What Is Dry Needling? And Does It Work?
The New York Times • • health
Key Points:
- Dry needling involves inserting ultrathin needles into muscle trigger points to relieve pain and loosen tight tissue, and was recognized as an acceptable therapy by the American Medical Association in 2016.
- The treatment has gained popularity in orthopedic care and is used by high-profile athletes like Travis Kelce and Caitlin Clark for recovery and maintenance.
- Proponents claim dry needling can provide near-instant pain relief, while critics view it as a temporary solution rather than a long-term fix.
- Although generally considered safe, dry needling carries risks, exemplified by Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt suffering a collapsed lung after a session, though he recovered and completed the season.
- The procedure works by creating a minor injury to increase blood flow and relax muscles, without injecting any substances, primarily targeting muscle knots from overuse or stress injuries.
