Dry needling for the treatment of myofascial (muscular) trigger points is based on theories similar, but not exclusive to traditional acupuncture;. However in a dry needling session, the therapist targets the trigger points. These points are the direct and palpable source of patient pain, rather than the traditional “meridians”, accessed via acupuncture.

In the treatment of trigger point for persons with myofascial pain syndrome, a filiform needle is inserted into the skin and muscle directly at a myofascial trigger point. This trigger point consists of multiple contraction knots, which are related to the production and maintenance of the pain cycle.