Dry needling: what is it, and what does the research say?

In the research literature the method is called trigger point dry needling. Needles are inserted into trigger points in the muscle, for example in muscles around the shoulder [1]. It is often used for musculoskeletal pain, and physiotherapists have performed the treatment in many of the studies [2].

At Dr.Dropin, dry needling is offered by some physiotherapists, usually as an addition to examination and other treatment and when it is relevant [3].

A systematic review with meta-analysis looked at dry needling performed by physiotherapists for pain from myofascial trigger points. Of 1,771 articles, 42 randomised trials were included [2]. The authors found greater pain reduction than with no treatment, sham needling and other treatments. This applied within 72 hours, at 1 to 3 weeks, at 4 to 12 weeks and at 13 to 24 weeks [2].

The evidence is rated as low for the large effects within 72 hours, at 4 to 12 weeks and at 13 to 24 weeks, and as moderate at 1 to 3 weeks. The variation between the studies was considerable, and this lowers the level of evidence [2].

The knowledge can look different depending on the area. A systematic review of dry needling in the shoulder region, with 11 randomised trials and 496 participants, rated the evidence for pain relief and improved function in the short term as very low [1]. The authors consider that there is very little evidence for using the method for pain or reduced function in the upper extremity, and that future studies will probably change the estimates [1].

The two reviews ask different questions, and they are not directly comparable. They nevertheless show that findings cannot simply be transferred from one area or condition to another.

In the review of the shoulder region, two of the studies reported adverse effects. The most common were bruising, bleeding and pain during or after the treatment [1]. The sources we have reviewed do not give a complete overview of possible adverse effects, and they say nothing about who should avoid the treatment. This is clarified with the therapist before treatment.

The sources do not answer how dry needling works, which technique is best, or how many treatments are needed. They do not say which individual patients benefit from the treatment either. The authors of both reviews point out that the studies differ and that the quality varies [1][2].

A physiotherapist can examine where the pain is and assess whether dry needling may be relevant in your case, together with exercises and other treatment. You can read more about physiotherapy with us, and about shockwave therapy, which is another option for problems in tendons and muscles.

What is dry needling?

A method in which needles are inserted into points in the muscle, often called trigger points. In the literature it is called trigger point dry needling [1].

What does the research say about the effect of dry needling?

A review found greater pain reduction than with no treatment, sham needling and other treatments, but the evidence is mostly of low quality [2]. For the shoulder region it is rated as very low [1].

Does dry needling have adverse effects?

In the review of the shoulder region, bruising, bleeding and pain during or after the treatment are described [1].

Is dry needling used on its own?

The sources do not take a position on this. At Dr.Dropin, dry needling is usually offered as an addition to examination and other treatment [3].

You can find more articles in the overview of articles.

This article was written by Dr.Dropin Fysikalske and is based on the sources listed below. It gives general information and does not replace an examination by a healthcare professional.

The websites were accessed and read on 22 October 2026.

1. Hall ML, Mackie AC, Ribeiro DC. Effects of dry needling trigger point therapy in the shoulder region on patients with upper extremity pain and dysfunction: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Physiotherapy. 2018;104(2):167-177. Link

2. Sánchez-Infante J, Navarro-Santana MJ, Bravo-Sánchez A, Jiménez-Diaz F, Abián-Vicén J. Is Dry Needling Applied by Physical Therapists Effective for Pain in Musculoskeletal Conditions? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Phys Ther. 2021;101(3):pzab070. doi:10.1093/ptj/pzab070. Link

3. Fysioterapeut Anette Sjong-Mathisen (Physiotherapist Anette Sjong-Mathisen). Dr.Dropin Fysikalske. Link