Skip to main content

A PT performing dry needling on a person's shoulder.

Dry needling is a technique physical therapists use (where allowed by state law) to treat pain and movement impairments. The physical therapist inserts a "dry" needle, one without medication or injection, into areas of the muscle.

Other terms used to describe dry needling include:

  • Trigger point dry needling.
  • Intramuscular manual therapy.

Dry needling is not acupuncture, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine performed by acupuncturists. Dry needling is a part of modern Western medicine and is supported by research.

What Is a Trigger Point?

A trigger point is a taut band of skeletal muscle within a larger muscle group. Trigger points can be tender to the touch. Touching a trigger point may refer pain to other parts of the body.

What Kind of Needles Are Used?

Dry needling involves a thin filiform needle. The needle penetrates the skin and stimulates underlying myofascial trigger points and muscular and connective tissues. The needle allows a physical therapist to target tissues they are not able to reach with their hands.

Physical therapists wear gloves and personal protective equipment when dry needling. The used sterile needles are disposed of in a medical sharps collector.

Why Dry Needling?

When physical therapists use dry needling, it is typically part of a larger treatment plan.

Dry needling can release or inactivate trigger points to relieve pain or improve range of motion. Research suggests that dry needling improves pain control and reduces muscle tension. Study findings also show that dry needling can normalize dysfunctions of the motor end plates, from which nerve impulses get transmitted to muscles. This can help speed up the patient's return to active rehab.

As part of their entry-level education, physical therapists are well educated in anatomy and treatment of the body. Physical therapists who perform dry needling supplement also obtain specific postgraduate education and training. When contacting a physical therapist for dry needling treatment, be sure to ask about their experience and education.

You can contact a physical therapist directly for an evaluation. To find a physical therapist in your area, visit Find a PT.

Find a PT Near You

Learn More

Learn more about the benefits of dry needling, including patient stories, at our health center on dry needling.

 

Is this content helpful?

Thanks for the feedback!

Thank you. Your feedback has been sent.

Cummings MT, White AR. Needling therapies in the management of myofascial trigger point pain: a systematic review. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2001;82(7):986–992. Article Summary in PubMed.

Kalichman L, Vulfsons S. Dry needling in the management musculoskeletal pain. J Am Board Fam Med.2010;23(5):640–646Article Summary in PubMed.


You Might Also Like...

Health Tips

Fear Not: A Physical Therapist Can Help You Overcome the Fear of Movement

Aug 23, 2022

Do you avoid moving because you fear it will hurt? Does the fear of reinjury limit your activity? If so, you may be experiencing kinesiophobia. And you're

Health Tips

Tips for Healthy Cycling From Physical Therapists

May 6, 2022

Cycling is a repetitive activity, that can lead to discomfort or pain. If you have pain related to cycling, you might have a bike fit problem. These tips

Health Tips

Amplified Pain Syndromes in Children: What You Should Know

May 6, 2022

Amplified musculoskeletal pain syndrome is a chronic condition in which a person feels more intense pain than expected. Children with AMPS can have a spectrum