Chronic pain can be debilitating, making even the simplest daily tasks feel daunting – and shoulder pain is no exception. Whether it’s the result of repetitive strain, an injury, or an underlying condition, persistent shoulder pain can affect every aspect of your life. The good news? Targeted treatments like dry needling are becoming more commonplace, offering an effective way to manage pain and restore mobility. This cutting-edge technique uses fine needles to release tension at trigger points, delivering immediate pain relief and improved functionality. We explore how dry needling works and its benefits for chronic shoulder pain, giving you an informative glimpse into this innovative solution.

Dry needling is a therapeutic technique used by physiotherapists to relieve pain and improve muscle function. Not to be confused with acupuncture, which is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, dry needling is based on modern Western medicine and aims to address musculoskeletal conditions. So, how exactly does it work? The idea is that the needles stimulate myofascial trigger points and release tension in the surrounding muscle tissue. When the needle is inserted, it causes the muscles to twitch or contract, which helps to break the cycle of pain. This, in turn, improves blood flow, reduces inflammation, and improves the range of motion in the affected area.

Chronic shoulder pain is extremely common. Look at it this way, your shoulder is a ball and socket joint that is used often daily. From injury to overuse, there are plenty of reasons pain might be present and consistent. Common causes include:

• Rotator Cuff Injuries: This is one of the main causes of shoulder pain. Strains or tears in the rotator cuff muscles can cause persistent shoulder pain.
• Frozen Shoulder: When the tissues in your shoulder become thicker, scar tissue can develop and make it hard for you to rotate your joint causing pain.
• Rotator Cuff Tendonitis: This affects the muscles and tendons that move your shoulder joint. If you have tendonitis, your tendons are inflamed or irritated, causing pain.
• Pinched nerve: This can cause shoulder pain, weakness and numbness.

Before treating shoulder pain, the most important thing to do is to identify what the pain is being caused by, and exactly where it is coming from. The problem is, the shoulder joint is complex, and pain can come from multiple areas, which makes diagnosis and treatment difficult. Often medications and rest are prescribed, however these only offer temporary relief from the problem and won’t help in the long-term.

This is where dry needling comes in. By focusing on trigger points, it offers a direct and effective approach to addressing the cause of the pain while restoring proper function to the shoulder. Fine needles are inserted into areas of muscle tightness or "knots". It offers many benefits:

• Pain reduction: Dry needling can provide immediate pain relief by calming trigger points and reducing inflammation.
• Improved mobility: By releasing tight muscles, it helps restore the range of motion in the shoulder, making it easier to perform daily tasks and take part in exercise rehabilitation.
• Faster recovery: Dry needling improves circulation and promotes healing, speeding up recovery from chronic conditions like frozen shoulder or rotator cuff injuries.
• Complementary treatment: Dry needling can be used alongside manual therapy, strengthening exercises, and postural correction to create a holistic treatment plan.

According to a study from Musculoskeletal Science & Practice, physiotherapists typically used dry needling to decrease pain intensity (n = 105, 85%) and reduce muscle tension (n = 100, 81%). A second study by the National Library of Medicine showed strong evidence that dry needling causes pain reduction across all body regions when evaluated in the short-term.

For those considering dry needling as part of their treatment plan for chronic shoulder pain, understanding what to expect during a session can help address any concerns.

Your physiotherapist will begin with a thorough assessment to identify the causes of your shoulder pain and pinpoint the trigger points. They will discuss your medical history, current symptoms, and treatment goals to ensure that dry needling is the best option for you.

The physiotherapist will locate the trigger points in the affected muscles. Fine, sterile needles are inserted. This step is typically quick and precise, and most patients feel little more than a slight pinch. A local twitch response may occur when the needle activates the trigger point. This sensation is brief and is a sign the muscle is relaxing.

After the session, mild soreness in the treated area is common and typically resolves within 24–48 hours. You may also notice an increased range of motion and a reduction in pain shortly after the session.

With evidence-based support, dry needling is becoming more commonplace and is known for its ability to reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall quality of life. However, like any treatment, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Before undergoing dry needling, it’s important to discuss your medical history, current symptoms, and any concerns with your physiotherapist. This helps tailor the treatment to your specific needs and ensures you feel informed and comfortable.