Dry Needling Therapy is an invasive procedure where a fine needle or an acupuncture needle is inserted into the muscle. It is aimed at the release of myofascial trigger points which are irritable points in the skeletal muscle presenting as a palpable nodule in a taut muscle band and can cause referred pain (pain that affects a part of the body other than the source of pain). It is generally done by acupuncturists, chiropractors, medical doctors and physiotherapists to treat myofascial pain.

The needles may be placed deeply or superficially depending on the muscle group targeted. A patient may experience muscle soreness, slight muscle ache and/or a muscle twitch on insertion of the needle. These, however are considered to be good signs that show its effectiveness.

The inclusion of dry needling in combination with a manual therapy and exercise program was found to be very effective in decreasing pain, increasing the range of motion of the joints and improving overall functioning of the muscles.