What type of needling appears to be more effective based on the findings?

Deep needling has been found to be more effective in various studies and therapeutic applications related to dry needling. This technique involves inserting the needle deeper into muscle tissues, targeting the trigger points where muscle tightness or pain is concentrated. The depth of insertion allows for a more substantial mechanical and physiological effect on the muscle fibers, which can result in increased blood flow, reduced muscle tension, and improved overall function of the tissue.

Research suggests that deep needling can lead to greater muscular relaxation and pain relief compared to other techniques, such as superficial or shallow needling. Since deep needling effectively addresses myofascial pain syndromes and enhances healing by reaching deeper structures, it aligns with the goal of providing stronger therapeutic outcomes for patients experiencing musculoskeletal pain.

Superficial and shallow needling may have their place in treatment for certain conditions, particularly in patients who are especially sensitive or those requiring a more gentle approach. However, for targeting deeper trigger points and achieving more substantial therapeutic effects, deep needling is generally recognized as the preferred method.