The global impact of dry needling research: A bibliometric analysis of myofascial trigger point treatment from 1979 to 2024

<b>Background:</b> Myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) are a common feature of musculoskeletal pain, and dry needling (DN) has emerged as a widely used non-pharmacological treatment since 1979. This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of DN research related to MTrPs.<br><b>Methods:</b> Data from Scopus and Web of Science (1979–2024) were analyzed using ScientoPy, Biblioshiny, VOSviewer, and Microsoft Excel to assess publication trends, authorship, keyword patterns, and institutional contributions.<br><b>Results:</b> A total of 618 documents with 14,733 citations were identified. Journal articles were the most common publication type (n = 487; 10,067 citations). Research activity peaked in 2021 (72 publications). The United States of America (USA) (191 publications) and Spain (155 publications) were the most prolific countries. Universidad Rey Juan Carlos led institutional output (80 publications), and Fernandez-De-Las-Peñas was the most productive author (48 publications). The <i>Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies</i> published the most articles (n = 62), while the <i>Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation</i> had the highest citation impact (961 citations). The most cited article was Hong’s 1994 study comparing lidocaine injection with dry needling (500 citations). Frequently used keywords included “dry needling,” “trigger point,” and “myofascial pain syndrome.”<br><b>Conclusion:</b> DN research has grown steadily, particularly since 2010, with significant contributions from the USA and Spain. Expanding geographic diversity and cross-cultural research will be essential to strengthening the global evidence base and improving clinical applications of dry needling.