Dry Needling and Antithrombotic Drugs

Abstract

Many clinicians increasingly use dry needling in clinical practice. However, whether patients’ intake of antithrombotic drugs should be considered as a contraindication for dry needling has not been investigated to date. As far as we know, there are no publications in analyzing the intake of antiplatelet or anticoagulant agents in the context of dry needling techniques. A thorough analysis of existing medications and how they may impact various needling approaches may contribute to improved evidence-informed clinical practice. The primary purpose of this paper is to review the current knowledge of antithrombotic therapy in the context of dry needling. In addition, reviewing guidelines of other needling approaches, such as electromyography, acupuncture, botulinum toxin infiltration, and neck ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy, may provide specific insights relevant for dry needling. Based on published data, taking antithrombotic medication should not be considered an absolute contraindication for dry needling techniques. As long as specific dry needling and individual risks are properly considered, it does not change the risk and safety profile of dry needling. Under specific circumstances, the use of ultrasound guidance is recommended when available.

Safety of dry needling in stroke patients: a scoping review

“…Recently Munoz et al published a review article about DN and antithrombotic drugs. 16 They conclude antithrombotic medication should not be considered as an absolute contra-indication for DN, however, individual risks should be considered and precautions taken. For DN in deeper muscles or close to major blood vessels, they recommend the use of ultrasound guidance.…”

“…15 On the other hand, a recently published review by Munoz et al showed that taking antithrombotic medications should not be considered an absolute contraindication to DN techniques as long as specific DN and individual risks are properly considered. 16 Therefore, the goal of this study is to review the evidence concerning the safety of DN in stroke patients. The review will employ scoping review methodology to systematically examine the current literature.…”

First documented effect of deep dry needling during early rehabilitation on muscle tone after thalamus hemorrhage: case report

“…This is the rst case describing the results of DDN for a patient with extensive muscle tone during early rehabilitation with assessments before, immediately after and one hour after the DDN treatment. Such treatments were for many years typically started only during later rehabilitation, particularly for treatment of pain [5][6] and normal hypertensia [7][8].…”