A systematic review Published in 2021 concluded that there is no significant difference between corticosteroid injections and dry needling when assessing both pain and disability/ functional outcomes (Sousa Filho L., 2021).
Corticosteroids are local anaesthetics that are injected directly into the painful tissues. They exert their pain reducing effects by suppressing inflammation. Side effects of corticosteroids include but are not limited to: damage to joint cartilage, osteoporosis, nerve damage, tendon weakening and joint infection.
Dry needling on the other hand reduces pain signals to the brain by improving blood flow and increasing the activity of the cells that remake the damaged tissue components. The main side effects of dry needling include possible bruising, bleeding ab and pain on insertion (which are also possible side effects of corticosteroids injections).
Other effects of dry needling include increasing joint range of motion and reducing the tension in surrounding muscle (Gattie E., 2017).
“If both interventions provide the same effect, clinical decision-making could consider other factors… such as adverse effects” (Sousa Filho L., 2021).
References:
Gattie E, Cleland JA, Snodgrass S. The Effectiveness of Trigger Point Dry Needling for Musculoskeletal Conditions by Physical Therapists: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2017 Mar;47(3):133-149. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2017.7096. Epub 2017 Feb 3. PMID: 28158962.
Sousa Filho LF, Barbosa Santos MM, Dos Santos GHF, da Silva Júnior WM. Corticosteroid injection or dry needling for musculoskeletal pain and disability? A systematic review and GRADE evidence synthesis. Chiropr Man Therap. 2021 Dec 2;29(1):49. doi: 10.1186/s12998-021-00408-y. PMID: 34857021; PMCID: PMC8638538.
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