Dry needling explained: when and why it helps

Dry Needling effect: This is how the needle helps with muscle pain

At Dry needling We target fine needles into tense muscle areas, so-called trigger points. Research into this has grown significantly in recent years, and it paints a clear picture: The effect of dry needling is primarily to relieve muscle pain in the short term and improve mobility – best done as part of an active physiotherapy program. It is not a miracle cure. Here you will learn what the method can do and where its limitations lie.

Typical symptoms in which Dry Needling helps

Dry needling is primarily used for symptoms that are caused by active Trigger points are caused by: pulling or radiating muscle pain, palpable tension knots, limited mobility, and muscular stiffness that does not adequately respond to traditional stretching or massage.

This article provides you with a comprehensive overview of the mechanism of action and current research on Dry Needling. If you want to know how a Dry Needling treatment works in practice at our clinic in Zürich Wipkingen and would like to schedule an appointment, you can find all the details in our post. Dry Needling in Zürich Wipkingen.

Current developments and research results

Dry needling has proven to be an important therapy in the last few years. Physiotherapy and pain treatment. This alternative form of therapy, which uses thin needles to treat specific myofascial trigger points is attracting increasing attention in the scientific community and has recently received significant recognition.

 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Physiotherapy Waidfuss - Physiotherapist Zurich Wipkingen & Höngg
  
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Because my shoulder hurt, I went to an orthopedist some time ago. He diagnosed an impingement (shoulder impingement syndrome). His recommendation: there wasn't much that could be done; I should simply omit overhead movements during weight training. I was dissatisfied, but I relied on the medical judgment. However, as the pain increased, my father recommended consulting Physiotherapie Waidfuss. There, the focus wasn't on the diagnosis, but on the causes of the problem. Pragmatically and efficiently, work was done using dry needling on the shoulder, back, and arm muscles. In addition, I was shown exercises that I had to perform daily. After just a few weeks, the pain subsided and I was able to start weight training again. I was thrilled at how quickly an improvement occurred despite the condition having become chronic. Now, after six months of therapy and diligently performing the exercises, the pain is gone. A large piece of my joy in life has been given back to me. Many thanks to the team at Physiotherapie Waidfuss!
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Research results and their significance

Dry needling, which was previously considered a niche technique, has now found its way into renowned specialist journals. New research findings focus on the complaints triggered by trigger points, their causes, and the various treatment options available.

The increasing research on myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) has contributed to the further development and accuracy of the technique. Gerwin’s newly formulated ion channel dysfunction model (2023) expands the fundamental understanding of the activation mechanisms of MTrPs and provides an explanatory model for their formation, which however still needs to be further examined.

Difference between dry needling and manual techniques

While manual techniques, such as trigger point therapy IMTT®, are palpative in nature and rely on the targeted palpation of muscle and bone structures, dry needling uses thin acupuncture needles to stimulate trigger points directly. This method enables precise and deeper treatment of myofascial painespecially if manual techniques are not sufficient.

A recent bibliometric analysis (2000-2022) shows that research on dry needling has gained momentum. With 458 published works, 112 of which come from the USA, and the Universidad Rey Juan Carlos in Madrid as the leading institution in this field, it stands out as a clear leader in scientific research. Moreover, renowned authorities such as César Fernandez-de-las-Penas and David G. Simons are significantly involved in this development.

Therapist qualification and patient-oriented approach

Our practice places great emphasis on the professional training and extensive experience of our team. We are committed to helping you achieve noticeable pain relief through the use of Dry Needling as part of your therapy. Our patient-centered approach ensures you receive an individualized treatment that is both professional and caring.

Effect of Dry Needling: What the Studies Show

• Short-term pain relief: A meta-analysis found that needle therapy administered by physiotherapists provided short-term pain relief that was stronger than no treatment, sham treatment, or other therapies. The quality of the evidence was very low to moderate (Gattie 2017).
• Less muscle stiffness: A review study from 2026 shows that needle therapy shortens stiffness at trigger points in the short term (Conde-Vázquez 2026).
• The right dose is open to interpretation: It is not yet possible to reliably determine how often, for how long, and how deeply mercy should be shown based on the studies (De Greef 2026).
• Security: In over 7600 treatments, mainly mild side effects such as bruises, small bleeding or muscle aches occurred; severe ones were not observed (Brady 2014). A current review confirms: Side effects are usually mild; however, rare serious complications are possible – therefore, the method should only be used by trained professionals (Rabanal-Rodríguez 2026).

Self-help: What you can do yourself after the treatment

• Mild fatigue or dizziness after the treatment is rare and usually passes quickly. Nevertheless, please inform your therapist if you experience such reactions.

• Move the treated muscle gently on the same day, rather than completely resting it.

• Mild muscle soreness is normal – heat (e.g., a heating pad) can alleviate the discomfort afterwards.

• On the day of treatment, avoid intense sports or sauna.

When is Dry Needling not suitable – when to see a doctor?

The method is not suitable for everyone. Talk to your doctor, your doctor or our team in advance if you have a blood clotting disorder, are pregnant, have severe needle phobia, or if the affected area is acutely inflamed or injured.

Conclusion

The studies show that needle therapy can relieve muscle pain in the short term. However, the quality of the evidence is very low to moderate, and the effect is greatest when the treatment is combined with an active lifestyle. Physiotherapy embedded with exercises. If you suffer from myofascial pain, Dry Needling could be a valuable addition to your treatment. Trust our expertise and Book an appointment online now, So that we can jointly alleviate your complaints.

Also read: Dry Needling Side Effects: What is normal and when should you be careful

Sources

• Gattie E et al. The effectiveness of trigger point dry needling for musculoskeletal conditions by physical therapists: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2017
• Conde-Vázquez O et al. Dry needling and muscle mechanical properties in myofascial trigger points: a systematic review. J Man Manip Ther 2026
• De Greef I et al. Do treatment parameters of dry needling influence its effect on pain? A systematic review. J Man Manip Ther 2026
• Brady S et al. Adverse events following trigger point dry needling: a prospective survey of chartered physiotherapists. J Man Manip Ther 2014
• Rabanal-Rodríguez et al. Frequency and severity of adverse events associated with dry needling: a systematic review. Phys Ther 2026