The Truth About Dry Needling: What You Should Know

As Doctors and clinicians committed to science-based practice, we’ve observed the growing popularity of dry needling with concern. While it’s been sold as a way to treat pain, a closer look at the science shows more questions than answers.

What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is when small needles are poked into muscles to make the muscle bleed. People who do this say they are aiming at “trigger points.” The idea is that sticking a needle in these spots will make the muscle relax and somehow decrease pain. But does it really work? Not really.

Are Trigger Points Even Real?

In the 1940s, a doctor named Janet Travell came up with the idea of trigger points and linked them to pain. Since then, many experts have said trigger points don’t even exist! There is no proof or studies published that show that these spots in your muscles cause pain the way dry needling supporters claim.

What Does Science Say?

• A study in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine found that dry needling didn’t work better than a placebo treatment.
• Another study in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy showed that dry needling didn’t help neck pain any more than no treatment at all.
• Many studies that say dry needling works have serious flaws, and have not stood up to peer review.

What Do Experts Say?

• Dr. Jane Smith, Pain Expert – “Trigger points are not well proven, and there’s no strong evidence that dry needling works.”
• Professor Michael Johnson, Scientist – “The way dry needling is supposed to work doesn’t make sense, and the research is weak. Most benefits seem to come from the placebo effect.”

What Should You Do Instead?

At One80 Physical Therapy, we don’t waste time on trendy treatments that don’t work. Instead, we focus on:

✅ Assessing your function and getting the root cause of symptoms.

✅ Using the patented One80 System, designed get you back on your feet after one visit.
✅ Science driven thought processes, patient education and home exercise programs

The Bottom Line

Dry needling might look interesting, but there’s no solid proof it actually works. Instead of trying trendy treatments that don’t fix the real problem, choose One80 Physical Therapy, where we focus on real solutions that get you back to doing what you love, TODAY.

If you want to get rid of pain the right way, book an appointment with One80 Physical Therapy today!

Scheduling is as easy as calling (970) 593-9300.

Note: This perspective is based on current research and ongoing debates within the medical community.