02/04/2026
A recent systematic review (published 2025) evaluated dry needling as a minimally invasive intervention for temporomandibular disorders (TMD) — and the evidence is hard to ignore 📚
Using PRISMA guidelines, researchers screened 673 studies and included 10 randomized controlled trials with predominantly low risk of bias. Outcomes assessed included VAS/VRS pain scales, EMG activity, mandibular mobility, maximal mouth opening, myofascial trigger point sensitivity, pressure algometry, and tinnitus-related symptom indices 🔬
Across trials, dry needling demonstrated consistent improvements in pain modulation, neuromuscular function, and functional mandibular movement. The literature supports DN not only as a local analgesic intervention, but as a contributor to improved motor control and symptom reduction when integrated with adjunctive therapies 🧠
For clinicians treating cervicofacial myofascial dysfunction and TMD-related pain, this reinforces dry needling as an evidence-supported tool within a comprehensive, multimodal treatment strategy.
Clinical takeaway: targeted DN can positively influence both nociceptive input and functional outcomes in TMD populations ✅
Source: Khayamzadeh M, Razmara F, Tavassoli A. Dry Needling in Treatment of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders: A Systematic Review. Clin Exp Dent Res. 2025;11(5):e70214. doi:10.1002/cre2.70214
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