Fact or fiction: does dry needling really help with pain?

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Getting a needle inserted into your muscles to relieve back, neck, or calf pain? Dry needling has become a standard tool for many physiotherapists. But does it really work, or is it just hype ?

A large-scale scientific study led by Marjolein Chys (Ghent University) examined 210 previous studies with a total of more than 24,000 patients. The conclusion? Dry needling works. But not as many people hope.

Dry needling targets muscle knots, also called myofascial trigger points, which often develop due to overuse or prolonged muscle tension. By puncturing these knots with a dry needle (without injection), pain symptoms are said to decrease and the muscle can relax more effectively.

The researchers found convincing evidence that dry needling helps reduce pain in the short term . Whether it's back pain, neck pain, or a sore calf, patients reported less pain immediately after the treatment than with placebo treatments.

Caution is advised, however. Long-term effects are uncertain, and results vary widely. Moreover, dry needling does not appear to be more effective than other therapies such as exercise therapy or massage.

Dry needling is better suited as a supportive measure, not as a standalone treatment. Physiotherapists who combine the needling with exercise, training programs , or lifestyle advice achieve better results than those who only use needles.

According to the researchers, dry needling is safe and relatively inexpensive, provided it is performed by a trained physiotherapist. Serious side effects are rare, although muscle soreness or bruising are common.

However, the authors caution against viewing the treatment as a "quick fix." Dry needling does alleviate the pain, but without active rehabilitation, the problem often simply returns.

It's certainly not quackery, but it's not a magic wand either. For acute symptoms, it can be helpful to alleviate the worst of the pain. But if you truly want to get rid of your symptoms, you'll need to strengthen your body. The needle might help you get started, but you have to do the real work yourself.