The utilization of dry needling - a survey of contemporary clinical practice within the USA

Dry needling (DN) is a skilled intervention commonly used for pain relief and the management of movement disorders in neuromusculoskeletal conditions. Although systematic reviews indicate its effectiveness, variations in treatment parameters exist. This study surveyed U.S. healthcare professionals who utilize DN, examining their clinical techniques, rationale, and use of electrostimulation.

An electronic survey was created and distributed via Qualtrics™ to healthcare providers performing DN. The survey link was shared through social media and e-mail, and data were analyzed using non-parametric statistical methods (Mann-Whitney U, Spearman's rho) to identify significant patterns in DN practices.

A total of 1,399 healthcare providers completed the survey, predominantly physical therapists (93.3%) with an average of 13.5 years of clinical experience and 5.2 years in DN. Most worked in outpatient orthopedics (90.3%). Common DN techniques included trigger point needling (95.8%) and deep needling (82.0%), with 44.5% using periosteal pecking. The majority of practitioners used up to 4 needles per session (68.1%), while 63.8% used more than 4. Electro-stimulation (e-stim) was commonly applied, with 62.5% using it after needle insertion and 55.6% combining it with needle manipulation. Differences in techniques were noted between physical and nonphysical therapists, particularly in the practice of leaving needles in place without manipulation.

This study highlights the widespread use and evolving methodologies of DN practices in the U.S. noting the integration of electrostimulation and multimodal approaches. It also highlights inconsistencies in treatment parameters, underscoring the need for standardized protocols to enhance clinical effectiveness and research validity. Future research should focus on the long-term efficacy of various DN techniques and their applications in neurological rehabilitation.