Dry needling (or trigger point dry needling) is a technique in which a certified healthcare provide (ie physical therapist) will place a needle into a myofascial trigger point to elicit a muscle twitch. An individual may feel a twitch similar to someone flexing a muscle.
Myofascial trigger points are common in individuals with musculoskeletal pain. Myofascial trigger points are hypersensitive spots in a muscle like a muscle knot. The physiological response to dry needling is still being studied. However, it is suggested that placing a needle in an irritated muscle can help it release thus decreasing tightness, sensitivity and pain from a deep muscle knot.
Dry-needling differs from acupuncture because during dry-needling, a PT will place the needle directly into a muscle causing a twitch and then remove the needle quickly. With acupuncture, generally there are several needles that remain in place for a much longer amount of time while a patient works on relaxation and breathing.
The research behind benefits of dry needling exclusively for long-term pain and ROM is inconclusive.¹⋅² However, research supports short-term benefits from dry needling to improve range of motion (ROM) and decrease pain. So, dry needling can be a great tool to access more ROM and decrease pain to improve an individual’s tolerance to strength and mobility training which will help improve chronic symptoms.
Dry needling is one of the interventions of conservative management under our tool belt that is minimally invasive and can help treat problems deeper than a superficial treatment like a massage. All interventions have their place in one’s recovery spectrum. If you have plateaued with other treatments, then Dry needling may be worth a try (when indicated).
If you have been struggling with chronic, painful, and limiting muscle knots, come schedule a consultation to see if dry-needling would be a good option for you!

References:
- Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). What is dry needling? https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/16542-dry-needling
- Gattie E, Cleland JA, Snodgrass S. The Effectiveness of Trigger Point Dry Needling for Musculoskeletal Conditions by Physical Therapists: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2017 Mar;47(3):133-149. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2017.7096. Epub 2017 Feb 3. PMID: 28158962.
- Boyles R, , Fowler R, , Ramsey D, , Burrows E. and Effectiveness of trigger point dry needling for multiple body regions: a systematic review. J Man Manip Ther. 2015; 23: 276– 293.