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Does dry needling aid in post-training recovery? A critically appraised topic
1Rockhurst University, USA.
Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
|November 27, 2024
Summary
Dry needling (DN) shows mixed results for athlete recovery after intense training. While five studies indicated positive effects on post-training recovery, one found no improvement in muscle soreness, with no adverse effects reported.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Rehabilitation Science
- Physical Therapy
Background:
- Athletes commonly experience muscle soreness, tightness, and fatigue post-intense training.
- Minimizing recovery time is crucial for athletes to prevent injury and maintain focus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of dry needling (DN) in enhancing post-training recovery for athletes.
Main Methods:
- A literature search identified six studies investigating dry needling's effect on athletic recovery.
- Study designs included randomized controlled trials, cross-over trials, case series, and surveys.
Main Results:
- Five of the six studies reported positive outcomes for dry needling in post-training recovery.
- One study found no significant improvement in muscle soreness after a long-distance race.
Conclusions:
- Dry needling demonstrates mixed results across various physiological and subjective recovery measures in athletes.
- No adverse effects were associated with the use of dry needling in post-training recovery protocols.

