Dry Needling, or dry needling, is an analgesic physiotherapy technique based on the insertion of fine needles into myofascial trigger points in the muscles. It is a therapeutic method that originated from traditional Chinese medicine and has also been used in conventional Western medicine for approximately three decades. However, the two approaches differ substantially. Dry needling does not involve the use of pharmaceutical substances or medications. The technique is generally used as a complementary treatment alongside other methods, such as manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, neuromuscular taping or massage therapy.
Dry needling targets the muscle tissue and musculoskeletal system, focusing primarily on trigger points within the muscle tissue. The technique is also used to treat specific pain syndromes, including:
- pain in the lumbar region of the spine;
- neck and upper shoulder pain;
- osteoarthritis and pain affecting the major joints;
- muscle fatigue and overuse;
- inflammation of soft-tissue structures (Achilles tendon, tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow, rotator cuff, ligaments and tendons of the knee and ankle).
Dry needling acts directly on the muscle tissue and musculoskeletal system by targeting trigger points within the muscle. These are hyperirritable areas of the muscle or fascia characterized by increased tension and reduced blood circulation. Inserting a fine 0.25 mm needle helps release tension and reduce pain in these areas, while promoting blood flow.
The positive effects of the treatment include:
- pain reduction;
- improved mobility;
- muscle activation;
- normalization of the cellular chemical balance of active trigger points.
The treatment is generally well tolerated and can be performed 1–2 times per week.
