WANA (Sep 22) – Researchers in Iran have developed a novel method for treating knee pain without the use of drugs or surgery. The technique, known as dry needling, stimulates specific muscles to activate the body’s natural repair process, leading to significant pain reduction and improved mobility, particularly among younger patients.

 

Knee pain is among the most common musculoskeletal problems, often reducing quality of life and limiting physical activity. Many patients seek safe, minimally invasive, and effective therapies that can improve function without the risks associated with surgery or heavy medication.

 

A research initiative at Tehran University of Medical Sciences has highlighted dry needling as a promising solution. This modern technique involves the precise stimulation of trigger points in the muscles using ultra-thin needles. Unlike traditional acupuncture, which is based on energy channels, dry needling is rooted in anatomy and physiology, directly engaging muscular and neural structures.

 

Dr. Nastaran Maghbouli, a specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation and faculty member at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, explained that the method promotes controlled inflammation, boosts blood circulation, and accelerates tissue repair. According to recent studies, patients typically report noticeable pain relief and improved mobility within one to three months of treatment.

Dr. Nastaran Maghbouli, a specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation and faculty member at Tehran University of Medical Sciences,

Dr. Nastaran Maghbouli, a specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation and the faculty member at Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Social media/ WANA News Agency

Dry needling has shown particular effectiveness in addressing patellofemoral pain syndrome and early-stage knee disorders before severe arthritis develops. Beyond the knee, it is also used in treating chronic pain in the neck, shoulder, back, and other musculoskeletal areas.

 

“The greatest advantage of dry needling is its safety,” Dr. Maghbouli noted. “Because no drugs are injected, the risks associated with medication are avoided. It is a minimally invasive treatment, does not require anesthesia or hospitalization, and can provide an almost pain-free experience for patients.”

 

However, experts caution that the procedure must be performed by trained professionals following scientific protocols to ensure effectiveness and avoid complications. Recent meta-analyses of international studies, covering more than 460 patients, confirm the technique’s significant benefits in reducing pain and improving mobility in knee pain cases.

 

The research team has since developed a standardized protocol for clinical use in treatment centers across Iran. Early trials have produced encouraging results, with patients reporting reduced pain and increased range of motion.

 

While dry needling may serve as an alternative to medication or surgery in mild to moderate cases, it is also recommended as a complementary therapy alongside conventional treatments for more severe conditions.