Purpose of Technology: Dry needling (DN) is a skilled intervention by which thin filiform needles are used to penetrate the skin and stimulate underlying trigger points, muscle, and connective tissues to manage neuromusculoskeletal pain and impaired movement.
Rationale: Although its mechanism of action is poorly understood, DN is used to relieve pain in patients with trigger points usually in conjunction with a muscle stretching intervention.
Controversy: Controversial issues related to the clinical use of DN include the safety and effectiveness versus other modalities, optimal technical parameters for administration, and patient selection (i.e., which patients might benefit the most from the treatment).
Relevant Questions:
- Does DN reduce pain, reduce disability, or improve range of motion (ROM) in patients with headaches/migraines or pain in the jaw muscles, lower back, shoulders, or knees?
- How does DN compare with sham or no DN and with alternative active treatments in patients with headaches/migraines or pain in the jaw muscles, lower back, shoulders, or knees?
- Is DN safe?
- Have definitive patient selection criteria been established for the use of DN for patients with headaches/migraines or pain in the jaw muscles, lower back, shoulders, or knees?
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