A Modern Approach to Pain Relief
People are talking a lot about this dry needling thing and praising its effects on pain and recovery. Isn’t it the same as acupuncture? Do I want needles stuck in me? Does it really work? Will I become a human pin cushion?
If you are asking these questions:
1) buckle up, and-
2) take the next three to five minutes to embark on a dry needling brain blast!
What is Dry Needling?
What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a therapeutic technique that has gained popularity in recent years for its effectiveness in treating musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction and enhancing recovery. Often confused with acupuncture due to the use of similar tools—thin, filiform needles—dry needling is rooted in Western medicine and focuses on alleviating neuromusculoskeletal pain.
Dry needling involves inserting fine needles into specific points within the muscles, fascia (connective tissue between skin and muscle), and soft tissues to relieve pain and improve function. Some of these spots, colloquially named trigger points, are hyperirritable spots within a tight band of muscle fibers, which can cause pain, limit movement, and contribute to various musculoskeletal issues. Other points may be used in conjunction with these local trigger points to help target broad physiologic recovery processes (detailed in this article by Butts et al here).
Unlike acupuncture, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine and aims to balance the body’s energy or "qi," dry needling directly targets the neuromuscular system. The goal is to release muscle tightness, reduce pain, and restore normal muscle function. Although other forms of interventions (massage, instrumented-assisted soft tissue mobilization, etc.) can superficially target these trigger points, dry needling stimulates the deeper portions of the muscle and soft tissue that may be difficult or uncomfortable to access manually. Additionally, needling can be used to bias our body’s parasympathetic nervous system (our “rest and digest” system) to potentially improve sleep and enhance global recovery processes within the body.
The Risks of Dry Needling
The Risks of Dry Needling
Dry needling often has fewer side effects than medications, traditional medical care, or more invasive procedures. However, like any medical treatment, dry needling carries some risks, including bruising, bleeding, or infection at the needle insertion sites. More serious side effects are extremely rare, some at incidence rates less than 1 in 200,000 cases (Witt et al, 2009). It’s essential to receive dry needling from a qualified practitioner to discuss and minimize these risks.
How Does Dry Needling Work?
How Does Dry Needling Work?
When a needle is inserted into these trigger points, it can stimulate the muscle to contract and then relax, leading to the release of tension and improved blood flow. This process, known as a "twitch response," is often an indicator that the needle has hit the correct spot. However, a twitch response is not necessary to garner all of the physiological benefits of needling. Needles may be left to rest in the target tissue (in situ) for up to 30 minutes to target the parasympathetic processes mentioned above.
The insertion of the needle also causes a minor local inflammatory response, which promotes healing by increasing blood flow and stimulating the body's natural pain-relieving chemicals, such as endorphins. This accompanies a host of other complex physiological processes involving our nervous, cardiovascular, and endocrine systems that are potentiated by needle placement.
Conditions Treated with Dry Needling
Conditions Treated with Dry Needling
Dry needling is commonly used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including:
Chronic pain: Conditions like lower back pain, neck pain, and headaches often involve muscle tightness and trigger points, which can be effectively treated with dry needling.
Sports injuries: Athletes often develop overuse injuries, strain and/or tear muscles, and sprain ligaments. Dry needling is a useful technique for reducing swelling and pain following acute injuries, expediting the recovery process and returning players to peak performance.
Joint dysfunction: Dry needling can help relieve pain and improve movement in joints that are restricted.
Tendinopathy: Inflammation of the tendons, such as in tennis elbow, achilles or rotator cuff tendinitis, can be alleviated by addressing the associated muscle tightness.
Increased sympathetic drive: Prolonged states of stress (physical, emotional, psychological, etc) can leave individuals in a constant “fight or flight” mode, affecting sleep, digestion, cognition, and other aspects of daily life. Dry needling can be used to decrease sympathetic tone and calm an over stressed nervous system.
Post-surgery: Specific needle placement can aid in swelling reduction, pain control, and scar tissue healing.
What to Expect During a Dry Needling Session
What to Expect During a Dry Needling Session
A dry needling session typically begins with an assessment by a trained healthcare provider, such as a physical therapist, who will identify the specific areas to target. The procedure itself involves the insertion of sterile, single-use needles into the trigger points. Patients may feel a slight pinch or discomfort during needle insertion, followed by a twitch or cramping sensation as the muscle responds to the needle. For needles left in situ, a subtle “deep aching” sensation may be felt.
After the session, patients may experience soreness in the treated areas, similar to the feeling after a workout. This soreness typically subsides within 24 to 72 hours, followed by experiencing significant analgesia/relief. To aid recovery, patients are often advised to stay hydrated, apply heat to the area, and mobilize the targeted tissue through various forms of exercise.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Dry needling is an effective and increasingly popular treatment for musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. By targeting specific points within muscles and fascia, this technique can reduce pain, improve movement, optimize recovery, and enhance overall quality of life. Whether you’re an athlete dealing with a sports injury or someone suffering from chronic pain, dry needling could be a valuable addition to your treatment plan. Always consult with a healthcare provider to determine if this therapy is appropriate for your specific condition.
Primary Care Rehabilitation LLC practitioners have completed advanced training in dry needling practice, and have performed hundreds of treatments with favorable results. Contact us today to see how dry needling can aid you in your fitness and wellness journey!
by Dr. Stephen Brock
August 2024
Page updated
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