Provider-Specific Trends in Dry Needling Practice in the Military Health System- MHSRS 2026
M smith, x yuan, v morris, e harris, l lechanski, n parsons, r condon
Abstract accepted for poster presentation at the 2026 Military Health System Research Symposium (MHSRS)
Introduction: Dry needling (DN) is an intervention employed by a myriad of providers to treat musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions. Active duty Service Members (ADSMs) are at an increased risk of developing MSK conditions due to their occupational and fitness requirements. Prior surveys within the United States have focused on physical therapists (PTs) within orthopedic treatment settings. This study aims to compare the current DN practices across different medical providers within the Military Health System (MHS).
Methods: This cross-sectional survey-based study was approved with exempt determination by the U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence Office of Research and Human Subject Protections (24-00027e). Active duty and civilian clinical providers including PTs, athletic trainers (ATs), and physician associates (PAs) within the MHS were eligible to complete the survey. The survey was disseminated through relevant professional networking. The survey is comprised of 33 questions focused on provider characteristics, training/experience, clinical practice trends, and barriers. Categorical variables will be presented as counts and proportions. Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models were used to discern relationship between provider characteristics and current DN use.
Results: 755 participants (61.3% active duty) completed the entirety of the survey. 58.3% (n = 440) reported that they currently perform DN in their practice. Occupation, specialty certification and treatment setting were associated with current DN use. PTs with an orthopedics specialty certification (p < 0.0001) had statistically higher odds of current DN use. In addition, treating in a human performance/sports medicine model increased the odds of DN use (p = 0.003). The shoulder, head/neck, and low back/pelvis were within the top three most frequently reported treated body regions for PTs, ATs, and PAs, the occupations most frequently performing DN within the MHS.
Conclusion: MSK injuries remain a prevalent barrier to military readiness, therefore, having a minimally invasive intervention at the fingertips of medical personnel is valuable. PTs followed by ATs and PAs are most often using this modality as an adjunct to treat the shoulder, head/neck, and low back/pelvis within the MHS. Survey results support the need for practice and training standardization, streamlined credentialing processes, and more prospective research protocols to help shape policy and clinical practice guidelines.