Dry Needling of Trigger Points for Myofascial Pain

This policy addresses dry needling of myofascial trigger points — the insertion of a fine needle into skin and muscle to inactivate trigger points and treat myofascial pain conditions such as neck and shoulder myofascial pain, plantar heel/plantar fasciitis, temporomandibular myofascial pain, and subacromial pain syndrome. Major limitations include limited, short‑term evidence from small RCTs with high risk of bias and inconsistent methods, and the procedure is considered experimental/investigational and not covered under this policy; coverage is ultimately governed by the member’s benefit plan and applicable state regulations.

"Dry needling of myofascial trigger points for treatment of myofascial pain characterized by discrete, focal hyperirritable spots within a taut band of skeletal muscle that produce local and/or refe..."

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