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Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Abstract

Fu’s Subcutaneous Needling (FSN) is a modern needling technique distinct from traditional acupuncture, primarily used for musculoskeletal pain, neuropathic conditions, and emerging applications in rehabilitation. FSN is also designated as a kind of dry needling focusing on deactivating myofascial trigger points. This review categorizes FSN-related studies into case reports, clinical trials, and animal studies, evaluating its therapeutic efficacy, safety, and mechanisms. Case reports suggest that FSN provides rapid pain relief and functional improvement, while clinical trials, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs), support its role in reducing pain and enhancing neuromuscular function despite limitations in sample size and protocol consistency. Animal studies reveal that FSN modulates inflammation, mitochondrial function, and nerve regeneration, acting through PI3K/MAPK signaling, neurotrophic factor regulation, and endoplasmic reticulum stress modulation. Despite promising evidence, FSN’s lack of standardization, limited large-scale RCTs, and incomplete mechanistic understanding hinders its broader adoption. Future research should standardize treatment protocols, expand mechanistic studies, and conduct large-scale clinical trials. Advancing molecular imaging, biomarker analysis, and neuromodulation research could further clarify FSN’s role in pain management and rehabilitation, supporting its integration into modern therapeutic strategies.

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