Expert Consensus on Dry Needling Practices for Headache: An International Delphi Study Protocol

Background: Dry needling is increasingly utilized by clinicians in the treatment of patients with headaches. Although current evidence supports the use of dry needling for reducing headache pain, needling approaches are inconsistent among published studies, and no guidelines on dry needling for headaches have been established. Methods: A study will be conducted using the Delphi method, consisting of three rounds of questionnaires sent to an expert panel of clinicians and researchers. Results: To guide the development of the initial survey, we completed a literature review of articles related to dry needling for headaches. A steering committee will assess the initial survey items synthesized from the literature search and provide recommendations for the first and subsequent rounds of the study. Percentage agreement will be the primary measure throughout all rounds of this study. We define consensus to have been reached when 75% agreement is achieved. Conclusions: We seek to develop clinical recommendations that will guide research and treatment practices regarding dry needling for headaches. Having consensus-driven recommendations on dry needling for headaches will assist researchers in the design of future studies on this condition. In addition, having guidelines that clinicians can reference prior to the delivery of dry needling for headaches would benefit patient care.