The utilization and effects of filiform dry needling in the management of tendinopathy: a systematic review

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

12-1-2022

Journal

Physiotherapy theory and practice

Volume

38

Issue

12

DOI

10.1080/09593985.2021.1920076

Keywords

Dry needling; intramuscular manual therapy; rehabilitation; tendinopathy

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Tendinopathy is frequently associated with pain, soft tissue impairments and muscle performance limitations. Dry needling (DN) incorporates a fine filiform needle to penetrate the skin and underlying soft tissue in an effort to decrease pain and improve function. While injectable interventions and gauged-needle tendon fenestration for tendinopathy has been reviewed, DN for tendinopathy has yet to be synthesized. OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the utilization and effects of DN for tendinopathy. METHODS: Six electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, SportDiscus, PEDro and the Cochrane Library) were searched from inception through August 15, 2020, using appropriate keywords and relevant synonyms. RESULTS: After screening 462 articles, 10 studies met inclusion criteria. Study designs included case reports, case series, and randomized clinical trials. DN was used in isolation in 3/10 studies and as part of a multimodal approach in 7/10 studies. DN was associated with improved pain, function, muscle performance and perceived improvement in each study evaluating the relevant outcome. Conflicting results were found in comparative studies evaluating DN. CONCLUSIONS: DN may be a useful adjunctive treatment in the conservative management of tendinopathy, although its discrete effect is unclear. Very Low-quality evidence and methodological limitations suggest further investigation is warranted.

Department

Health, Human Function, and Rehabilitation Sciences

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS