Dry needling

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Dry needling is a treatment that uses thin needles to reduce muscle pain. It’s used by physical therapists, doctors, chiropractors, and other health professionals. While it is sometimes described as a form of acupuncture, many practitioners see it as a different technique that focuses mainly on muscles and related tissues.

In the procedure, solid filiform needles or hollow needles are inserted into the skin and muscle. Therapists can use different depths, from shallow to deep, depending on the target. Deep needling is often used to help relax tight muscle areas and reduce pain, and it may be followed by manual techniques or mild electrical stimulation.

Dry needling is mainly aimed at treating myofascial trigger points—small, sensitive spots in a muscle that can cause pain. It may also be used for other muscle and connective tissue problems, and sometimes for nerve-related issues. The goal is to lessen pain, improve movement, and help people return to activity. Evidence on how well it works is mixed: some studies show benefits for certain pains, while others don’t show a clear advantage over placebo. More high-quality, long-term research is needed. The American Physical Therapy Association says dry needling should be used as part of a broader treatment plan, not on its own.

Because dry needling is invasive, there are risks. Common side effects include bleeding, bruising, and temporary pain. More serious risks are rare but can include lung injury, nerve or spine injury, and infection, especially if proper sterile technique isn’t used. Safety and regulation vary by country and region. Some groups have called for standards similar to those for acupuncture to protect patients, while others view dry needling as a separate medical practice.

The idea behind dry needling has roots in older practices, and its use in the United States has grown with contributions from practitioners who emphasize modern, evidence-based care. Whether it’s considered acupuncture or not depends on how people define the term; opinions vary, and regulations differ by location.