EFICÁCIA DO DRY NEEDLING NO TRATAMENTO DA DOR MIOFASCIAL

Dry needling (DN) has been extensively studied as a therapeutic intervention for musculoskeletal disorders, particularly in managing myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) and chronic pain conditions. This review analyzed recent studies to evaluate DN's efficacy in treating myofascial pain. The objective was to synthesize evidence on DN's effects on pain reduction, functional improvement, and structural parameters, while comparing it to methods like percutaneous electrolysis (PEN), intramuscular electrical stimulation (IMES), and medications. The methodology included analysis of randomized clinical trials published between 2020-2025, focusing on outcomes such as pain intensity, pressure pain threshold (PPT), range of motion, and quality of life. Results showed DN significantly reduces pain (p<0.001 in multiple studies), with enhanced benefits when combined with exercises or stretching. Compared to diclofenac, DN demonstrated longer-lasting effects (6 months) and fewer adverse events. For active MTrPs, sustained clinical improvement occurred despite transient initial worsening. While techniques like IMES and PEN showed advantages in specific parameters (blood flow, quality of life), DN proved superior in simplicity and accessibility. In conclusion, DN is a viable, safe treatment for musculoskeletal disorders with potential to reduce medication dependence. Future research should standardize protocols and investigate neurophysiological mechanisms to optimize clinical application.