What is dry needling?
Dry needling is another title for a medical acupuncture technique.(1) The therapy is also called intramuscular stimulation or trigger point stimulation. The procedure involves inserting solid filiform needles, known as acupuncture needles, into muscular trigger points to reduce myofascial pain.
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Acupuncture therapy represents an entire spectrum of needle insertion and needle non-insertion techniques. Dry needling fits best into the ashi category of acupuncture stimulation. The goal of ashi acupuncture is to stimulate muscular trigger points.
Is dry needling safe?
Dry needling or ashi acupuncture is a safe technique if the medical provider has received sufficient training. Licensed acupuncturists have over 800 hours of supervised training in the safe and effective insertion of needles. Undertrained medical providers are a significant risk for patients. Ashi acupuncture or dry needling should not be painful or cause permanent damage.
