Clinical Commentary: Rehabilitation Using Acute Dry Needling for Injured Athletes Returning to Sport and Improving Performance

Abstract

Dry needling is most commonly used in the subacute and chronic phases of an injury; therefore, it is imperative to understand the use of dry needling in the acute phases of an injury. There are four main reasons to use dry needling during the acute phase of injury: to relieve pain, decrease edema, increase range of motion and flexibility, and increase strength and power. Dry needling can be used pregame, postgame, during half time or an intermission, or following an injury. Although further research is needed, acute dry needling can be used to bolster athletes' health and possibly improve sports performance.

Percutaneous Interventions for Injuries in Athletes: Implications on Return to Play

“…Dry needling can be performed pre- or post-game or during intermissions in play with no postprocedural restrictions on RTP time but typically with short-term relief of symptoms. 27 Case reports of dry needling performed in a variety of acute or chronic muscle injuries have also demonstrated support for its use in decreasing pain and accelerating RTP. 28…”