The effectiveness of dry needling at myofascial trigger points for knee disorders: A quantitative synthesis of randomized controlled trials.

Study Summary

20 randomized controlled trials including 1234 patients with knee osteoarthritis, patellofemoral pain syndrome, or other knee pain conditions were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis comparing dry needling with sham needling, no intervention, or active conservative treatments. Pooled outcomes included Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) scores, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain and function scores, and Kujala Patellofemoral Scores. Dry needling significantly reduced pain across all pooled measures and improved knee function, although functional gains were modest and several analyses demonstrated substantial heterogeneity. Overall, dry needling may provide clinically relevant short-term pain relief as an additional treatment to multimodal care, but its routine use as a standalone treatment is not yet supported.