Trigger point dry needling by physical therapists for musculoskeletal conditions

This systematic review and meta-analysis looked at trigger point dry needling delivered by physiotherapists for musculoskeletal conditions.

What it found

• Dry needling was more effective than no treatment for reducing pain and improving pressure pain threshold, from immediately after treatment up to about 12 weeks.
• Function improved compared with no treatment or sham needling, but not compared with other physiotherapy treatments.
• The quality of the evidence ranged from very low to moderate, and long-term benefit remains unclear.

What it means for patients

Dry needling can help reduce pain in the short term and works best alongside exercise and other physiotherapy care.

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