Dry Needling Intervention in Treating Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Scoping Review

Dry Needling (DN) has emerged as an effective treatment for various musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), although the specifics of its application and the range of treated disorders remain unclear. The objective is to map and summarise dry needling practices from a global perspective. This scoping review employs the Joanna Briggs Institute technique, utilising the PCC framework (Participants, Concept, Context) to establish eligibility criteria based on the PRISMA Scoping Review checklist. Searches in PubMed, PEDro, and Google Scholar aim to identify evidence on dry needling, either as a standalone intervention or combined with other treatments, with clinical outcomes such as short-term or long-term effects on pain and physical function. The review includes systematic reviews, RCTs, meta-analyses, literature reviews, and quasi-experimental studies. DN, widely adopted in Europe and gaining traction in North America and Asia, effectively addresses MSDs like myofascial pain syndrome, knee osteoarthritis, and patellofemoral pain syndrome. Studies highlight DN's effectiveness in reducing pain and enhancing muscle function. Further research, incorporating extended follow-up periods of 6 months to 1 year, is crucial to comprehensively evaluate DN's long-term impact on pain, functionality, and overall quality of life.