Researchers looked at how dry needling affects muscle stiffness, known as spasticity, in adults who have had a stroke. This type of treatment involves needles to target specific muscles. The study looked at 276 patients to see if dry needling worked better than sham treatments or standard physical therapy.
The results showed that dry needling led to a significant reduction in overall muscle stiffness. Specifically, it helped reduce stiffness in the upper limbs, lower limbs, and the ankle area. When dry needling was added to standard rehabilitation programs, patients saw even more improvement in their muscle tension.
Because the study involved small sample sizes and had some issues with how participants were grouped, the evidence is not yet certain. It is also unclear if these improvements last over a long period of time. For now, dry needling is seen as a helpful short-term tool to add to standard care, but you should talk to your doctor to see if it is right for your specific needs.
Common questions
What is dry needling and how does it help after a stroke?
Dry needling is a treatment used to target muscles. In this study of 276 adults, it was used to reduce spasticity, which is the muscle stiffness that often follows a stroke. The results showed it could help reduce stiffness in both the upper and lower limbs, as well as in the ankle area.
Is dry needling better than standard physical therapy?
The study found that dry needling is an effective addition to standard rehabilitation. When dry needling was combined with conventional therapy, it showed a significant improvement in reducing muscle stiffness compared to standard care alone. It is considered a helpful short-term tool for patients.
Is it safe to use dry needling for muscle stiffness?
The study did not report any specific adverse events or safety concerns during the review. However, the evidence is currently of moderate to low certainty because of small sample sizes. You should consult with a medical professional to discuss the safety and benefits for your specific condition.
