Unlocking the Spine: Exploring the Neurophysiology of Dry Needling

In this episode, coauthor Gretchen Seif discusses her recently published study, “Neurophysiological Effects of Latent Trigger Point Dry Needling on Spinal Reflexes.” Dive into the fascinating world of deep dry needling (DDN) as she highlights its impact on spinal reflexes in the triceps surae. Dr. Seif breaks down the study's key findings—including unchanged H reflex responses and increased soleus inhibition immediately and 72 hours post-DDN—along with the observed gains in ankle range of motion. Learn how these differential effects on excitatory and inhibitory reflexes reveal the complex spinal-level mechanisms of DDN and what it could mean for clinical practice.

 

Neurophysiological effects of latent trigger point dry needling on spinal reflexes

Gretchen Seif, Alan M. Phipps, Joseph M. Donnelly, Blair H. S. Dellenbach, and Aiko K. Thompson

Journal of Neurophysiology 2025 133:1, 288-298