Dry needling after shoulder surgery: a promising boost?

NCT ID NCT02704975

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study looked at whether adding dry needling to standard physical therapy helps people recover faster after shoulder stabilization surgery. 39 adults participated, receiving either physical therapy alone or physical therapy plus dry needling. Researchers measured range of motion, pain, and function over six months to see if the extra treatment made a difference.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

dry needling

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a way to speed up recovery and reduce pain after shoulder surgery.

What could go wrong

This is a small, completed trial with only 39 participants. The results may not apply to everyone, and dry needling carries a small risk of bruising or soreness.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Shoulder Pain

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.