A recent systematic review was released on dry needling (DN). A systematic review is the highest level, or the ‘gold standard’, of evidence used to confirm the overall effectiveness of a treatment for example. It is what Rich Froning is to Crossfit, the best we got. 
(sorry a google search of rich froning 'shirt on' did not exist)
It collects a lot of other research and literature based on a clinical question. And the question was ‘Is dry needling effective in the neck and shoulder as compared to sham/placebo or other treatments?’ Each research found was validated by a specific criteria to be deemed worthy to be reviewed.
And what did it find? That Dry Needling is recommended to decrease pain in the upper quarter, especially immediate pain.
Limitations exist for sure, namely that only 12 trials were deemed valid enough to be used (although I see systematic reviews with only 3-4 before). Also, the focus was maybe kept too narrow; only examining its effect on pain (not function and mobility as well, although several of the research looked at this as well. ) Resorting range of motion has been well documented in DN research so examining that with pain would be beneficial. I know sometimes patients largest gains our mobility. When mobility is restored then the patient has less compensations with day to day that lead to their pain.
Also, less difference is noticed when DN is compared to ‘other interventions’ as compared to just a control or sham which showed a much higher level of impactful change in pain. However, the other interventions were not PT based but actually less conservative such as cortisone shots and botox injections.
Interpretation of the results can be complicated because each study has different array of comparison groups, control conditions, amount of intervention and outcome measurements tools. However, the article did recommend DN for reduction of pain in the upper quarter compared to placebo. Significant research is still needed to assess the overall possible success of DN. I am encouraged by the research that is backing up the amazing results we see on a daily basis in the restoration of normal muscle control and range of motion and large reduction in pain.
