versions of manual treatments, sometimes just a few needles are necessary to break out of the vicious cycle of pain.
Although research is still evolving for this type of treatment, recent studies suggest promising results. A systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy found that dry needling provided significant pain relief immediately after treatment and up to four weeks later for musculoskeletal pain. However, long-term effects beyond six months remain inconclusive. Another literature review emphasized the need for standardized protocols, though it acknowledged that preliminary evidence supports dry needling for pain reduction and muscle tension relief.
Like acupuncture, dry needling uses the same thin monofilament needles, but instead of just penetrating the superficial layers of tissue, it goes through the muscles, ligaments, tendons, or scar tissue. Unlike the traditional Chinese theory of medicine, dry needling is based on modern physiology and neurology. Dry needling is termed “dry” because there is no fluid or medication injected into the body.In addition to targeting trigger points of the soft tissue, dry needling also targets the neural and connective tissues. As the needle penetrates the different layers of soft tissue, nerve endings are stimulated, which may result in pain reduction. This is important since these nerve endings can influence a patient’s perception of their current pain level. Unlike deep tissue massage, dry needling penetrates the muscle with pinpoint accuracy, providing relief of the affected tissue without putting unnecessary strain on the unaffected parts. With all the new and improved exercises to go along with the many versions of manual treatments, sometimes just a few needles are necessary to break out of the vicious cycle of pain.
Although research is still evolving for this type of treatment, recent studies suggest promising results. A systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy found that dry needling provided significant pain relief immediately after treatment and up to four weeks later for musculoskeletal pain. However, long-term effects beyond six months remain inconclusive. Another literature review emphasized the need for standardized protocols, though it acknowledged that preliminary evidence supports dry needling for pain reduction and muscle tension relief.
Safety studies also highlight dry needling as a low-risk intervention when performed by trained professionals. A retrospective analysis of nearly 3,000 dry needling interventions reported no adverse events, reinforcing its safety profile in clinical practice.
If you are considering dry needling as part of your rehabilitation or pain management plan, consult with a qualified healthcare professional to determine if it is right for you. At Physique, we have three qualified dry needling practitioners on staff and will be hosting a continuing education courses this year.
*As of March of 2025, dry needling is not within the scope of physical therapists in the states of California, Hawaii, New York, and Oregon. Regulations may change, so it is best to check with your state's physical therapy licensing board or the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) for the most up-to-date information.
Yours in Health,
Keith Pacific
