Dry needling is a treatment technique that uses a thin, filiform needle to penetrate the skin and stimulate underlying myofascial trigger points, muscles, and connective tissues. It is commonly used for managing neuromusculoskeletal pain and movement impairments. The term “dry” refers to the fact that the needle does not inject any substance into the body.

Trigger points are localized, hyperirritable spots within taut bands of skeletal muscle fibers. If not properly released, these trigger points can lead to restricted blood flow and oxygen supply, local and referred pain, altered muscle activation patterns, and decreased range of motion.

Research shows that inserting a needle into these trigger points can release—or inactivate—them by eliciting a contraction and subsequent relaxation (known as a twitch response) of the taut band via a spinal cord reflex. This twitch response is associated with reduced spontaneous electrical activity, alleviated pain and inflammation, and increased blood flow and oxygenation to the affected muscles and connective tissues.